The #81 was the stoker-equipped engine. With a firebox the size of a D&RGW K-36, it really didn't need one, but I also understand that with the monster trains they would tie on to the 81, it would burn 3 tanks of coal going from Ely to Cobre, 135 miles..... and 3 more tanks of coal coming back. The NN put the stoker on the 81 out of the kindness of their own heart. The stoker was removed when 81 was returned to service. The stoker unit is out behind the enginehouse.
Alas, the coal tipple is out of service. It might have had some use in the late-50's fan trip era of the NN. But like Chama, the coal comes in by truck and to put it up in the tipple would require transloading it into hoppers for dumping.
The NN has the same issues with coal sizing the the D&S deals (dealt) with. BIG pieces of coal. 3 chunks fill a #4 scoop. It's real tough to launch the stuff all the way to the front of 93's firebox. Also because the coal is big it doesn't settle into the firebed nicely and you get air holes between the big lumps, requiring more big lumps in the fire to patch up the holes. This makes the firebed much thicker than it needs to be, resulting is more grate shaking as the day goes on. My understanding is the King Coal sizing machinery broke down some years back. the D&S, C&TS and NN were the only customers that wanted sized coal, amounting to a rather small percentage of total production. It made no economical sense to replace the sizing machinery.
Oil burning has always been harder on the firebox that coal burning, for reasons mentioned above. The biggest issue being that with the flick of the wrist you can double the firebox temperature instantaneously, causing huge firebox stresses, especially in the corners. This happens over a few years. The D&S hasn't been burning long enough to feel the effects.
For the 100% coal fired steam experience, visit the NN.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/2024 06:53PM by Earl.
