kcsivils Wrote:
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>
> And for the mechanical engineers, how much loss of
> power, efficiency, etc, is caused by the lack of
> boiler insulation and jacketing?
>
> #5 looks very handsome in her restored condition.
No loss of power if you've got enough fire. It's purely loss of efficiency. And perhaps more boiler thermal stress although that would be open to debate.
Superheated steam boilers are typically around 10% to 15% efficient at best, simply due to the nature of the thermodynamic steam cycle. So a locomotive 10% less efficient goes from 15% thermal efficiency to 13.5% thermally efficient. It's not quite the incredible loss you'd think at first glace. But, like Chama's water system, eventually inefficiencies catch up with you and you can't hold pressure, which cuts your horsepower.
SRK