While steam locomotives are pieces of history, they share many similarities with modern machinery today. Like cars, steam locomotives require care and maintenance to ensure performance and longevity. Regular inspections, tune-ups, repairs, and even the occasional restoration are needed to keep them running smoothly.

However, a steam locomotive’s upkeep is a complicated process that requires a team of skilled professionals working at a steam engine mechanical shop. The Strasburg Mechanical Shop is where that happens. 

But what railroad industry jobs are available? Let’s examine the jobs needed to keep steam locomotives on track and what qualifications you need for them. 

Boilermaker

A boilermaker should have a solid foundation in welding, fabrication, or mechanics. They need to be skilled in different welding techniques, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Plus, they need to be knowledgeable in brazing and soldering these metals.

A big part of a boilermaker’s job is cutting and shaping metal, using both hand and power tools. They also work with heavy machinery like forklifts, telehandlers, and manlifts. 

It’s important for boilermakers to know how to work with pipes and steam fittings, and to be skilled in rigging and lifting using overhead cranes. They should also be able to read blueprints and use basic machine tools, like drill presses and band saws.

Boilermakers with welding experience, especially ones with ASME or AWS certifications, are in high demand. Experience working on railroads is a positive, as it shows you already know the industry standards. And if you can operate machines like lathes and milling machines, both manual and CNC, that’s even better.

Experience as a millwright is a big plus since you’ll have skills like putting machines together, taking them apart, and fixing them. Knowing your way around CAD or CAM software can make designing and building parts easier. Also, knowing about hydraulics, electrical systems, and the intricacies of steam locomotive operation can be a major advantage for boilermakers.

It’s also important to know the rules and regulations from the Federal Railroad Administration, ASME, and NBIC. Having a degree or formal training in any of these areas can help in this job. 

Car Builder

A car builder’s main job is to keep old railroad cars in good shape by doing everything from repairs to full restorations. They do everything from:

• Constructing and repairing the car’s structural framework. 
• Replacing or restoring the exterior panels and trim.
• Repairing and installing windows and doors.
• Crafting interior woodwork.
• Applying paint and varnish finishes. 
• Restoring original hardware.
• Completing other intricate finishing touches.

In addition to their technical skills, car builders are also teachers.  They mentor less experienced team members, sharing their expertise in historic railcar design, construction, repair, maintenance, and operation. This helps preserve and pass on these specialized skills to future generations.

To keep these old locomotives looking and running their best, car builders use a mix of old and new skills. They build and fix wooden parts using traditional methods, get metal and wood ready for finishing, and apply a variety of finishes. They also do general building and carpentry work in the workshop.

Safety is a top priority, and car builders follow strict guidelines and policies. They are committed to constantly learning by looking for opportunities to expand their knowledge and stay updated on industry best practices.

Engine House Mechanic

The engine house mechanic is key to keeping old steam locomotives running smoothly. They work with the engine house foreman to get the locomotives ready each day, conduct thorough inspections, and perform necessary repairs and maintenance.

A big part of being an engine house mechanic is keeping the locomotives safe and reliable. This means following strict FRA regulations, checking the locomotives regularly, fixing the brakes, and making quick repairs when needed. The mechanic also helps keep the locomotives looking good, making sure they look polished and historically accurate.

Mechanics need a solid understanding of steam locomotives and air brakes. They need to be good with both hand and power tools, as well as operating heavy machinery. It’s important to be able to follow directions and work independently while paying close attention to detail.

Machinist

As you would expect, the perfect person for this job is someone who is a skilled machinist, tool and die maker, or millwright. They should be able to use all kinds of machine tools, like lathes, mills, and grinders, and be precise while taking measurements with micrometers and calipers. They should also be good with hand and power tools and have heavy machinery experience. 

Beyond machining skills, a machinist needs to know how to read blueprints and know how to correctly set up different cutting tools to help create standard and custom parts, as we did for the Great Western Decapod No. 90. They also should be skilled in rigging and lifting heavy equipment using overhead cranes.

Machinists should have experience with CNC machines and know how to weld, braze, and cut with a torch. Having previous experience working in the railroad industry is an advantage as well as having a degree or formal training in a related field. Knowing CAD/CAM software, hydraulics, electrical systems, and how steam locomotives work is a bonus.

Steam Locomotive Restoration Specialist

A steam locomotive restoration specialist is a highly skilled person who plays an important role in preserving and restoring historic steam locomotives. They need to know everything about steam locomotives, from how the boiler works to how the engine runs.

A big part of the job is giving advice to the rest of the team. By watching locomotives run and doing inspections, specialists can spot problems and suggest fixes. They also participate in daily shop tasks, working on projects like metalwork, welding, and machining to build and repair parts.

To be good at this job, you need to know how machines work and be able to read blueprints and mechanical drawings. You also need a good eye for detail and be skilled with tools, from hand tools to heavy machinery. It’s important to know the rules set by the FRA and be familiar with industry standards like ASME and NBIC.

