Weekend Steam: How Fast Could A Locomotive Go?

Merle picked a great topic for this weekend, and I am sure that many today doubt that these speeds could be reached and maintained. It is pretty well documented, though.  These high speed engines had to be built especially well, because a locomotive running wide open is basically working to destroy itself. That is a lot of metal moving on these monsters.  Thank You, Merle!

  

 

 

60 to 80 miles per hour was much more common than 100 plus.  It is dizzying standing close to tracks when and 80 mph train speeds by.  Hang onto your kids when train watching up close.