-
L Gauge Compressed Air Locomotive
It’s the largest compressed air locomotive and this 0-8-0 Pennsylvania example is one of my projects in the works. Here are renders of the unusual train that I aim to eventually build IRL. For those unfamiliar with this type of train, compressed air locomotives use tanks of air instead of electric or firebox/steam for propulsion and are in service where the other two pose a possible risk for fire and explosions. They can also be used for shunting in railyards, where a quick refill of air may be more beneficial than waiting for coal and water. This example is based on the real life train at the Strasburg Railroad Museum. At 1:38 scale, it uses a Lego Powered Up battery box and L motor.
casey-jones, US_Z_Scale and DavoDentetsu5 Comments-
wow never heard of using compressed air. is it similar to propane?
-
@casey-jones Just compressed air to make movement and a recharge station nearby. No propane which is flammable.
-
-
I’ve seen a person that had a G scale layout that had a steam train powered by propane. I’m guessing that yours is more like a balloon releasing the air. I guess that would be an oversimplification. An interesting concept. I would like to learn more about it.
-
@casey-jones think like a scuba tank full of air or steam but at much higher PSI. The steel canister doesn’t deflate, per se, but it does eventually run out of useful pressure over time. If you want a really good visual example, take a look at the 1927 Porter Compressed Air Loco from the Homestake Mine. You can see the twin tanks and all the piping that goes to the pistons for the wheels on it. Hard to believe it but air pressure is able to move tons of steel and cargo. 🙂
-
-
Yes air pressure can do a lot. Not quite the same as the old pneumatic train we had in New York City.
-