| Posted by Joe on May 15, 2012 | |
Great gray scale - it looks like the engine is awaiting another day of work.
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Good one. It speaks of what we find so fascinating abut reciprocating steam machinery. I find the B&W treatment not only appropriate but essential.
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How does a chain stop a locomotive. Would a machine capable of pulling a lot of weight not just ride right over top of that? Or is it just a makeshift derailer?
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Since there are no manual brakes on most steam locomotives, a chain does a great job of immobilizing the locomotive. Hence the reference to the hand brake. This is done when the loco is between runs, the fire is banked and the steam pressure is low. Air brakes only work when the air pump is turned on and there is steam pressure is enough to run it. Many is the time in the past that the chain was not put on, and a loco with just enough pressure and a leaky throttle decided to run into the turntable pit or go running down the main line alone.
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Oh, that makes sense.
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