Uploaded June 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Think of a steam locomotive. Right now, the majority of you have a mental picture of a locomotive with driving wheels connected by rods to the pistons. The pistons move back and forth as steam expands in the cylinders. The rods move, turning the driving wheels. Power is transferred from the steam to the wheels and the locomotive pulls the train along the track. Our steam locomotive will encounter moderate grades, let's say up to 2% or even 3%. The curves are not too bad, generally under 10 degrees. Our image is fairly accurate for most standard-gauge, mainline railroads. Let's change the equation — steep grades — over 3% — sharp curves — well over 10 degrees — and track that is temporary at best. This could be a rough logging or mining railroad. We need a different type of steam locomotive.
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