This post looks at the section of a CNR manual for its engineers on the subject of steam generators.
New passenger rolling stock of the 1950s was still designed to be heated by steam. While it seemed clear that diesel-electric power would eclipse steam locomotives for all types of service, the railways still had a large roster of older steam-era passenger rolling stock which was still in use. For maximum flexibility, it was beneficial to ensure that trains could be made up of a mix of new and pre-diesel passenger equipment.
Furthermore, in Canada and the US, it seemed that family automobiles and air travel might soon lead to the demise of the federally-regulated, generally money-losing railway passenger business. While examples of diesel-generated electric 'hotel power' for passenger cars existed in the 1960s, railways are capital-intensive conservative organizations. No one was going to invest great amounts of money in 'new concept' equipment when the older equipment on hand would still operate acceptably well for another 30 years or so.
... so we have this jet-age publication on keeping your passengers warm with steam.
Before you look at the 1966 document, here is a helpful overview of steam generator technology from 1950. It describes other uses of steam besides heating ... and carefully differentiates between warm climate steam generation needs, and the steam needs for equipment operating in places like Canada.
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| from: Locomotive Cyclopedia of American Practice; 1950-1952; Simmons-Boardman. |
Incidentally, the CNR manual below was not the last word on steam generators in Canada.
In the late 1980s, there was a renaissance of steam generating literature publishing by VIA as it struggled to keep its 1950s-era equipment in operation. While the equipment was designed to require 'a minimum of attention' on the road (in the 1950s), VIA sometimes hired 'train riders' to operate and troubleshoot their old steam generator equipment on its transcontinental trains as it became less and less reliable.
Page SG 8 should be on the reverse of Page SG 7 (above) but the page is blank.
Unfortunately, that page includes procedures for starting when the ambient temperature is below freezing.
... something we'd all be interested in learning about in Canada.
I'll take this printing error up with the CNR's mechanical department!
... Don't worry - I've got lots of steam generator information to share in future posts.
In lieu of page SG 8, please accept this 1982 photo of a westbound
made up of original CNR equipment, steaming away at Kingston station.
So, I guess we must pick up the procedures when it's time to shut down the steam generator ...
