Monday, July 28, 2014

intriguing drive system on this worn out 56 yr old still operating locomotive engine

4 comments:

  1. It's a Shay logging engine. There are still a few running around. Very slow, because of the low gearing, but able to haul huge loads. All the wheels were geared rather than using drivers with con rods.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jeff! I'm just happy to find a photo of a variant on the traditional power system for a steam train. I dig variety and innovation

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  2. I see Jeff F. beat me to it. One of the steam tractor shows I attend has their very own Shay on the show grounds, and is used to ride spectators around. It's an awesome design.

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  3. Here's another variant.
    Check out the Heisler steam loco, competition for the Shay. I'd like to say that it was designed by Guzzi, but that would be wrong....
    A steam engine with a driveshaft right down the middle...and an exposed counterbalanced crankshaft..They sound good, too!

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heisler_locomotive

    http://www.schweich.com/images/DSCN1032sm.jpg

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