Just a couple of probably superfluous additions to the horsepower comments… Uncle Pete’s U50C was one big puppy, but I don’t have the horsepower handy (sorry) – but I think less than 6,000. Looking up steam, a number of the big 4-8-4 s developed at least 6,000 horsepower in the cylinders (N&W Class J, SP’s 4900 series, UP’s FEFs, NYCs Niagaras, for instance) and were awesome beasts. UPs Challengers were over 6,000 horsepower in the cylinders. One of UPs FEFs (8444) and one Challenger (3985) still run. Beautifully. If you come to the States, try to get to see one of them in action!
We left out electric motors (engines? whatever…) entirely. Amtrak’s little toasters – the AEM7s – were and are close to 9,000 horsepower continuous. I should know what the Acelas are rated at. I don’t. I’ll look it up for you. BUT… what I still think is one of the greatest train-movers ever built, anywhere, any time (you’re welcome to argue), Pennsy’s GG-1s, were rated at 4.650 hp continuous, but could develop – and routinely did – between 8,500 hp and 10,000 hp (depended on the pantograph as much as anything) for 5 minutes without frying anything. VERY handy in accelerating 20 or so Pullmans westbound up out of the Hudson tubes, and a thrill to either watch or be on board for!
I have another stupid question! Sorry guys. But what exactly does a breakman do? I know they used to run along the roofs of cars in the 1800’s, but what do they do now?
CSSHEGEWISCH: Multi-locomotive working occurs on the European system quite often! But as our trains are never close to the weight and size of the American efforts…we really don’t have much call for it in England! Althoug I have been fortunate enough to travel on tripple headed 37’s in Sout Wales!
Michael Stevens: Thank you for the offer. I’m looking at about April time next year.
As a volunteer at my local heratage railway I have been fortunate to Drive and Fire many great Western Locomotives! I must say the Hall class impressed me! And the 28xx…wonderfull!!!
Best Regards
Kieren
P.S Whats wrong with being a bone head. I shall admit to shedding a tear when I second manned the final tour![V]
Welcome to the Forums Kieren. I hope you will enjoy the freindly bantor that occurs here. I lived in England for four years and that is where I hooked up with other railfans in England. If you don’t mind I would like to know what part of England are you from?
I can’t wait to see what some of the old heads on the forum have to say in answer to ‘what does the brakeman do?’[:D]
In the bad old days, that was exactly what he did: ran along the tops of cars, setting the hand brakes on signal from the engineer. Life expectancy was poor. Nowadays he’s kind of the all around ground guy: he does set hand brakes (required when leaving a car or cut of cars unattended), but he also throws switches, checks along the train for correct action in air brake tests, and so on… generally, things the engineer/fireman/conductor/whoever in the cab doesn’t want to get out in the rain and do.[:)]
Bonehead,
Your E address (from your “profile”) woudn’t work.
Let me know (on mikeste8@aol.com) – when you’re coming over and we’ll find somewhere to have a decent pint.