Hot Water posted:GenesisFan99 posted:Hot Water posted:GenesisFan99 posted:Thank you for the resources guys, very helpful. I see now the historical society is printing a book that may have them.
Yes, although not out yet, that book, Know Thy Niagaras, will be the most comprehensive book ever published on the NYC Niagara class locomotives.
Sounds exactly like what I'll need.
I haven't been able to find a figure for the cost of PTC systems in steam locomotives.
Probably because they REQUIREMENTS have not yet been fully established, yet.
I'm told that if a steam locomotive were to travel above 79 mph, it needs to be equipped with cab signalling and an automatic stop system, which would seem to be PTC in this case.
Not just stem locomotives but, ALL trains, anyplace throughout the nation that travel over 79 MPH, MUST have some sort of cab signal, automatic trains stop/control system, as mandated by Federal law (which goes back many, many, many years), long before the current PTC requirement.
What I'm trying to do here is see how much it would cost to build a Niagara.
Most likely millions and millions of dollars, and many, many, many years. I suggest to look up the PRR T1 Trust ordination, that has already begun construction of a totally new PRR T1 duplex 4-4-4-4.
While yes, I'm just 16 years old, we all know young guys are needed. I plan to get my FRA certification
What "FRA certification"?
as soon as I'm 18 and I plan to volunteer with the steam crew at my local railroad museum, which runs an oil-fired 2-6-2.
The locomotive would be oil-fired and be the Poppet Valve version, dubbed the "Super Niagara".
Well, don't hold your breath.
I have seen the T1 campaign and what I meant by find out the cost is to obtain the blueprints and find out how much it would cost to cast each part, for a total cost of building. I'm prepared to take years to build complete the project, doing all that is necessary to make it happen. I don’t see anything as impossible, but there’s no denying that actually building a Niagara is an enormous project.
As for FRA certification, that would be the FRA engineer’s certification, in order for me to be able to operate locomotives. I think anyone building and/or maintaining a steam locomotive should know not just how everything works, but how to fire and operate one, being certified to do so.
The idea behind the Poppet Valve version (class S2a #5500) is in testing it proved better than the other Niagaras (S1b, Baker valve gear), producing more horsepower and consuming less coal. Obviously coal is much different than oil, but more horsepower is always better. Of course Poppet Valves were never perfected, but with today’s technology that should not be a problem, especially with the T1 Trust having to deal with the same problem.
Thank you for the information on the 79 mph restriction. I ask about that because if the project ever manages to complete its goal, it would be nice to see what a Niagara could do at higher speeds, like 90 mph. Supposedly they made 6680 horsepower at 85 mph (whether that is drawbar or cylinder I’m not sure).
I know I have much to learn and I hope this can become a reality.
