H.C.W Steam Train - Engines and coaches


	Steam Engine Year and place of construction 1907, Sweden Class 2-8-0 2 pilot wheels 8 driver wheels No wheels under the cabin Weight 93 tons and can pull upwards of 700 tons Tanks capacity Water: 13 996 liters Oil: 4200 liters Power 1000 horsepower equivalence Speed Considering the nature of this tourist railway, the train travels at a maximum of 25 km/h. The speed is lowered to 15 km/h in villages. However, the steam engine could reach speeds of up to 120 km/h. History The steam engine 909 was used in Sweden until 1945. With the invention of the electric locomotive, the steam engine was put aside and stored until 1964 where it was used for excursions during four years. With the threat of a the cold war, the government of Sweden decided to keep their steam locomotives in storage in case invaders destroyed Sweden’s capacity to make electricity. These steam locomotives were hidden in shelters to provide transportation for soldiers and equipment. When the cold war ended in 1990, the Swedish government felt that keeping all these steam locomotives were useless. The government then decided to sell off the 200 steam engines in storage. At the same time, a tourist steam train project was taking shape in Canada’s National Capital region. Since all Canadian steam locomotives in operating condition belonged to museums, our steam engine, a diesel engine and all 9 coaches were found in Sweden. The equipment sailed from Sweden to Montréal on the cargo ship Federal Man. During the Atlantic crossover, the crew braved four storms. Finally, the engines and coaches arrived just in time for the inaugural trip on June 27th, 1992. How does steam work? The water tank is filled with 14 000 liters of water (3698 gallons). A fire is lit in the firebox and heats the water. The 909 is oil fired. In the boiler, there are warming plates with tubes totaling 2,445 square feet reaching temperatures of 350 Fº or 177 Cº. The water must be pressurized up to 165 pounds per square inch to reach peak horsepower. This gives pressure to 2 steam cylinders that power the 8 wheels. The steam transmits its energy in the cylinders providing power to move the locomotive.