Gas/Steam Possible?

John Fenn (j-k-fenn@vianet.net.au)
Mon, 13 Apr 1998 18:18:46 +0800

I am new to this newsgroup but have had a lifelong interest in rail,
particularly steam. I live in a small tourist town in WA called York. It is
the second of 4 towns that are on the Great Southern line all about 30 - 40
Ks apart. Namely Beverley, York, Northam and Toodyay. We dont have any
passenger service but as we are in a wheat growing area we see 2 or 3 trains
a day carting wheat.

Here are my big questions. Can anyone tell me :-

Can you run a steam engine on liquefied natural gas?
Is anyone doing it that you know of? Where?

Due to the extremely hot dry conditions here steam cannot be used except in
the dead of winter due to the fire risk. In addition the cost of
transporting coal and the associated costs of handling it would be too high.

It has occurred to me that an engine running on gas, pulling a large tank of
the stuff, towing a couple of cars would be a useful addition to our valleys
tourist attractions.

Any feedback or resources would be gratefully accepted.

John Fenn