Two, Two! Low Pressure cylinders on each engine!!! This video is a good one to gain an understanding of compounding in steam engines. Most triple expansion engines have three cylinders. The engines on the Texas split the exhaust steam from the second cylinder into two low pressure cylinders. They figured this system more than a century ago and this is the first time I have heard of a four cylinder triple expansion engine. Live and Learn! Thanks, Merle!
Another great video. Also, a great explanation of how her engines worked. Can you imagine the temps and the hard work of the coalers before it was converted to oil? "Yes, we were in two or three battles, but all I saw was the coal burning and tons of coal dust." Brave men all. To be lauded and appreciated by all of us.
ReplyDeleteSad for the loss of life onboard the B-17 Nine-0-Nine. I flew on her at Denton, TX about 6 years ago. I was very impressed with the flight crew and the cleanliness inside and outside of the aircraft. Prayers for all.
That is a lot of moving machinery.
ReplyDeleteI worked out the math for using only a single Low Pressure cylinder and came up with a diameter of around 117 inches.
I can only guess at this point, but I am going to say that using two Low Pressure cylinders reduced the width of the engine from 117" to 83" and that is almost three feet. That might not seem like a lot, but that would be almost six feet between the two enginerooms.
Very nice video.