As speed increases for diesel and electroc locos, the tractive effort
decreases. For steam, it increases with speed.
>I have heard talk of "high tech" steam locomotives from South Africa and
>China. Has anyone any further information on these?
The class 26 in South Africa is vastly more efficient than conventional
steam locos, but lack of government enthusiasm prevented further work.
The Alfred Country Railway has done similar things to its NGG16 locos.
There are some highly efficient steam generation plants (e.g. power
stations), but these use water tube boilers which are unsuitable for
locomotive use.
>How is wheelslip controlled in a steam loco?
By the driver closing the regulator and dropping sand.
Cheers
David