On CNN website is an article about Scott Lindsay and the NW 611.
http://cnnfn.cnn.com/2015/02/0...index.html?iid=HP_LN
Jan
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Scott is the man who set up the running gear for us on NKP 765. We have had no troubles at all with it since 2006, which is testament to what he knows and the standards he maintains.
A good guy...the 611 is in good hands.
Nice article and highlights a fact often overlooked-timing is as critical on a steam engine as an auto engine if you want good performance and economy.
Originally Posted by jim pastorius:
Nice article and highlights a fact often overlooked-timing is as critical on a steam engine as an auto engine if you want good performance and economy.
Yes but, unlike an automobile internal combustion engine, the Engineer is responsible for adjusting the proper timing, i.e. valve gear setting, on a steam locomotive.
And we use a very sophisticated tool to set that valve timing, the E E & B Precision Valve Setting Tool.
It is also known as the Eyes, Ears & Butt Precision Valve Setting Tool. 
"Poets are said to be born, not made. The same may be said of engineers. One man may have charge of an engine for only a few months, and yet exhibit thorough knowledge of his business, displaying sagacity resembling instinct concerning the treatment necessary to secure the best performance from his engine...."
Just like auto mechanics, I bet there were good ones and the others ?? Not so much. I have two old engineering books, written in the late 1890s that discuss steam engine running and timing. Interesting reading.
Originally Posted by jim pastorius:
Just like auto mechanics, I bet there were good ones and the others ?? Not so much. I have two old engineering books, written in the late 1890s that discuss steam engine running and timing. Interesting reading.
I'll bet it is. However, things changed dramatically for locomotive Engineers with the introduction of "Super Power" in the late 1920s thru the late 1930s.
Originally Posted by jim pastorius:
Just like auto mechanics, I bet there were good ones and the others ?? Not so much. I have two old engineering books, written in the late 1890s that discuss steam engine running and timing. Interesting reading.
Yes, that was the rest of the quote:
" .....another man, who appears equally intelligent in matters not pertaining to the locomotive, never develops a thorough understanding of the machine."
Like mechanics working on today's cars. Back in the day, I would adjust the Holly double pumper and the timing on my Z28 Camaro strictly by ear.
Definitely, and another thing that is overlooked. Just going by what I have read in the old books but the engine has to be timed so the left and right side are in sync, the valves have to be just right, everything trued up and the wheel counter weights have to be balanced and a lot of other stuff. Like a Swiss watch.
That was an interesting read!
-Greg
-Greg
Nice article!
Peter
Very interesting!
Great article as well as the discussion that followed. I'm always impressed with and have a great deal of regard for the guys that are capable of and dedicated to really servicing, rebuilding and operating these big machines.
I am also hoping that they are training young guys, today, that can follow in their footsteps 20 or 30 years and more, from now. The engines will still be around: Here's hoping that the people to run and maintain them will also still be around. And I hope that the railroads will still have the people who have the dedication and enthusiasm to want to see them continue their operation and are willing to support the tremendous cost that these operations can become.
Paul Fischer
I am old enough to recall riding in a truck that had a manual
spark advance. Is that analogous to the "Johnson Bar" ?
