Steam engines were invented to solve the problem of getting water out of coal mines so that more coal could be mined to feed the steam engines. Pretty soon, all the coal was gone.
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And don't forget the dragons. I remember seeing a Welsh documentary about a train driver called Ivor. He used to have a dragon live in the boiler of his steam engine.Originally posted by TimberWolf View Post
Since steam engines have been phased out there are no more dragons. I would loved to have seen a real one. Shame.
What happens in General, stays in General.You know what they say about assumptions!Comment
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She was called Idris.Originally posted by MarillionFan View PostAnd don't forget the dragons. I remember seeing a Welsh documentary about a train driver called Ivor. He used to have a dragon live in the boiler of his steam engine.
Since steam engines have been phased out there are no more dragons. I would loved to have seen a real one. Shame.
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UK coal production peaked almost 100 years ago. Do keep up.Originally posted by SupremeSpod View PostComment
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Production may have peaked then but coal hasn't run out which was your original comment.Originally posted by TimberWolf View PostComment
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Speak for yourself. I haven't got any, been having to use wood.Originally posted by SupremeSpod View PostWhat happens in General, stays in General.You know what they say about assumptions!Comment
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Come over our place at Christmas. My father-in-law is bringing his.Originally posted by MarillionFan View PostSince steam engines have been phased out there are no more dragons. I would loved to have seen a real one. Shame.
“The period of the disintegration of the European Union has begun. And the first vessel to have departed is Britain”Comment
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As a qualified chemical engineer I shall now embark on a proper explanation of the complex thermodynamics processe involved. No wait, I've forgotten it all. Maybe HyperD is a bit younger.bloggoth
If everything isn't black and white, I say, 'Why the hell not?'
John Wayne (My guru, not to be confused with my beloved prophet Jeremy Clarkson)Comment
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Condensing engines relied on atmospheric pressure and had horrible (in later steam terms) efficiencies, admittedly in the days of low pressure steam the ability to make good tolerance cylinders, pistons and valves was limited. Sub 10% efficiencies is normal for these engines and the whole engine has to be massive.
Steam engines got really effective with double and triple expansion engines that recycled the waste steam from first to second then second to third cylinders, plus of course the engineering and materials had developed a lot. 30-50+% efficiency isn't uncommon for triple expansion.
There are loads of working static engines in museums around the country plus the railway and traction engines of course, interesting to look at if you like engineering.Comment
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