Is there a source for the actual plans of an engine?? I mean the measurements, dimensions, drawings of the parts such as the valve gear, the wheels, the piping, etc...
Any ideas??
Jaydee

tordej@hotmail.com

Umm, which engine, which type of engine? The simple answer is sometimes. There are technical drawings for various engines (even some types that no longer exist) that survive at libraries, railroad technical and historical associations, and museums. I now turn this over to the experts who know far better than I...

Try railroad historical societies (large list in Trains magazine website). Some will probably have archives of detailed drawings for locomotives specific to their railroad. Not all societies have the manpower to answer requests for such details, because drawings for one engine can easily number several hundred or more.

For online info, pump "Steam Locomotive" into your search engine and go from there. Off-line (stone/brick research) in Dallas is DeGolyer Library at SMU (WWWSMU.EDU but no Degolyer info) has tons of Baldwin info, down to the nuts and bolts diagrams. Another source is the museum at Strasburg, PA (I think there is a website, but I do not have the url).
A word of warning about DeGolyer, before you get into the Library you will have to leave everything you are carrying outside except paper and such. Also, nothing leaves the library so whatever you find that you need a copy of, either you have to hand copy or pay to get a copy. Pretty harsh rules but the stuff they have can not be replaced. Best of luck.


retsquid@tvec.net