The heavy Santa Fe type locomotive illustrated on page
21 (above), is one of 141 built since 1903. The cylinders
of these engines are similar to those of the Decapod locomotive
previously mentioned. The addition of the trailing wheels gives
them better curving qualities, especially when running backward
down grades. These engines, when introduced, were the heaviest in
the world. A large number are at work on the western divisions of
the system, and are using oil as fuel. A similar locomotive, having
single-expansion cylinders twenty-four inches in diameter, was built
in 1904; but those since constructed have all, with one exception,
been fitted with tandem compound cylinders. The exception referred
to is a locomotive built in 1905, which is equipped with a smokebox
superheater and single-expansion cylinders thirty-two inches in
diameter; the boiler pressure being 140 pounds. This engine was
constructed for experimental purposes.
A series of tests on the hauling power of the Santa Fe locomotives
has recently been carried out, the draw-bar pull being measured
by a dynamometer car. The following table gives data secured on
the New Mexico Division. The tonnage behind the tender, number of
cars in the train, draw-bar pull and grade in feet per mile are
recorded; also the stations between which readings were taken.
With the starting valve open, the dynamometer registered as high
as 71,000 pounds draw-bar pull. This was maintained however, for
only brief periods of time.
Thirty-nine heavy six-coupled switching engines have been built
during the past year, and are illustrated on page 27 (below).
These engines are representative of the latest practice for this
class of service. The principal dimensions are presented with the
illustration.
In building engines of various types for the same road it is of
great advantage to the builder as well as the railway company to
have the detail parts as far as possible interchangeable. In the
locomotives for the Santa Fe System, not only are the like parts
of each class accurately interchangeable, but the various classes
show a marked similarity in design and many parts are interchangeable
throughout several classes.
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