Keeping History Alive and Steaming

Keeping a steam locomotive running isn’t a job for one person. It takes a team of people who don’t get the credit they deserve to keep these pieces of history on the rails. 

From the engineers to the mechanics and boilermakers, each team member plays an important role in making sure these engines continue to steam along. 

Railroad industry jobs require a special person who has both the technical skills as well as a love for steam locomotives. Working at a mechanical shop is not just a job—it’s a passion project. 

Looking to join a team where you can help save railroad history? 

Looking to join a team where you can help save railroad history? Check out our job postings to find the right fit.

When you think of something built to last, antique steam locomotives are near the top of the list. Made with expert craftsmanship and quality materials, many historic locomotives are still operational, even after more than 100 years of service. 

Which leads us to the question, what is the oldest operating steam engine? We’re going to find the answer and explain why we’re passionate about steam engines and steam engine history. 

Puffing Billy

While it doesn’t look like the typical steam locomotive, Puffing Billy actually holds the title of the world’s oldest surviving steam locomotive. Amazingly, it can still run under its own steam for short demonstration runs at the Science Museum in London. 

Built between 1813 and 1814 for Christopher Blackett, the owner of Wylam Colliery near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, it was designed with a practical purpose in mind. This innovative machine, featuring a 0-4-0 wheel arrangement, replaced horses for hauling coal wagons from the mines to the docks.

Interestingly, Puffing Billy is not the only historic locomotive from this era. Built around the same time, the Wylam Dilly is on display at the National Museum of Scotland. There was a debate among historians that the Wylam Dilly was the oldest steam engine still in existence. However, records and engineering plans have shown that Puffing Billy is the older of the two. 

While the Wylam Dilly is no longer operational, it serves as a valuable reminder of early railway history alongside Puffing Billy.

Camden and Amboy Railroad Stevens or the John Bull Locomotive

The John Bull steam locomotive boasts a rich and fascinating history. Built in 1831 by Robert Stephenson and Company in New Castle, England, it initially crossed the Atlantic Ocean in pieces to begin its service in the United States after being assembled by a young steamboat mechanic named Isaac Dripps.

The Camden and Amboy Railroad, which was the first railroad in New Jersey, acquired the John Bull. For 35 years, it hauled both passengers and cargo between the two most populous cities of the era—Philadelphia and New York City. The locomotive’s design featured a 0-4-0 wheel arrangement, which was common for early steam locomotives.

In 1884, the Smithsonian Institution recognized the John Bull’s historical significance and purchased it as the museum’s first major industrial exhibit. In 1981, it became the world’s oldest operational steam locomotive after the Smithsonian successfully ran it under its own steam to celebrate its 150th birthday. 

East Indian Railway No. 22 Fairy Queen

The steam locomotive that holds the title of the oldest locomotive still in regular service is the East Indian Railway No. 22, The Fairy Queen. It was built in 1855 by Kitson, Hewitson, and Thompson in Leeds, England. This historic steam engine has a 2-2-2 wheel arrangement, which provides more stability than earlier models.

The Fairy Queen’s history is quite interesting. After serving for several decades, it was placed on display around 1909 and remained a static exhibit for several decades. Thankfully, its importance was recognized in 1972 when it was designated a national treasure by the Indian Government. The Fairy Queen had a complete overhaul in 1996/1997 for service as a luxury train.

Today, the Fairy Queen is still operational, primarily hauling passengers on scenic rides between Delhi and Alwar. This special train journey offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand a piece of history.

Strasburg‘s Oldest Operating Steam Engine

In trying to find the answer to what’s the oldest operating steam engine, that got us thinking— what’s the oldest operating one at Strasburg Rail Road? Looking at our fleet of locomotives, the Norfolk and Western No. 475 is the oldest. 

Norfolk and Western No. 475

A survivor of the steam age, the No. 475 boasts an impressive history. Built in 1906 by the renowned Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia, it features a classic 4-8-0 wheel arrangement, a design that served workhorses of the rails for many years. This locomotive holds the distinction of being the only one of its kind still operating in North America.

The No. 475 arrived at Strasburg Rail Road in July 1991 and has become a staple at the railroad. Its legacy extends even further, having graced the silver screen in the movie Thomas and the Magic Railroad. This locomotive continues to be a valuable piece of history and we’re proud to have it in Strasburg. 

Why Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Shop Cares

We think history is forever and will always be here. The Great Pyramids are an example of that. However, if you’re not careful history can slip away and be lost forever.

That’s where we come in. One of our main values at The Mechanical Shop at Strasburg Rail Road is to preserve railway heritage and vintage locomotives. It’s something that our team passionately believes in and we do our best every day to make sure we protect the past.

