The first prototype of a steam locomotive was created by the Frenchman Nicolas Cunho in 1770. But already during the trials, the three-wheeled wagon crashed into the wall, as it was very heavy and difficult to drive. Along with the French inventors, they worked on the creation of rail cars in the USA and Great Britain. In 1786, a steam-powered wagon created by the Englishman William Murdoch developed a speed of 14 km / h. We look through the history of steam locomotive building and find out what are the fastest locomotives in the world.
1
The "rocket" of George Stephenson. Great Britain
The first speed record was set by the Rocket engine, racing along a railway line from Manchester to Liverpool at a speed of 48 km / h.
It happened in October 1829 at the famous Reinhill Competition races. In the competition, with a large crowd of people, 5 steam engines took part, one of which moved along the rails with the help of horse traction.
On the last day, only Novelty and Rocket remained, the rest broke down and withdrew from the competition. At Novelty, which was considered the fastest, when the speed reached 24 km / h, the boiler failed, and Stephenson's car won.
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2
Big Boy USA
4 thousand class locomotives were produced at the North American ALco plant from 1941 to 1944. The chief designer of these locomotives was Otto Jabelmens.
Locomotive Union Pacific Big Boy, or simply Big Boy, with serial number 4019 could reach a speed of 128.75 km / h. During the descent from the conveyor of one of the machines, a factory worker wrote in chalk on board the Big Boy. So, this name was assigned to this series of American steam locomotives.
Operated "Zdorovyakov" until 1959, and then replaced by more modern and high-speed. Now there are 8 models that have been restored and exhibited in museums. None of them can be restored to working condition.
3
NYC Hudson. USA
The full name of the steam rail cars manufactured in the USA from 1927 to 1938 is New York Central of the Hudsons type.
They became the first locomotives to be used on the railways of the North American states. On their basis, more advanced modifications of the J-1 class were created, but all with a 4-6-4 wheel formula. The Hudson was widely used on the Central American Railroad.
Using a huge firebox, locomotives of this class could accelerate to 153 km / h. In the early 50s, they were decommissioned, but not a single model was preserved, only in photographs.
4
Harricane Great Britain
These locomotives were produced at British factories in the 30s, after they were decommissioned, the name “Hurricane” was transferred to Willys engines.
There is a version that in September 1939 a car with a steam traction of type 1-1-1 reached a speed of 160 km / h. The series of these models was limited, and in the early 40s their release was discontinued.
The diameter of the wheels of the British model was 3048 mm. Experts do not confirm the fact that overcoming the Harricane mark of 100 mph. But in all directories this information is present.
5
American steam locomotive No. 999. USA
A 2-2-0 type locomotive numbered 999 was driven by the passenger Empire State Express, and could reach a speed of 181 km / h. This mark was recorded on May 10, 1893.
Because of its speed characteristics, the engine was nicknamed the “Queen of Speed”, and he worked on the Central Railway of New York. The USA record for the maximum distance covered belongs to the same type. In 1891, he traveled 702 km from New York to Buffalo in 7 hours 6 minutes.
In some areas, it slowed down because of the danger of overturning. After decommissioning, the New York Rail Department transferred locomotive No. 999 to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.
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6
Steam locomotive IS20-16. the USSR
In 1936, the experimental model “IS 20-16” left the assembly line of the locomotive plant in Voroshilovgrad. A streamlined metal casing was installed on the prototype.
Locomotive Joseph Stalin type 2-3-2K was tested in a wind tunnel. Tests have confirmed that the casing significantly reduces air resistance when the car accelerates over 100 km / h. In 1938, a high-speed prototype reached a speed of 170 km / h, which was a record for the Soviet steam locomotive.
The model was brought to the World Exhibition, held in the capital of France, where the IS20-16 received the Grand Prix, ahead of similar models from European manufacturers.
7
Steam locomotive 2-3-2V. the USSR
Another prototype, the brainchild of the Voroshilovgrad plant did not receive a serial number, but in all directories it passes under the serial number 6998.
They released it in 1938, and the designer was D. Lvov. A streamlined hood was installed on it, allowing you to develop high speed. It was planned to use 2-3-2V for driving courier trains, but the war made adjustments.
In 1957, with a lightweight train, the locomotive developed a speed of 175 km / h. This mark was the last record in the Soviet fleet of steam engines.
8
Steam locomotives 2-3-2K. the USSR
High-speed steam locomotives of type 2-3-2 were experimental models, and produced them at the Kolomensky Zavod in 1937-1938. These models were tested on the Moscow-Leningrad railway line.
In April 1938, without a car, the locomotive developed a speed of 160 km / h, and in the summer on the Likhoslavl-Kalinin stretch, with four cars, it accelerated to 170 km / h. An image of this high-speed locomotive can be seen on the panel of the Novokuznetskaya metro station.
Some sources report that a steam locomotive of type 2-3-2 in 1938, during a test run, set the Soviet Union speed record for steam engines, which is 178 km / h.
9
BR 05. Germany
It was intended for driving passenger express trains and had a 4-6-4 wheel formula. One of the locomotives of this series under number 05 002 in 1936 accelerated to 200.4 km / h, thereby setting a new world record.
In total, from 1935 to 1937, 3 such machines were produced. The cabs were pushed forward a bit and had a streamlined shape, which gave the locomotive aerodynamics. They looked pretty futuristic, and also painted bright red.
Machine 05 001 served the Olympics in Munich. After the war, locomotives of this series served passenger trains. The first copy after decommissioning was restored, and sent to the transport museum in the city of Nuremberg.
10
Mallard No. 4468. United Kingdom
They built an A4 2-3-1 class steam locomotive in the British city of Doncaster in 1938. Already during the tests, the Wild Duck developed a speed of 202.7 km / h, which is an absolute world record.
In the history of railway transport, it is the fastest steam engine in the world. This model served on the railway lines of London and Northeast Britain until 1963, wrapping a total of 2.4 million km.
After decommissioning, it fell into disrepair, but on the initiative and efforts of technology enthusiasts it was restored, maintaining its original appearance. After restoration, exhibited as a museum exhibit in York.
Summary
Not only in the automotive industry, but also in the field of steam locomotive countries competed in speed. The era of steam locomotives ended in the twentieth century, and they were replaced by high-speed locomotives. In the USA, steam locomotives ceased to be produced in the early 40s, in the USSR in the 60s, but China has been producing them for the longest time. The last Chinese steam engine left the assembly line in 1989.
Article author: Valery Skiba