Bernhards Random Ramblings BACKUP

[More Verkehrshaus posts] We've all seen the drawings of how a steam engine works. ... At the Verkehrshaus they took an actual steam engine, cut it open, and explain it on the real thing. Nice.

[More Verkehrshaus posts] Switzerland started electrification of their railways much earlier than the rest of Europe, so not surprisingly there is a wide selection of early heavy electric locomotives at the Verkehrshaus. This early generation electric switcher locomotive used a single, large electric motor which is connected directly to the side rods by a diagonal rod. Notice the various counter weights on the axles. A few years later, when the Ce6/8 II was built, technology had advanced quite a bit. The heaviest part of an electric locomotive is the transformer used for conversion of catenary voltage to something more agreeable for the electric traction motors. In the "Crocodile" design the transformer sits on the bridge frame in the middle of the locomotive, while the motors and supporting electric are in the narrow hoods whose trucks are short-coupled under the bridge frame.This arrangement contributes to the Crocodiles excellent ability to navigate tight curves in the Sw...

[More Verkehrshaus posts] Standing in the pit below the tender of Nr. 2965 I finally really understood how the linkage works so that brake shoes grab a wheel from both sides as the linkage is actuated by the brake cylinder. There's nothing better to really understand than looking at the original. As I was under the locomotive marveling at the construction I noticed the odd arrangement of drive axle number 2. It's a cranked axle. Here's a picture of cranked axle outside the locomotive.   Cranked axles are used on steam locomotives that have cylinders inside the frame in addition to the easily visible outside cylinders connected to the driver rods driving the wheels. The pistons of the inside cylinders connect to the cranked axle. Other examples of locomotives with inside cylinders are the German BR18.3 (for balanced moving weights at higher speeds) and BR44 (for more pulling power). Cranked axle with cylinders and pistons inside the locomotive frame. Looking towards the fron...

[More Verkehrshaus posts] While most of the locomotives at the museum are electrically powered, there is some steam on display. SBB Ce 5/6 Nr. 2965 "Elefant" (1915) I'm fascinated by the mechanical engineering that goes into building locomotives, and is readily visible in particular with steam locomotives. One can walk under the locomotive and examine it from below. Starting in the 1890's steam-powered, fast-spinning snow rotaries became practical for use on railroads. The X rot 100 was built in 1896. X rot 100 (1896)

[More Verkehrshaus posts] Vierwaldstaettersee If one has a little bit time while visiting Luzern, a stop at the Verkehrshaus (transportation museum) is a must. For me this was the main motivation to come here, as the Verkehrshaus has an excellent reputation for their extensive collection, in particular locomotives. At the entrance we were greeted by "Sissi" the shield of the tunnel boring machine used for building the east bore of the Gotthard base tunnel. With a diameter of 10 meters it weighs 225 tons. "Sissi" Once inside, I headed straight to the locomotive hall and was greeted by one of my all-time favorite locomotives: The Crocodile , SBB Ce 6/8 II built for heavy freight traffic over the Gotthard pass. SBB Ce 6/8 II Nr. 13254 "Krokodil" (1920) Another uniquely swiss construction are the "Red Arrows", which quickly became so popular that SBB repurposed them for tourism and entertainment trips. SBB RCe 2/4 Nr. 203 "Roter Pfeil" (19...