We also look at the present and future of steam engines and what we can do. Our services cover both the repair and maintenance of both antique steam locomotives and newer engines. We can handle:

• Steam Locomotive Restoration, Repair, and Construction
• Antique Steam Boiler Design, Construction & Repair
• Custom Reproduction Parts
• Railway Air Brakes and Appliances

If you have a project and you’re not sure where to begin, we offer consulting services to help you get back on track. 

Quality, integrity, and safety are at the core of everything we do. You can rest assured that when we commit to a project, it’ll get done right the first time with the best solutions.

Ready to take the next step with your steam locomotive project? Contact our expert team to help save your piece of history.

Steam engines are one of the most important inventions in modern history. And when paired with the wheel, they became an essential part of life in the Industrial Revolution. 

Have you noticed that different steam locomotives have different numbers of wheels? It’s not a mistake. Each steam locomotive wheel configuration has its own purpose and meaning. 

By the end of this blog, you’ll have a better understanding of these steam locomotive wheel arrangements and will be able to look at a locomotive and know what type of wheel configuration it has. 

What is the Whyte Notation?

It became apparent that there needed to be a universal system to create less confusion when talking about steam locomotives. 

F.M. Whyte, a Dutch mechanical engineer with the New York Central Railroad, came up with a system to identify a steam locomotive by using the number and type of wheels used by the locomotive. It’s written to represent the number of wheels, with the three types of wheels separated by hyphens. Locomotives that have two or more distinct sets of driving wheels are noted separately.  

Today the Whyte Notation is used in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. 

The Different Types of Train Wheels

Before we get into the types of steam locomotive wheel arrangements, we have to discuss the different types of wheels. 

Leading Wheels

These aren’t powered and sit in front of the driving wheels. They help support the front of the locomotive and guide it around curves and switches. 

The number of leading wheels is signified by the first number in Whyte Notation.

Driving Wheels

Driving wheels move a steam locomotive through pistons and rods. They usually sit centrally under the boiler and are larger than the surrounding wheels.

The number of driving wheels is the second number in the Whyte Notation. Locomotives with multiple sets of driving wheels have multiple numbers included in the notation.

Trailing Wheels

Trailing wheels are located behind the driving wheels and support the cab and firebox. They can also provide additional traction when equipped with a booster engine.

The final number in the Whyte Notation shows the trailing wheels. 

Locomotive Wheel Configuration Types 

Since steam locomotives were built for different purposes, they needed different locomotive wheel configurations. For example, passenger locomotives have larger diameter wheels to achieve higher speeds but freight locomotives have smaller wheels for more power. So here are some samples of the more common wheel configurations and what their purpose was. 

4-4-0 Steam Locomotive 

The 4-4-0 locomotives have four leading wheels, four driving wheels, and zero trailing wheels. 

This type of locomotive was used in the 1800s in North America for both freight and passenger service. The wheel arrangement was suitable for the grades and curves of the railroads of the time.

The design required the firebox to fit between the driving wheels, which limited its steam output so by 1900 larger locomotives were needed.

4-6-0 Steam Locomotive

The 4-6-0 wheel configuration was a natural progression and followed the 4-4-0. By having the extra set of driving wheels, it gave the locomotive more power. It was typically known as a “ten-wheeler.”

This type of locomotive was used for all types of service so it was versatile. 

The 4-6-0 locomotive is part of the Casey Jones lore. It was the type of locomotive that he was driving when he died. 

4-8-4 Steam Locomotive

The 4-8-4 steam locomotive was used on some of the most advanced steam locomotives ever built.

This wheel configuration was developed due to the explosion in passenger train traffic and the older wheel configurations could only handle up to 12 cars at a time. So something more powerful was needed. 

This type was built to handle the heaviest passenger and freight trains at high speeds, which made train travel quicker and more efficient.

4-8-8-4 Steam Locomotive

The 4-8-8-4 steam locomotive has four leading wheels, two sets of eight driving wheels, and four trailing wheels. They were designed to haul heavy freight in mountainous regions. 

This locomotive had hinged frames to allow them to negotiate curves. This was necessary because they were so long and couldn’t go around curves otherwise.  

It’s also known as the “Big Boy.” There were 25 Big Boy locomotives built exclusively for the Union Pacific Railroad. 

Wheel Configurations on Strasburg Rail Road’s Steam Locomotives

Now that you’ve learned about the different types of wheel configurations, here are the different types of wheel configurations you can see at Strasburg Rail Road. 

Locomotive No. 89

Locomotive No. 89 has a 2-6-0 wheel configuration so it has two leading wheels, six driving wheels, and zero trailing wheels. 

It was made by the Canadian Locomotive Works and ran on the Canadian National Railway. The No. 89 arrived at Strasburg in July 1972 in the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes.

It’s an active locomotive at the railroad and is often the locomotive that pulls smaller trains. It’s also used for dual-purpose service. 

Locomotive No. 90

Built in 1924 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, Locomotive No. 90 is a 2-10-0 wheel configuration. This means it has two leading wheels, 10 driving wheels, and zero trailing wheels. 

