It is amazing what was done with steam power, I sometimes wonder what could be accomplished if the technology was developed into the modern age.
The first video gives a little background on the Panama Canal project and the second shows steam in action.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S3w1h_Pd_8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdGNOhtbgCw
Enjoy.
The late steam era engines built by the PRR & the NW had very advanced technology, and even steam turbines were experimented with. The nail in the coffin was maintenance cost. Even with all the technology improvements, steam is too costly to maintain in comparison to internal combustion. It still has dominance in in power generation where there are many less moving parts.
That’s all true Jon. But what if most of that maintainence could be done from the cab during operation with computer interface?
Invironmentally
The biggest problem I see would be water consumption unless the waste steam could be reclaimed and condensed for reuse.
Fuel exhaust could be managed just as easily as on diesel/electric units.
Thanks for bring the subject up Rick, and here’s a few articles along those lines.
https://medium.com/impact-engineered/reinventing-the-steam-engine-dce965b13dc9
Thanks Cliff, those links are all aces. Will spend some time this evening going through them.
My mind always drifts back to Bill Lear (think Lear Jet) and his developement of the steam car in the late 1960’s in Nevada. The project went along great for a long while then just before it’s debut he threw his hands in the air and said it couldn’t be done. Conspiracy theory anyone?
Look here http://www.virtualsteamcarmuseum.org/makers/lear_motors_corporation.html