Do you know that? The Biggest Steam Locomotive Of The World

The American railway lines are created for surpassing of competent records of goods-locomotives. Similarly, as Great Britain in past became scene (within golden era) of steam transfer of many records, as far as the speed was concerned, the American railways were literally a paradise for most efficient machines, constructed, first of all, for long distance transport, between west and east coasts, along a route, where it was necessary to overcome hard barrieres, in a form of Rocky Mountains, in centre-west part of the country. Many legends exist about a fact how this railway was established, as well as many stories are narrated about these gigantic machines which overcame many obstacles during the 2nd World War. And just these war years brought steam engine, well-known as Big Boy (Its technical numeric name is not necessary to be stated). Nevertheless, the Union Pacific Company became a leader in a market of American transport. After the 1st World War, this company ordered (at Alco Machinery Works) a project for efficient  engine, which could be able to pull out the loads across steep slopes of Wasatch Mountain Pass, among the States of Utah and Wyoming, in places, where the exceed on several sections surpass values of 1,14‰ degrees and in some places even 15‰ degrees, everything on the altitude of 2000 metres above sea level. At that time, it happened frequently, that complete train was unable to overcome mountain range, and was unable to brake the whole load during hard sinking. And just Big Boy was destined to be the right solution. So, in 1941, a machine, five metres high and 40,5 metres long, was manufactured. This is unbeaten world record, as far as steam locomotive is concerned, which was able to draw one hundred of fully landed waggons.

The weight made 540 tonns, and powerful cauldron (kettel) roller was able to develop and keep standard performance of 6290 HP, i.e. 4560 kW (an efficiency of classical Czech Diesel motors reaches approx. 1100 kW). Maximal speed reached „only“ 130 kms/h, but, to tell the truth, this was not most required parameter (item) of such imposant machine, manufactured in a number of 25 pieces (units) only. Traction power reached approx. 600 kN, it was sufficient for loadings of a weight of 4000 tonns approx. Anyway, the efficiency was changed in accordance with the quality of used coal, and this fact became a main problem for this machine-model, pretended for consumption. Nevertheless, since 1960, newly starting power of petrol (oil) motors changed steam engines slowly. These engines became more economical and more effective, as far as the efficiency (power) is concerned. However, from the beginning, the putting of Diesel machines was rather complicated, as their unsteady draw of relatively light locomotive, sliding and stoppage were as a consequence. This fact could be fatal for such set within such difficult rise - the engine would be unable to draw the load upstairs. So, during first couple of years, six machines,working together at the same time, were applicated, as a substitition for one Big Boy. Anyway, even since 1961, the era of such giants was terminated. Eight pieces of these locomotives were preserved for museum purposes. However, all these machines work at present as statical objects only.

In the Czech Republic, most efficient and quickiest steam locomotives were those, known as famous „blue“ line 498.0  as Albatros, used, first of all, as fast train locomotive for transport all around former Czechoslovakia. Their travel speed was 120-140 kms/h and its efficiency made 1800-2000 kW. So, this machine, reaching the weight of 113 tonns, was in operation till 1976 when it was substituded by electric units. Apart of this, Albatros steam engine is even now a participant of most historical journeys in Prague environs, whereas its „parking place“ is situated in Libeň-depot. From original 40 pieces of machines, only two of them were preserved till now. One machine is placed in National Technical Museum deposit in Prague, and the second one is working occasionally in service of Czech Railways. From time to time, Albatros undertakes the journey to Vrútky in Slovakia, whereas such gluttonous kettel consumes such quantity of coal as, similarly, great family house has the coal consumption during whole winter season! Apart of this, water stock must be added to the engine each 80 kilometres distance, and also more than five litres of oil into lubricants must be given. Nevertheless, despite certain non-economy of consumption, this jewel is, for sure, a decoration of each railway event including regular journey to Křivoklát Castle or to Lužná (Rakovník) where well-known Railway Museum is situated.  

Text: Jan Chaloupka

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: wikipedia common, Morven, ŠJů, Lar