The Necessity for Improvement in the Design and Operation of Present–Day Locomotives

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Abstract In view of the demands of constantly growing passenger and freight traffic, the most urgent problems confronting locomotive designers and operating officials are, in the opinion of the author, those of increasing the capacity and efficiency of the present-day locomotives. As the limit of size of cylinders and of boilers due to road clearances has practically been reached, it is evident that any increase in the hauling capacity of a locomotive without increasing its size must come about through the employment of special devices. The superheater, brick arch, and mechanical stoker have all shown their desirability in this respect. Two other devices yet to be adopted in this country are the feedwater heater and the variable exhaust, both of which have given satisfaction in Europe. After a brief discussion of engine problems, the paper proceeds to the consideration of the design of main and side rods and crankpins to withstand the tremendous piston thrust to which they are subjected in large engines; the difficult problem of counterbalancing; frame design and cross-bracing; driving-box brasses; means for temporarily increasing tractive power on critical grades and for starting heavy loads; ash-pan design; and lubrication. In conclusion, it is stated that the present need is to apply the many laborsaving and capacity-increasing devices which have already been worked out and are giving satisfactory service, and at the same time look forward to the possibilities of applying other devices which have already proved that they are well worth consideration and are of sufficient importance to warrant their adoption.