Locomotive No. 90 is a freight locomotive with a large number of smaller wheels to help keep the axle load low and run on light rails. 

After spending most of its career hauling different commodities across the country, No. 90 arrived in Strasburg in May 1967. It’s one of two operational decapod class locomotives left in America.

Locomotive No. 475

One of the locomotives at Strasburg Rail Road, No. 475, has a 4-8-0 wheel configuration. It has four leading wheels, eight driving wheels, and zero trailing wheels. It’s also classified as a “Mastodon” or “M-class” locomotive.

It was made by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1906 and was used for freight service. It’s the only 4-8-0 class locomotive currently operating in America while also being one of the last surviving examples of a Norfolk & Western Railroad locomotive.  

Locomotive No. 31

A locomotive with a 0-6-0 wheel configuration is Locomotive No. 31. It has zero leading wheels, six driving wheels, and zero trailing wheels. A unique feature of this locomotive is it has a switching service configuration. 

It was the first locomotive to run at Strasburg Rail Road after the company divested itself of steam locomotives in the 1920s and was also the first steam locomotive to return to passenger service in the US.

It has been under an extensive rebuild since 2009 due to the Federal Railroad Administration’s 1,472-day/15-year inspection cycle.

Why the Mechanical Services Team Loves Wheel Configurations

We love steam locomotives. They‘re not just our job—they are our passion. 

The wheels are an integral part of a train and are what makes it move. Without them, a train becomes a waiting room. 

At the Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Shop, we treat these wheels with the respect they deserve. Our team of experts has the knowledge to repair or reproduce specialty wheel work by using a combination of steam-era methods and modern practices. 

You might not think about the wheels when you look at a train but you should. After all, the wheel helped you get to the train station.

Want more information about the steam locomotive wheel arrangements on your train? Contact our experts to see how we can help. 

Sometimes you’ll see a steam locomotive that looks broken down and ready for the scrapyard. However, looks can be deceiving. The engine can be in good shape mechanically and all it needs is some cosmetic work and restoration. 

By cosmetically restoring a steam locomotive, we can help extend the life of a piece of history. After reading this blog, you will learn how our process starts, the different steps in the restoration process, and some of the more common obstacles a restoration can go through.

It Starts With an Evaluation

The first step in any locomotive restoration project begins with an evaluation. The goal of a cosmetic restoration is to stabilize what is there, replace anything that is too far gone, and provide protection to make it look like new. Most restoration projects are field projects. However if the project becomes an operational restoration, then it can be moved to our Mechanical Shop. 

After the initial consultation details are worked out, our team goes out to the project site for the evaluation of the locomotive or railcar. Several questions need to be answered before a project can begin. 

Where is the Project Located?

A project’s location is an important factor. Is the locomotive at an outdoor or indoor facility? What are the weather conditions? Does it live in humid, snowy, or dry desert conditions?  

This helps us make recommendations for different materials, paints, and coatings to help the restored locomotive look better and last longer in those unique environments.

Are There Any Future Plans for the Engine?

Knowing the client’s ideas for how they will use the locomotive or railcar in the future helps give the project direction. This is where we find out if the engine/railcar will be moved from an outdoor space into an indoor one or vice versa. Another question to ask is if the equipment will be transported to a different location—if it is then we can plan for that and be prepared.

As an example, in Jacksonville, FL, the city was considering legislation to declare Atlantic Coast Line No. 1504, a steam locomotive displayed at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, a surplus property so it could be sold and transported to its new owners U.S. Sugar Corp. in Clewiston, FL. 

Once in Clewiston, it will be renovated and used in limited service as a tourist train on U.S. Sugar’s property. This not only allows for the locomotive to be restored but will also keep it located in Florida.

What Type Of Cosmetic Restoration Are They Looking For?

There are two types of locomotive or railcar restoration: historic and aesthetic. 

Historic restoration is when the locomotive is restored to exact historical details based on archival research or images. We always ask the client what standard of historical accuracy they’re looking for. If the client is a museum, then they will want a museum-quality restoration. 

The other type is aesthetic restoration. This is used more for privately owned display pieces, like outside a restaurant or store. One of the main differences is it doesn’t need to be as accurate, there is some flexibility. It all depends on what the client wants.

One example of this is headlights. Does the client need or want the exact headlight or will any workable headlight do? Or is there even the possibility of using a “faked-out” headlight? 

If we’re doing a historical restoration, we will need to find the exact period headlight that would have been mounted on the engine. For a more aesthetic restoration, a client could go with one that isn’t exact to the engine but is close or we could fabricate one.

What is the Budget for the Project?

A question we hear all the time is “how much is it to cosmetically restore a steam locomotive?” The answer to that is going to depend on your budget.

The budget will dictate the project and be a final determination of what work gets done and how. If the client has a budget that won’t cover all the work they want, then we’ll need to balance the needs of the project with solutions that fit the scope of the budget.

