Steam locomotive fuel oil conversion aided by FMW Solutions
Hollidaysburg, PA (March 15th) - The Everett Railroad Company has successfully converted its historic 1920s steam locomotive No. 11 back to fuel oil with help from rail preservation contractor FMW Solutions, allowing the popular tourist railroad operation to improve the locomotive’s performance and simplify its operation.
“With our increased ridership and popularity, the 11 has been operating on our tourist trains now more than ever. It’s become a challenge to get the right coal at a reasonable price, and the quality of coal can greatly affect how a locomotive operates. Combined with our desire to be a good neighbor through reducing smoke, we’ll also be able to simplify our fueling logistics and free up more space for parking,” said Alan Maples, President of the Everett Railroad Company.
In addition to designing an improved exhaust nozzle, the engineering work extended the petticoat by 12-inches, reducing the gap between the bellmouth and the nozzle itself to improve draft. This application was largely inspired by L.D. Porta’s Lempor Exhaust system.
The conversion to oil meant more than just changing the fuel. FMW Solutions performed the engineering and design work for the required drafting changes in the locomotive smokebox, which included a new exhaust nozzle, and petticoat extension to optimize draft production without needing to alter the original smokestack. FMW also provided guidance for the firebox and firepan modifications, which Everett Railroad performed in-house.
“There are some major differences in how coal and oil combust, which means that the steam locomotive needs to generate more of a draft on the fire to evenly distribute the heat and draw the fire forward,” explained Wolf Fengler, Vice President of Engineering for FMW Solutions. “Our approach was informed by historic railroad mechanical practices, modern fluid mechanics, and our background in installing similar systems on other locomotives.”
“Working with FMW Solutions made this an economical solution in more ways than one. With our upcoming season just around the corner, we had a fairly small window to get this conversion right and ensure the conversion itself was cost-effective. FMW had the skills to ensure that this was the case. Their work went a long way to save us money and the engine’s performance now is the best it's ever been,” explained Zach Hall, Everett Railroad steam shop foreman.
The Everett Railroad constructed a new oil tank for the 11 and Stockton Locomotive Works provided Everett with a burner, firing valve quadrant, and emergency oil shutoff.
Built by the Cooke Works of the American Locomotive Company, the locomotive was originally constructed to burn oil for a railroad in Cuba, but ultimately never delivered for its intended use. It was converted to burn coal and served various short line railroads until the 1980s. The 11 was later acquired by the Everett Railroad Company in 2006 and restored to service in 2015.
The Everett Railroad Company is a short-line freight and tourist railroad headquartered in Hollidaysburg, PA, operating 22 miles of track and providing rail freight transportation for industrial and agricultural customers. Its tourism program has welcomed over 100,000 passengers to the area since 2015. It is currently restoring Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain Railroad steam locomotive No. 38, which will also be an oil burner. For more information on the Everett Railroad Company, visit everettrailroad.com.
FMW Solutions and its subsidiary National Rail Consulting Group offer a suite of professional services for the railroad industry, including mechanical and engineering design, diesel locomotive servicing and repair, rail operations, strategic planning support, marketing, public relations, safety compliance administration, training, and alternative fuel technology research and development. FMW is also an accomplished rail preservation resource, with expertise in the restoration and operation of historic equipment. For more on FMW Solutions, to request a quote, proposal, or to explore opportunities for your railroad operation, visit fmwsolutions.com, email us, or call (423) 425-9753.
