Re: what is a 38"s theoretical top speed?

[Bob <gioia@fastlink.com.au>]

Graham Fry wrote:

> brett.fitzpatrick@employment.gov.au writes: > 27/9/1997: I timed 3830 on its first run at 120 km/h. This was between
> > Calwalla and Moss Vale, I was thinking that it would be nice to hear a
> > 38's exhaust roar at speed, when that sound came through the open
> > window. I rushed to the down side of the train, and started timing. From
> > 141.5 km to 143 km the train was runnig 14 second half-kilometers (128.5
> > km/h, 80.37 mph). From 143 km to 149 km the train was running 15 second
> > half-kilometers (120 km/h, 75 mph). From 149 km to 151 km the train was
> > running 17 second half-kilometers 105.9 km/h, 66.2 mph).
> >
> > Whilst on the BC Train to Perth, 3801 managed to run the long straights
> > to Peterborough with 25 second kilometers (144 km/h, 90 mph), for some
> > 12 kilometers.
> >
> > These times were logged using my wristwatch, so there probably is some
> > error.
> >
> > Brett.
> >
> > -------------------==== Posted via Deja News ====-----------------------
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>
> In regular running 38's would easily roll along at 70-75 MPH where suitable
> track conditions existed, which is not very common. On the Moss Vale passenger
> I frequently clocked 38's at 80 MPH between Campbelltown and Casula.
>
> The only time I have clocked them at over 90 MPH was down gentle grades, eg.
> 3827 at Warnervale on the short north, 3818 at Tallong on the south, etc
> and then only for one or two 1/4 mile sections. Your claim of 90 MPH for
> 12 km is amazing. I would like to see those figures verified in some way.
> Does anyone have any more detailed data on this run?
>
> Graham Fry

  Considering that 3801s boiler is running at a reduced boiler pressure, this seems amazing. I wonder what 3830 would be
able to do over the same section?
                                        Bob