What Fuel Does a Real Luke like Engine Use?

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Just wondering as I did some modifications to Luke:

I know he is based on a shunting 0-4-0ST narrow gauge saddle tank engine but what I can't seem to locate is what type of fuel the real life engine uses. I assume the saddle tanks hold water (right) for the boiler but I don't see a coal hopper aboard or any indication on what fires the boiler. Anyone straighten me out?
Coal super, he is coal fired, I don't know where his hopper is? But the shunting engines generally dont carry much as they don't go far, and they can restock whenever,

*Edit*

I googled Kerr Stuart (the manufacturer) and got some images
[Image: 003%20-%20RESTORATION%20COMPLETE.jpg]
it looks like the coal goes in the hoppers in the cab either side of the boiler, it looks like there's a hole at the bottom to get the shovel in to collect the coal,

[Image: med_gallery_491_1524_102715.jpg]

[Image: KS_2462.jpg]
(This post was last modified: 02-28-2016, 08:04 AM by Tramp.)
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  • Miksolo, Super
Those are fantastic photos Tramp and gives me a view of how tiny this model really is. Its almost as if they are from one of these Quarter size railroad ride attractions. The hoppers look more like container buckets and must only use a small amount with the size of a shovel that would fit in that opening. Thank you Tramp for the info.

On another note, the Plarail version of Luke resembles more the narrow gauge of this type engine whereas the Trackmaster version has better detailing with all the rivets showing.
(02-28-2016, 08:35 PM)Super Wrote: Those are fantastic photos Tramp and gives me a view of how tiny this model really is. Its almost as if they are from one of these Quarter size railroad ride attractions. The hoppers look more like container buckets and must only use a small amount with the size of a shovel that would fit in that opening. Thank you Tramp for the info.

I just figured he was a non fueled engine because he had no coal bunker/tender, and he uses a steam accumulator that gets periodically refilled. Or perhaps no steam at all and ran on compressed air. Since he is a shunting/switching engine, he really wouldn't go very far to need a coal/firebox setup. Learn something new everyday!

But here is a picture of a non fueled engine in the us:

[Image: temporary_5.jpg]
I have not heard of a non-fueled engine before. Is there a link for the one you pictured to learn more?
(02-29-2016, 12:52 PM)Super Wrote: I have not heard of a non-fueled engine before. Is there a link for the one you pictured to learn more?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireless_locomotive
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:...reless.JPG
http://www.rgusrail.com/parmpshed.html#bs111
Now that is very interesting. Thanks for the links Chrisjo. What I am baffled about is this statement from the first link as to how the fuel less steam operates:
Quote:As the steam is used and pressure drops, the superheated water boils, replacing the used steam.
How can water boil just because the pressure drops without a heat source?
(02-29-2016, 08:13 PM)Super Wrote: Now that is very interesting. Thanks for the links Chrisjo. What I am baffled about is this statement from the first link as to how the fuel less steam operates:
How can water boil just because the pressure drops without a heat source?
The superheated water supplied to the locomotive's reservoir from the stationary external boiler is a stable liquid as long as the confining pressure is maintained. When the pressure drops, it boils, producing steam.

That's why it's dangerous to remove the radiator cap on your car when the engine is hot.

And it's similar to why divers get the bends when their blood is de-compressed.
Nice explanation chrisjo!

Here is a video of a steam engine converted to run on compressed air. It is a popcorn steam engine model but the principle is the same for a full size steam locomotive.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qQLsWoAjKOo
Thanks Anc but that confuses me even more as that example does use fuel as it is hooked up to a compressor supplying a continuous pressure and fueled by electricity.

Chrisjo, More confusion (which isn't that hard for me) and against what I have come to understand of the principles of water and liquids. The properties of water can't be compressed so the steam under pressure is what escapes a cars radiator and because of the force of the escaping steam it brings up water with it. I can't see how water can re-reach its boiling temperature by releasing the steams pressure above it without something creating the temp to rise..i.e. heat. I guess to put it in simpler terms for my mind, I can't see how water that no longer has a heat source and is gradually cooling, can create heat to bring it to a boil temperature again. I should have paid more attention in science class.
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