PaxmanValenta
Member
- Joined
- 11 Apr 2015
- Messages
- 156
Hi
I'm trying to learn more about steam locos and have never grasped how the cut off works.
I know that when a steam loco starts to move, the cut off needs to be 100% for maximum torque, but when at full speed it can be set at less than 50%.
Am I correct in thinking that the reversing/cut off lever alters the frequency at which the valve opens and closes, hence the more frequent it is then the less distance the piston can move so a low percentage is obtained for high efficiency.
By contrast if the valve opens and closes at lowest frequency then the piston gets to travel the full length of the cylinder giving 100% maximum power and torque.
If this is the case then how does the lever alter the frequency of the valves and at the furthest position operate as reverse?
Thanks in advance.
I'm trying to learn more about steam locos and have never grasped how the cut off works.
I know that when a steam loco starts to move, the cut off needs to be 100% for maximum torque, but when at full speed it can be set at less than 50%.
Am I correct in thinking that the reversing/cut off lever alters the frequency at which the valve opens and closes, hence the more frequent it is then the less distance the piston can move so a low percentage is obtained for high efficiency.
By contrast if the valve opens and closes at lowest frequency then the piston gets to travel the full length of the cylinder giving 100% maximum power and torque.
If this is the case then how does the lever alter the frequency of the valves and at the furthest position operate as reverse?
Thanks in advance.