2023 - the "good old times" are gone - the good new times for new steam locomotives have come!
The value of different aspects of steam locomotives
| Evaluation for (year) |
1963 |
1993 |
2023 |
Solved by |
| Startup time |
{3} |
{3} |
{2} |
{MAC} |
| Riding staff expenses |
{3} |
{2} |
{1} |
{DLM} |
| Spare parts expenses |
{2} |
{1} |
{1} |
{Porta} |
Maintenance |
{3} |
{2} |
{1} |
{Porta} / div. |
| Consumption cost |
{3} |
{2} |
{1} |
{MAC} |
| Environment (carbon, NOx) |
{3} |
{2} |
{1} |
{MAC} |
| >200 km/h capability (balancing) |
{3} |
{3} |
{1} |
{SAS} |
Let's go into the main details:
- In 1963, some first steps of modernization were done. Two men were needed to ride a loco. Every cold startup took hours. No major advances in technology, declining acceptance within railroad companies.
- In 1993, efficiency of the steam cycle in conventionally designed steam locomotives had been significantly enhanced. Two men were needed to ride a loco if not a security critical firing control was installed. Every cold startup took hours, in best case a preheating device could make the presence of a supervising person unnecessary. Boiler feedwater treatment for long boiler life is available. But the remaining disadvantages and the energy political ideology have prevented steam locomotives from staying alive.
- In 2023, boiler technology with no more risk of explosion, with use of carbon neutral cheap biological waste, and with startup times far below one hour is ready for implementation. One man riding is no more security critical concerning boiler supervision.
The remaining disadvantage - startup time - is rather a small one. All other technical and organizational disadvantages are eliminated.
The latest developments in energy politics place an unprecedented emphasis on carbon neutrality.
A new concept for counterbalancing allows running far beyond 200 km/h.
So let's stand together and start over!
