01 / SYSTEMInside the
machine
Every assembly has a purpose. Select a component in 3D or choose a subsystem below.
CURRENT SELECTION
Multi-tube steam locomotive
Select a part of the reconstruction to reveal its engineering subsystem.
Follow eight engineering subsystems, from the track upward.
02 / PHYSICSThe science
Live first-principles estimates for a simplified two-cylinder locomotive.
OPERATING PRINCIPLESteam pressure moves two pistons; their rods rotate the driving wheels, while chimney exhaust improves furnace draught.
PISTON FORCE / CYLINDER—F = 0.75 × P × π × d² / 4
WHEEL ROTATION—rpm = 60v / (πD)
INDICATIVE AXLE TORQUE—τ = 2Frη ; η = 0.62
MODEL TRACTIVE EFFORT—T = 2τ / D
MECHANICAL OUTPUT—W = Tv
✓INDEPENDENT ARITHMETIC CHECK—
Methods & limitations
Piston diameter 0.2032 m, stroke 0.4318 m and two cylinders are illustrative design inputs. The 0.75 pressure factor and 0.62 mechanical factor are assumptions, not measured historical performance. Steam admission, thermodynamic losses, adhesion, torque ripple and valve timing are simplified. Motion is illustrative, not a validated dynamic simulation.
Illustrative reconstruction, not an official model and not affiliated with any institution, company or manufacturer.
03 / CONTEXTInventing
momentum
Small improvements in heating and exhaust altered what an early railway could do.
WHERE AND WHENNorth-west England · c. 1829
Illustrative arrangement based on early locomotive engineering developed for the Rainhill trials, near Liverpool. Not an exact historical survey.
WHY IT MATTEREDThree ideas, one system.
Narrow fire tubes increased heating area. Inclined steam cylinders drove spoked wheels. Exhaust steam rising up the chimney promoted combustion draught.
THREE-QUESTION FIELD QUIZ
QUESTION 1 OF 3
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