Given the low maximum running speeds for any of the geared locomotive designs, did any of the customers ever order smaller than normal wheels in an effort to increase T.E. or torque, or whatever?
Or did the customer simply request different gearing on the locomotive? Not being a mechanical engineer and horrible at math, I'm curious.
For example, Heislers seem to have larger drivers than a typical Climax or Shay. The Heisler is also the fastest of the three. Was this due to the larger in diameter drivers, the gear ratios, or the combination of the two.
If a customer ordered smaller than normal drivers for a Heisler would it have a positive impact on T.E. or would the effect be merely to reduce the top operating speed?