I Love the Sound and the way it moves.......!!!! That's way sharing some info for you as well as some pictures of these ...Steam power is one of the most important and key aspects of the Industrial Revolution. The invention of the steam engine created many changes and additions to the technology of the time, including steam powered locomotives. Steam locomotives are vehicles that run on rails or tracks and are powered by steam engines. They were historically used for moving freight and other materials, as well as passengers. Although they were a popular method of transportation for a large part of the 19[SUP]th[/SUP] into the 20[SUP]th[/SUP] century, they were eventually replaced with more modern methods of transportation.How Steam Locomotives Work
The steam powered engine is the heart of the steam locomotive. In order to understand how the locomotive works, it is important to first understand how the steam engine operates. This involves water and fire, which is used to create heat. Coal, or wood is frequently the fuel that is used to create the fire, although oil was also used. The fire is used to heat the water which in turn creates the steam that causes the wheels to turn. Fire tube boilers that were commonly used in steam locomotives here typically built horizontally.
Near the rear of the boiler was the firebox. The firebox is the area on the boiler where the fuel is burned and is made with a door that could be opened to add coal or wood for fuel. The heated gases pass through metal tubes that are submerged in the boiler's water and converts the water into steam. This steam can be released manually if the pressure becomes too high, or it can be released into the steam pipes into a cylinder where it moves the pistons. The pistons are connected to the wheels. As the valves release the steam onto the pistons, the wheels move.
Steam Locomotives Today
Today, most steam locomotives still in operation are for historical, educational or entertainment purposes. Railroad museums have exhibits on the history of steam locomotives, including preserved and maintained steam locomotives. In some cases, they may even offer excursions to the public.
