Interesting Facts and Trivia about Railroading
by
Pat Kytola
What was the Origin of the Cow Catcher?
The "Cow Catcher" on a train is a strictly American feature. It was the invention of Isaac Dripps, a young mechanical engineer employed by the Camden & Amboy Railway in New Jersey (later to become a part of the Pennsylvania Railroad) in the early 1830's. America was a far more rural place in the early 19th Century than it was to become in later decades and liestock was often permitted to roam freely. So many cows trespassed upon the railroad that Dripps decided to install on the front end of the locomotive a small truck supporting two iron spears. The Dripps device was effective, but lethal to the cows. To avoid damage suits, he substitued a crosswise bar much like the present-day bumper on an automobile, and from this evolved the present V-shaped cowcatchers that were used on engines across America.
Was Regular Tap Water Used In Steam Engines?
Railroads found that water which is properly treated chemically greatly increased the efficiency of locomotives and the life of boilers and tubes. Chemical treatment of water prevented erosion or corrosion within the boilers and tubes, reduced the frequency of boiler washings and saved the railroads millions of dollars annually.
How much does a Steam Locomotive Weigh?
Steam engines vary greatly in the amount they weigh. Freight locomotives manufactured during 1943-1947 ranged from 135 to 597 tons. Passenger locomotives ranged from 221 to 370 tons and switching engines ranged from 106 to 150 tons. These weights included the tenders.
Was A Caboose always called by that Name?
No, it was also called a cabin car, a conductor's car, a brakeman's car, and a train car.
When was the last Steam Engine Built in America?
The last steam locomotive was a 0-8-0 switcher placed in service by the Norfolk and Western Railroad in 1953. An estimated 133,000 of all types were built in America between 1830 and 1953.