March 7th Steam's up!
On 3 July 1938, the A4 class locomotive Mallard raced down Stoke Bank at 126mph to set a new steam locomotive world speed record. That record still stands.
All six surviving A4s came together during 2013/14, in an event organised by the National Railway Museum, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the record. Participating locos were: Mallard Sir Nigel Gresley Bittern Dwight D Eisenhower Dominion of Canada Union of South Africa Mallard 75 Google Images http://cellar.org/2014/mallard_gallery10.jpg http://cellar.org/2014/mallard_gallery20_6809.jpg |
They were noisy, dirty, dangerous, high maintenance, temperamental, expensive, beautiful contraptions. Oh god, I love 'em. :joylove:
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The engineer had 26 years experience and a reputation for taking "calculated risks".
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They are beautiful and awesome. I read the captions, and I challenge one of the statements that the streamlining of the engine made it possible to reach the high speeds. I think the streamlining of the engine, which is beautiful, makes a trifling contribution to the high speed of the locomotive. I do think the huge drive wheels were a major factor, as much as the proportionally huge balls as previously noted. I wonder what the run-out room was like (and how long was the train that made the record run) with no drag parachute to soak up the momentum.
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True ballz of steel , and stream lining the engine could ABSOLUTELY make a difference , may be small but a difference none the less ,
V look at the Golf ball dimpleing the caused drag or the rear vent on the olympic speed skaters just recently in the olympics |
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They claim when Gresley designed the A-4 series he did a lot of wind tunnel sculpting. It was a big departure from previous steam locomotive design and streamlining imperative as speed was one big objective from the start. He wanted to build locomotives to run over 100mph in daily service, although they were rarely called on to do that. But the Mallard was special, this engine got a couple extra tweaks like a double chimney and double Kylchap blastpipe, for better draughting and exhaust flow at speed. The Kylchap mixes steam with boiler exhaust in four stages to create a jet stream that sucks the exhaust out better at speed. |
Those A4s look pretty freaking modern with the slope fronts. Cool.
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These are awesome!
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The competition designed by Sir William Stanier...
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Damn, that's quite a metamorphosis. ;)
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A bit like me, then ;) Sent by thought transference |
We do loves us some Limey.
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All the Limeys are beloved by me.
(pulling rank because I've met them) |
And we all love you back, Sundae dearest!
Sent by thought transference |
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