[steamer_ctn]

For those interested a steam train load estimator has been developed to answer the perennial question: "How much load can my locomotive haul?"

Whilst I don't claim it to be 100% accurate (yet to be tested and confirmed), it is meant to give an indication of the maximum load that can be hauled on different route sections, depending upon train speed, locomotive type, ruling grade, etc.

[scottb613]

Hi Peter,

Great looking tool - let me give it a try...

Regards,
Scott

[scottb613]

Hi Peter,

For the US sections - I'm converting lbs to "Short Tons" ?

Lbs would be easier...
:)

Regards,
Scott

[Genma Saotome]

Plugging in some values whose results should be a maximum speed of 17-18mph (where consumption of steam exceeds production) I find I can push the speed on your software up to 52mph. That's a problem.

[steamer_ctn]

scottb613, on 29 January 2015 - 03:29 PM, said:

For the US sections - I'm converting lbs to "Short Tons" ?

Yes

scottb613, on 29 January 2015 - 03:29 PM, said:

Lbs would be easier...

For the time being it is tons US.

There is also an online conversion tool for lbs => tons us

See the link that I have added above the "steam locomotive data" heading.

Genma Saotome, on 29 January 2015 - 05:19 PM, said:

Plugging in some values whose results should be a maximum speed of 17-18mph (where consumption of steam exceeds production) I find I can push the speed on your software up to 52mph. That's a problem.

I am not sure that I understand your comment fully. The estimator does not calculate steam production, nor steam usage, so it cannot work out the maximum practical speed of the locomotive.

It is merely meant as guide, more aimed at stopping overloading.

If you have some suggested text that I could add to the web site to clarify your point, I am happy to consider it.

[scottb613]

Hi Peter,

Thanks...

Yeah - I tried a few different locos - and - the results certainly seem plausible... Much appreciated - sir...

Regards,
Scott

[Genma Saotome]

steamer_ctn, on 30 January 2015 - 01:03 AM, said:

I am not sure that I understand your comment fully. The estimator does not calculate steam production, nor steam usage, so it cannot work out the maximum practical speed of the locomotive.

It is merely meant as guide, more aimed at stopping overloading.

If you have some suggested text that I could add to the web site to clarify your point, I am happy to consider it.

My point is one can enter a speed that is vastly higher than what the locomotive can actually do and the calculation says not to worry, it can.

Send me a pm w/ an e-mail, Ill reply w/ an excel spreadsheet.

[steamer_ctn]

Genma Saotome, on 30 January 2015 - 12:56 PM, said:

Send me a pm w/ an e-mail, Ill reply w/ an excel spreadsheet.

On its way.