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Oil Firing.

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by RalphW, Jun 4, 2010.

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  1. KentYeti

    KentYeti Guest

    Well, here we are into fire risk problems. And those damn experts, (who are they anyway?), have been telling us for ages now that this is the sort of weather we can expect more and more in our summers.

    So. I wonder if any loco owner is now starting to prepare a cost/benefit/practicality analysis of converting to oil firing.
     
    KentYeti, Jul 2, 2010
    #41
  2. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Judging by the footage of Nunney Castle yesterday (that had a DL attached behind the engine) the big railway would probably prefer if all steam was oil fired! I know that the Steam Dreams trip would have been full of people who just wanted a day out in Worcester but I'm sure that those who just wanted a day out with Nunney Castle would have been bitterly disappointed. Looks like it was a diesel hauled train with a bit of help from the Castle.

    I'm sure that it would have been a difficult 'call' for the organisers but the clue is in the name of this company and one day a legal expert may challenge the validity of such activities. This isn't a swipe at a tour operator, it just illustrates how complicated things now are in dry weather...and with particular locomotives. Last week Tornado blasted over the dry highlands of Shap and Ais Gill with no diesel in sight.
     
    Big Al, Jul 2, 2010
    #42
  3. Romsey

    Romsey Part of the furniture

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    We're now 16 years on from this thread last being touched and still complaining about diesel assistance or replacement on rail tours due to lineside fire risk.

    What progress has been made ?
    The NYMR are progressing oil firing for an S160. In view of the fire risk and environmental concerns along their route that seems a good move.
    The VOR have reinstated oil burning on one of their 2-6-2 tanks, also due to fire risk along their line.

    Some metre gauge steam locos which have been restored recently in Switzerland for RhB or DFB have been modified for oil firing, partly due to the problems getting suitable coal and due to fire risks in forested areas.

    We have a drier weather systems occurring more frequently, the quality of coal is at best variable and much more expensive than in 2010. Oil is also more expensive but comes with known combustion characteristics. With many developments, it helps to come second.

    There is experience in Europe and shortly home grown experience for oil burning equipment on larger locos. The big question is , who will push the boat out and say oil/bio fuel is the way forward on the main line?

    Cheers, Neil
     
    Romsey, Jul 26, 2026 at 4:14 PM
    #43
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  4. Jimc

    Jimc Part of the furniture

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    As I said in another thread I for one wouldn't travel behind oil fired steam because of the smell of it. A coal fired locomotive with diesel assistance at the rear is better to my mind - or nose should I say.
     
    Jimc, Jul 27, 2026 at 4:07 PM
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  5. Romsey

    Romsey Part of the furniture

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    I can understand that view, but this may eventually be a case of oil fired steam or no steam in high fire risk months or locations in years to come.
    I can't recall much smell of oil when travelling behind oil fired locos in Switzerland, but they burn light oil. East African Railways in the 1970's burning high sulphur Bunker C oil was a different matter...

    Cheers, Neil
     
    Romsey, Jul 27, 2026 at 4:59 PM
    #45
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  6. 5944

    5944 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Indeed. I don't recall any particularly unpleasant odours coming from the three or four oil fired 141 Rs that I've ridden behind either.
     
    5944, Jul 27, 2026 at 5:35 PM
    #46
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  7. Nigel Day

    Nigel Day Member

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    If someone wants to do efficient advanced liquid fuel firing then you’re welcome to get in contact with me and we’ll add you to our current list of active conversion projects.
     
    Nigel Day, Jul 27, 2026 at 8:30 PM
    #47
  8. johnofwessex

    johnofwessex Resident of Nat Pres

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    I remember the steam Isle of Man Steam packets & Waverley when she burnt heavy oil could clean your sinus's
     
    johnofwessex, Jul 27, 2026 at 9:19 PM
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  9. Dunfanaghy Road

    Dunfanaghy Road Well-Known Member

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    I have heard that oil firing copper fireboxes can be problematic. Is this true / urban myth / complete spheroids?
    Pat
     
    Dunfanaghy Road, Jul 27, 2026 at 9:37 PM
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