A steam engine can run on any fuel. All it needs it heat for the
boiler. Of course, solid fuels like timber and coal are the easiest
to use due to their simple storage requirements. Oil fired
locomotives have been used overseas (not sure if they were ever used
here???).
> 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.
In the US in the past in high fire risk areas, such as coal mines,
another type of locomotive was used. A compressed air loco. Rather
than the boiler/firebox, they had large cylinders mounted in their
place. These were pressurised to around 600psi. One hassle with them
was running out of air.
> 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.
Such a unique attraction would be sure to attract people.
Catchya
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~kingpin1
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