Another question we’ll need to ask is whether the money comes from grants or private funds. If it is from grants, the money is allocated for specific projects and once it is gone, there is no guarantee there is more. We’ll also need to account for the money so the client will comply with the grant. 

What Items are Missing & Need to be Replaced?

Sometimes we get projects where the locomotive is in excellent condition and doesn’t need a lot of parts but that isn’t always the case.

Some projects need extensive parts replacement and we’ll need to do an evaluation to see what, if any, pieces are missing. Some of the missing parts can be sourced from other vendors or our own stockpile of parts. 

If we can’t find a replacement part, then we will see if it’s something we can fabricate in-house. Our world-class mechanical shop can custom manufacture parts for steam locomotives and other types of antique vehicles.

And again we must always be cognizant of our client’s budget. Some parts are prohibitively expensive to source and it would be better for the budget to manufacture the part. It is a balancing act of fulfilling a client’s request with their budget. 

What’s the Timeline?

The project timeline depends on the level of detail a client wants and their funding. For example, historical restorations take longer because of research and exact attention to detail.

If the client is using grants, there are deadlines regarding when the money needs to be spent and how it should be spent. 

We also factor in logistics when we create a project timeline. When the project occurs far from our shop, we’ll often coordinate with local subcontractors along with our internal personnel to get work done. 

These contractors are found through previous jobs in the area so they have first-hand experience. Recommendations can come from several different sources:

• Other railroads who don’t have a machine shop to do their own work so they hired them
• Museums in the area that contracted out for work
• Online reviews 

The Fun Part: The Restoration Process

Once the evaluation is complete and the budget and timeline are established then the actual restoration process can begin. 

Research: Where the Finer Details Arise

There needs to be a reference to base the restoration around. Sometimes the client will provide the information or other times we will need to do the research. 

Museums and historical societies can give a lot of background research, drawings, and photographs. Other clients may not have that level of information available so we take the lead and do that research for them. Research can be done with archives, books, and the internet. 

When we worked on a project with the B&O Railroad Museum, they were able to provide us with all the information needed due to their extensive archives and library collection. Their archives house items like reference materials, images, and diagrams along with physical artifacts. 

Sourcing Parts & Fabrication

As we mentioned above, we do an evaluation to see what parts are missing and if they should be replaced or fabricated. Our shop can custom fabricate replica parts for most projects and when we do that, then we’re in control of the quality. 

Sourcing parts can be an issue depending on the type of restoration we’re doing and what the client’s budget is. A benefit of sourcing parts from our stock is some of these parts might not be suitable for operational purposes but they will work for display or cosmetic purposes.  

Common Obstacles

Like with every project, there can be some unexpected challenges we can run into that can hinder the project and cause us to pivot our plan.

Lead Paint

Old engines used lead paint so if we encounter this, it will need to be removed/handled carefully.  We then need to proceed based on the local municipality’s bylaws on how to dispose of or handle the situation.

Boiler Jacket Asbestos

Boiler jackets are usually lined with asbestos. There are two different directions this can take. If the paint is intact, usually we can just paint over it and continue with our repairs. This is the best-case scenario since that will decrease the cost and work level. 

However, if the jacket is flaking, then we need an abatement plan. This will add to the cost of the restoration because then a crew who is certified to handle asbestos is necessary. 

Structural Challenges

If there is too much deterioration then the structure can become a hazard to work on. An example is a locomotive cab that deteriorates to the point of instability. Once it becomes dangerous for our crew then we need to step back and reassess how to proceed.

Legalities & Local Politics

When the project isn’t located at its final display, we will need to coordinate moving it to the new location without damaging the structure or even destroying it. Legal wrangling can delay projects when we encounter multiple interest groups with different goals.

Working with Strasburg Mechanical Services

At Strasburg Mechanical Services, we never want to lose a piece of history. It’s why we’re committed to restoring and preserving these pieces of history for future generations. Looking at before and after photos of a train restoration gives us the satisfaction of knowing that we played a part in saving history.

Need help cosmetically restoring a steam locomotive? We can assist with fabricating parts to doing a full restoration. Contact the experts and see how we can help with your piece of history. 

One of the greatest inventions that changed the world was the steam locomotive. However, when the steam locomotive first came to be, its brakes weren’t as great at stopping when hooked up to other cars— until the creation of the air brake system. In the following, we will discuss the different types of railway air brakes, the railway air brakes evolution, and how did the railway air brake impact society.

How Do Air Brakes Work?

In some ways, steam locomotive air brakes resemble the brakes on a motor vehicle. They both play an important job—stopping your forward motion. Air brakes use pressure from compressed air to squeeze the wheels to a standstill.

