Allegheny48 posted:I suspect that you have succeeded in raising the ire of numerous Big Boy aficionados with some of your comments yet I fully understand how you have become tired of seeing and hearing about 4014. I’m sure many of us have. It is obvious that the UP isn’t using 4014 to her fullest capacity but then that is their choice. Once the newness has worn off 4014 and her crews may settle into a more normal operating routine similar to other excursion steam locomotives. For now the 4014 is enjoying being star attraction and thousands are enjoying seeing that. If I am correct all the steam the 4014 produces is superheated regardless of how it is being operated.
No, that is not correct, i.e. your statement about superheated steam production in a steam locomotive. In oder for the steam passing through the superheater units to be heated well above the 300 psi boiler pressure temperature, the temperature of the firebox and fire gasses passing through each and every flue, MUST be VERY hot. In order for the firebox firebrick and oil flame to reach temps exceeding 2000 degrees F, a substantial load MUST be placed behind the locomotive, such that the Engineer uses the proper throttle setting and associated reverse gear setting to produce such a high, and steady, firing rate.
Those conditions have NOT been present during 4014 operations, as can easily be witnessed by the lack of substantial exhaust sound. Also, note where the Walschaerts valve gear is set whenever the 4014 passes, as seen in the numerous videos posted all over the internet.
