Abstract

The common practice of determining the indicated horsepower of steam locomotives by the use of mechanical indicators driven by a reducing motion attached to the crosshead has limitations for high-speed locomotives. A survey of engineering literature shows that mechanical, optical, and electrical indicators have been developed and are in use primarily for high-speed internal-combustion-engine testing, but it is doubtful if any of these types would be adaptable to locomotive road testing with the exception of the electrical. Due to the limitations of mechanical indicators, the research and mechanical-standards department of the Union Pacific Railroad Company for the last 2 years has used the heat-drop method for the measurement of indicated horsepower.

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