Parts of an Air Brake

There are several different parts that make up an air brake system:

• A source of compressed air, like an air compressor, on the locomotive. 
• A brake pipe to connect the locomotive with the cars on the train.
• A control valve, which can be either manual or automatic, to apply and release brakes.
• A brake cylinder with a piston that the compressed air acts on to transmit power from the compressed air through mechanical linkage to brake shoes that act on the wheels to slow movement.

Different Types of Air Brakes

Like most things in life, air brakes evolved over several different systems to become the sophisticated one that is still used today.  

The Vacuum Brake

These were once used in the United States but were more common, and were used longer, in Europe. Today this system is now obsolete.

It had a continuous pipe called the train pipe, that ran the length of the train. Normally a partial vacuum is maintained in the train pipe, and the brakes are released. When air is admitted to the train pipe, that air acts against pistons in cylinders in each car. 

A vacuum is sustained on the other face of the pistons so that a net force is applied. A mechanical linkage then transmits this force to brake shoes, which act on the wheel treads.  

The working principles of a vacuum braking system and an air braking system are similar but the process and source to apply the brakes are different.

The Straight, or Direct, Air Brake

Straight air brakes work by supplying compressed air to the brake cylinders on the cars of a train from a single reservoir source mounted on the locomotive. In order to apply the brakes on a train with this system, the engineer would operate a valve in the locomotive cab that would send compressed air through the brake pipe connecting the cars with the locomotive to the brake cylinders on the train. The advantage of this system is its simplicity—there are very few parts. 

However, for railroad service, it has several drawbacks. It did not work well on long trains because it would take time for the compressed air to reach the car furthest from the locomotive and the brakes on the train would not apply or release evenly. This could cause violent slack action in the train and put undue stress on couplings and cars.  

Worse than that, if the train were to become parted in the middle, or a hose or pipe connection would burst, the entire train would be left without brakes and could run out of control.

The Automatic Air Brake

In an automatic air brake system, the air is supplied from the locomotive but stored in a reservoir on each individual car, connected by a brake pipe. The brake function on each car is then controlled by an automatic “control valve” on each car that responds to changes in brake pipe pressure.  

The brakes are released when the system is fully charged with air at maximum system pressure. An engineer can apply them from the locomotive, using a manual brake valve that reduces pressure in the brake pipe.  

Control valves sense the pressure change and allow compressed air, stored in the reservoir on each car, to move into the brake cylinder and apply the brakes on individual cars. 

When the brake pipe pressure is recharged the brakes release. The control valves sense the pressure increase and vent the air out from the brake cylinder to the atmosphere. This causes the reservoirs on the individual cars to recharge, making them ready to apply again when needed.

The advantage of this system over straight air brakes is that the brakes will apply and release on trains, regardless of length, at nearly the same time and at the same speed, making train movement smooth. 

They also are fail-safe, so if the train becomes parted or the brake pipe bursts, instead of having no brakes, the control valves on each car will sense the rapid brake pipe pressure drop and all brakes on the train will immediately go into an emergency application, bringing the whole train to a stop.

Life Before Air Brakes: An Air Brakes History

Before air brakes, trains employed an inefficient, and sometimes dangerous method to stop trains. They required employees known as brakemen to run atop the cars and set each car’s brakes by hand using its brake wheel. Basic brake shoes would press against the wheel slowing its movement. 

However, it didn’t always stop the train in time so you could overshoot the station or stop too short. Brakemen were often maimed or killed by getting hit by low-hanging masonry or by falling off rail cars.

Early steam locomotives were supplied with steam brakes. The same steam source (the boiler) that provided locomotives the power to go also made them stop with a brake cylinder (similar to the later air brake cylinders.) These brakes were only available on the locomotive and were not powerful enough to stop trains with many cars.

Steam brakes couldn’t be applied to cars either, because the steam would cool and lose its power once it traveled any distance through a pipe away from the locomotive. Air brakes were that innovative piece that allowed entire trains to safely stop.

In 1869 George Westinghouse patented a new design for the railway air brake—what we know as the automatic air brake system. It was built by Westinghouse Air Brake Co. The company not only built the system but it manufactured equipment necessary for brakes, like the friction draft gear.

Westinghouse updated their systems to change with new technology and materials and better suit the operational needs of their railroad customers. As time went on, the company evolved from making just air brakes to manufacturing electromagnetic and electro-pneumatic brakes as well.

Railway air brakes weren’t immediately adopted by all railroads. Most railroad bosses weren’t sold on the idea since it meant retrofitting cars and locomotives at a large expense. However, they started to see the system’s value and its use became more common. The Railroad Safety Appliance Act of 1893 made the railway air brake invention mandatory on American trains. It was passed on March 2, 1893, and took effect in 1900 after a 7-year grace period.

How Did The Railway Air Brake Impact Society

Ultimately the railway air brake made trains safer. Trains were operated with greater control and accidents were often prevented. And workers, like brakemen, no longer had to ride on the tops of cars to apply brakes manually, thus reducing the dangers of their jobs.

