Modern Steam

AN ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL ALTERNATIVE TO DIESEL TRACTION

Modern Steam is a newly developed concept which is characterised by economic efficiency and environmental friendliness: (moderne Dampftechnik) entstand ein neues, durch Wirtschaftlichkeit und Umweltfreundlichkeit geprägtes Konzept:

  • One man operation for steam locomotives
  • Remote-controlled steam engines for ships
  • Light-oil firing with clean and spark free combustion
  • High thermal efficiency of engine and boiler
  • Modular concept
  • Modern manufacturing allows for exchangeable parts
  • Latest bearing technology reduces maintenance and protects the environment
  • Electric preheating device enables unattended heating up of steam boilers

Schematic of new rack steam engine H 2/3

schema_H2-3

Comparison of exhaust gas values of modern steam locomotives with those of modern Diesel locomotives

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modern steam - economy

The enormous improvement in efficiency that the use of modern rack-and-pinion steam locomotives makes possible can be seen in the example of the rolling stock development of the Brienz-Rothorn Railway, which is the only railway worldwide to have three generations of steam locomotives (and also diesel locomotives) in operation:

BRB Lok 3

The five steam locomotives (locos no. 1 to 5) of the first generation, here loco 3, were built in 1891/92 by the Swiss Locomotive & Machine Works SLM in Winterthur. With a staff of three (engine driver, fireman and train guard), they can carry a passenger car with 48 to 60 passengers at 8 km/h.

BRB Lok 6

The two second-generation steam locomotives (locomotives no. 6 and 7), here locomotive no. 6, were built in 1933/36 by the Swiss Locomotive & Machine Works SLM in Winterthur. With a staff of three (engine driver, fireman and train guard), they can transport two passenger cars with 80 passengers at 8 km/h.

BRB Diesellok

The three diesel locomotives no. 9 to 11, here locomotive no. 9, were built in 1975 (9 and 10) and 1987 (11) by the Steck company in Bowil, Switzerland. They can transport two carriages with 112 to 120 passengers at 10 km/h with two men (driver and conductor). The diesel locomotives are still used in construction service and as a reserve during peak traffic.

BRB Lok 12

The four steam locomotives (locomotive no. 12, 14, 15 and 16) of the third generation, here locomotive no. 12, were built in 1992 (12 and 16) and 1996 (14 and 15) by the Swiss Locomotive & Machine Works SLM in Winterthur. With a two-man crew (engine driver and conductor), they can carry two carriages with 112 to 120 passengers at 12 km/h. For operational reasons, the Brienz-Rothorn Railway limits the maximum speed to 10 km/h. All photos: Roger Waller

Comparison of direct operating costs

brb_cost

Modern Steam Publications