Steam locomotives were the primary power source for railways from the early 1800s to the early 20th century. They use fuel to heat a boiler filled with water, creating high-pressure steam that pushes pistons to move the wheels of the locomotive. However, they have problems such as boiler explosions and the need for substantial amounts of fuel and water. Diesel and electric locomotives have replaced steam locomotives, but they revolutionized transportation by allowing people to travel faster and carry heavier loads. The distinctive “choo choo” sound of steam locomotives is caused by the slow movement of the pistons as the engine warms up.
A steam locomotive is a locomotive that runs on steam. From the early 1800s to the early 20th century, steam locomotives dominated railways around the world. Even after internal combustion engines for automobiles were developed, external combustion power in the form of steam locomotives continued to be the preferred power source on railways. Eventually diesel and electric locomotives were developed that could be operated comparably, and today steam locomotives are rarely seen in use.
In a steam engine, fuel such as oil, wood, or coal is used to heat a boiler filled with water. The heat causes high-pressure steam to develop, and the steam pushes the pistons. In the case of a steam locomotive, the pistons push the wheels of the locomotive, allowing it to serve as a source of motive power for the train. For a standard train, a single steam locomotive was often sufficient to meet the power needs of the train. However, trains that had to climb steep grades or handle heavy loads sometimes used two or more locomotives.
There are some obvious problems associated with using a steam locomotive. Boiler explosions were historically a problem on many railways. The boiler could explode as a result of dangerous pressure buildup, poor maintenance, or poor construction, and such explosions could be fatal to those nearby. Running a steam locomotive also requires carrying substantial amounts of fuel, and the train must periodically take water to refill the boiler, as much of the fluid is lost when residual steam is vented.
The first steam engines were developed at the end of the 18th century. By the early 1800s the obvious applications for the railroad could be seen and companies began to produce steam locomotives. The introduction of the steam locomotive was revolutionary for the transportation of people and goods. People were no longer required to travel at the speed of draft animals, such as horses and trains, they could carry very heavy loads that would have exceeded the capacity of working animals.
Many people are familiar with the thud associated with steam locomotives, especially when they start to move. In fact, one of the steam locomotive’s nicknames, “choo choo”, is imitative in origin, referring to the distinctive sound that makes a locomotive start up. This noise is caused by the slow movement of the pistons as the engine warms up. Once the train starts, the piston moves faster and the noise is less noticeable. People may notice that the noise of laughter increases as trains slow down to move around curves or enter stations.
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