The railway air brake system also permitted trains to travel at higher speeds. This allowed merchants to move their goods from one place to another at a higher profit. Higher speeds also allowed passengers to move more efficiently, allowing commuting from suburban areas into major cities and making things like weekend trips over longer distances practical.

Evolution of the Air Brake

The first brake systems were good for short, slow trains. Improvements were made and new systems were later created that worked better with longer, heavier trains. 

Eventually, systems evolved specifically for passenger trains, which operated at higher speeds but were lighter in weight and shorter in length. This was an important development, since freight trains usually operated at lower speeds, but were much longer and heavier. 

Of all the changes, the most rapid evolution occurred between the 1890s and 1930s, with many innovative systems being introduced. These systems comprised those that were applied to cars and those applied to locomotives. 

Many small changes have occurred since World War II, but today’s automatic freight train brake systems are still very similar to the air brakes used on both passenger and freight trains at that time.  While on the flip side, passenger train brake systems are now mostly electro-pneumatic and combine advanced electronic control with the power of compressed air.

Common Repair Problems with Air Brakes

All air brake systems require regular maintenance and repair, some of which are mandated by Federal regulations. Back in the day, railroads, as well as air brake system manufacturers like Westinghouse and New York Air Brake, employed large numbers of specialized craftsmen and specialized equipment. 

Routine maintenance includes cleaning, oiling, and testing of the complex valves that operate and control the function of the brakes on cars and locomotives. This testing is done on specialized racks that brake valves are mounted to and that simulate the function of the valves in service. 

When a valve is in service, it performs many functions simultaneously. The test racks allow the isolation of individual functions to ensure all parts of the valve are working properly or to diagnose problems among the many components in the valves. 

Most of the testing equipment for the now-obsolete air brake systems, used on historic equipment, has long disappeared. At Strasburg Mechanical Services, we have several of these testing racks to use with these systems along with the original instructional material. This allows our highly skilled staff to help repair malfunctioning equipment and keep all valves in safe operating condition.

Strasburg Mechanical Services can diagnose and repair problems within the complete air brake system, from overhauling steam-driven air compressors to sourcing parts for obsolete systems, to brake valve repair and maintenance, as well as system troubleshooting.

At Strasburg Mechanical Services, we prefer to retain the original railway air brake systems on historic railroad equipment. This preserves the integrity of historic railroad artifacts and eliminates the need for a time-consuming, and expensive, modern conversion. 

Preserving and caring for steam engines is our passion. Check out our website to see how Strasburg Mechanical Services’ expertise can help with your project. 

One of the most important inventions of the modern age is the steam locomotive. It helped the United States become an industrialized, global force by allowing for the country’s expansion both geographically and economically.

After briefly discussing the history of steam locomotives, we’ll discuss how the steam locomotive changed society’s thoughts on travel, and how the steam engine is still used today.

What is a Steam Locomotive?

The steam locomotive is a self-propelled vehicle, primarily used to pull unpowered cars hauling passengers or goods along tracks made of iron or steel rails. It consists of a boiler to produce steam at high pressures, usually two steam engines that convert the steam into mechanical work, and a running gear.

The running gear consists of a frame, wheels, axles, bearings, spring rigging (suspension system), and driving rods that convert the work of the engines into a rolling motion to move along the tracks. A steam locomotive carries its water supply for generating steam and coal, oil, or wood for heating the boiler.

A Brief History of Steam Locomotives

The evolution of steam locomotives can’t be talked about without mentioning the history of the steam engine, which is older than most people realize.

The steam engine originated from the aeolipile, designed by Heron of Alexandria in the Second Century B.C. An aeolipile was an apparatus that consisted essentially of a closed vessel (such as a globe or cylinder) with one or more protruding bent tubes out of it, where steam is made to pass from the vessel. The action of the steam jets causes it to revolve.

In the 1690s, Thomas Savery patented a pump with hand-operated valves to raise water from mines by suction produced by condensing steam.

Thomas Newcomen invented an effective and practical steam engine in the early 1710s. The steam engine he designed was similar to Savery’s design and consisted of a piston and cylinder arrangement coupled to a pump through a rocking beam.; used coal

James Watt improved the Newcomen engine in 1765 by adding a separate condenser to avoid heating and cooling the cylinder with each stroke. Then Watt developed a new engine that rotated a shaft.

An early steam carriage, which was ultimately cumbersome, was designed for roads in France by Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot as early as 1769. The first practical steam railway locomotive that pulled carriages was introduced by Richard Trevithick in 1804.

The adaptation of the steam engine to railways became a commercial success with English engineer George Stephenson’s The Rocket in 1829. In America, the first successful steam locomotive was the Tom Thumb, which was built in 1827. It was used by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and weighed five tons.

Steam locomotives were mainly used for railroad motive power until WWII. Then the focus shifted to electricity and diesel engines to power locomotives.

