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Re: UK Coal Restrictions Could Put an End to Historic Steam Locomotive Operations
Author: FUD
Date: 08-14-2019 - 08:46
Steam engines can run on anything that burns.
Conversion from coal to oil, from wood to coal or oil, was common enough in the late 19th and early 20th Century, and D&S is doing it now in Colorado. Yes, ideally, a different firebox design should be used, but it works without major changes too. "Oil" can be anything from Bunker C to Diesel #2 depending on auxiliaries and the burner.
Many small steamers have been converted from coal to gas (natural or propane). They're easier to run and much cleaner. The technology exists, though scaling up to something the size of a Tornado might be a bit beyond current experience.
Diesel #2 can be partially or wholly biodiesel. Natural gas can be non-fossil sourced (it's must methane).
There's always wood if you can find enough and don't have to strip-log a forest for it.
Conversion from coal to oil, from wood to coal or oil, was common enough in the late 19th and early 20th Century, and D&S is doing it now in Colorado. Yes, ideally, a different firebox design should be used, but it works without major changes too. "Oil" can be anything from Bunker C to Diesel #2 depending on auxiliaries and the burner.
Many small steamers have been converted from coal to gas (natural or propane). They're easier to run and much cleaner. The technology exists, though scaling up to something the size of a Tornado might be a bit beyond current experience.
Diesel #2 can be partially or wholly biodiesel. Natural gas can be non-fossil sourced (it's must methane).
There's always wood if you can find enough and don't have to strip-log a forest for it.