Steam locomotives increased rapidly in size and power, but the essential principles remained the same throughout their evolution. Early locomotives were developed through trial and error.

By the time steam locomotives were replaced by newer technologies, they had developed into highly refined machines, designed through scientific research and complex engineering.

What Were the Effects of Steam Locomotives?

Before the steam locomotive, most people didn’t travel past the borders of the state they were born in, much less move across the country. With the invention and adoption of the steam locomotive, society became mobile and pursued opportunities that had been out of reach.

How Did the Steam Locomotive Change Trade?

Steam locomotives made travel and transportation easier and faster. Steam locomotives could be operated year-round in nearly every climate. They allowed the country to expand into distant and remote territories.

It allowed for the development of suburban areas, where people could commute to urban centers for work from more rural areas.

Railroads provided jobs for:

• Workers building tracks.
• Conductors and brakemen to direct and assist with making up and moving trains.
• Engineers and firemen drive the trains and fuel the fires that gave them power.
• Manufacturing jobs building the locomotives and the cars they pulled, rails and other parts of the track structure, production of the raw materials, and the machines that made these things possible.
• Train station workers including ticket takers, schedulers, and porters.

Steam locomotives helped businesses move goods across the country quicker, resulting in higher profits and markets expanded. Farmers could move their goods to different locations before the products would spoil.

How Did The Steam Locomotive Change Transportation In America?

Steam locomotives changed not only how people were transported but how people thought about transportation. 

Having an easier mode of transportation changed how people thought about vacations, which had been initially something only the wealthy could afford. With the adoption of the steam locomotive, trains could allow for weekend vacations or day trips to places like beach-side resorts or cities like Atlantic City. 

Railroad operation created the need for standardized time and time zones. Every city or town had train stations and clocks but all had different time standards. Trains needed to be on the same time and schedule so there weren’t any collisions. 

People needed to know what time trains were coming through so they could board the trains.

What Changes Have Been Made?

Though the basic design of the steam locomotive remained mostly unchanged for over a century, many technological improvements were made to their design and construction that improved reliability, efficiency, and performance

Manufacturing

Improvements in manufacturing technology allowed for steam locomotives and parts to grow in size as larger machines, cranes, and factory buildings were built. By the end of the steam era, the most powerful locomotives in operation had more pulling power than over 200 of the earliest steam locomotives combined. 

Stronger, lighter-weight materials were used to ensure parts did not grow in weight as they grew in size, allowing larger, more powerful locomotives to operate on existing track structures.

Efficiency & Performance 

Efficiency and performance were increased by improving key components and by adding accessories. The principles of thermal and fluid dynamics became better understood and applied.

Boilers were improved to burn less fuel relative to the amount of steam produced while increasing in size to generate more power overall. Cylinders and steam passages were designed to allow steam to flow into and out of the engines freely. Freer breathing engines could use less steam to produce a greater power output. 

Accessories like superheaters and feedwater heaters recycled heat energy that would typically be wasted to capture more energy from the fuel being burned. 

Mechanical stokers replaced manual shoveling of coal and could feed much more fuel than a human could without breaks. Incorporating oil as a fuel also improved efficiency, providing the opportunity to turn on and turn off the fire as needed.

Stronger Materials

Reliability was improved by the incorporation of new, stronger materials and by using new technologies. 

Steel began to replace wrought and cast iron parts due to its increased strength-to-weight ratio. Steel parts were less prone to breakage and reduced the need for some repairs. Roller bearings replaced older, plain-style bearings, and could run for longer periods without servicing. Plus they were less prone to damage. 

Automatic lubrication systems allowed locomotives to run for longer distances at higher speeds without stopping.

Is the Steam Engine Used Today?

Steam locomotives ultimately fell out of favor due to diesel and electrical engines.  Steam locomotives are 5-7% thermally efficient while diesel locomotives are 30-40% efficient, meaning the steam locomotive needs to burn 6 to 8 times more fuel to do the same amount of work.

Steam locomotives are primarily operated as novelties at this time and are unlikely to make a comeback. You can visit them and learn about the history of steam locomotives at heritage centers, like Strasburg Rail Road. Strasburg Rail Road also offers many rides and experiences on an authentic steam locomotive. 

Over the 100-plus years of their evolution, the steam locomotive began as an individual, small prototype with completely open cabs, tiny boilers, and lesser pulling power, and evolved into a refined machine with tremendous power, having standard design features and built in large numbers.

At Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services, we are dedicated to preserving these pieces of history for future generations. With over 250 years of combined experience, our experts are equipped with the tools to save these locomotives and restore them to their former glory. They can also fabricate parts that aren’t made anymore.

Strasburg Rail Road Mechanical Services is dedicated to the maintenance and restoration of steam locomotives. Our workshop and highly-trained experts provide the utmost care and professionalism to all projects. Contact us to see how Strasburg Mechanical Services can assist with your project.