Steam locomotive Tornado hauling test train reaches 100 mph

AI Thread Summary
The discussion initially revolves around a misunderstanding of a thread's subject, which was expected to be about weather tornadoes but turned out to be about trains, specifically the Tornado locomotive. Participants express disappointment over the perceived clickbait nature of the title and suggest that a discussion on weather tornadoes could provide valuable information. The conversation shifts to the performance of the Tornado train, with some noting that it may not reach 100 mph due to track conditions. There is debate about the feasibility of achieving high speeds with modern technology, referencing the historical speed record set by the Mallard locomotive in 1938. Participants question whether current excitement over reaching 100 mph indicates a lack of ambition in train technology, while acknowledging that modern restrictions on train speeds could impact performance. Overall, the thread highlights a mix of humor, curiosity about train speeds, and reflections on advancements in rail technology.
Nidum
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grrrrrr hahaha :wink:

when I saw the thread subject listing in the section, I thought it was about weather tornadoes, not trainsDave
 
davenn said:
grrrrrr hahaha :wink:

when I saw the thread subject listing in the section, I thought it was about weather tornadoes, not trainsDave
I was HOPING it to be about a weather tornado. Clickbait :(
 
nuuskur said:
I was HOPING it to be about a weather tornado. Clickbait :(
Why not make your first thread a "weather tornado's" thread ? :smile: who knows how much good information can be shared with people that might actually have limited knowledge about them.
I can make a comment or two :wideeyed:
I was not disappointed in the train, this is our local program :cool: (don't think it will do a 100 mph)

 
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RonL said:
this is our local program :cool: (don't think it will do a 100 mph)

+1

Oil fired ?
 
Nidum said:
+1

Oil fired ?
Yes,
786-3.jpg
 
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100 mph? What's that in real numbers?
 
Noisy Rhysling said:
100 mph? What's that in real numbers?

A really good question ?? :cool: o_O faster than 99 mph :biggrin:
 
Wonderful videos! I really enjoyed both, although the commentary was a bit over the top, I thought. Two thoughts ...

1) Much depends upon the condition of the track. We have few sections of track left in the US that would support such speeds (yes, I've ridden on the east coast "rocket train," but it rarely goes that fast now).

2) The commentary implied that there was real doubt about whether this could be done or not, as though it was "new territory." That seems strange, since the commentator talked about historic trains that have run substantially faster. Have we gotten to the point that, with all our modern technology, we doubt that we can accomplish that which was done previously? This is difficult to comprehend.

Thanks for posting this video; it was well worth the time to watch.
 
  • #10
Noisy Rhysling said:
100 mph? What's that in real numbers?

That works out to be 146 feet 8 inches per second.
 
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Noisy Rhysling said:
100 mph? What's that in real numbers?

160.9 km/h, 44.7 m/s.
 
  • #12
Dr.D said:
2) The commentary implied that there was real doubt about whether this could be done or not, as though it was "new territory." That seems strange, since the commentator talked about historic trains that have run substantially faster. Have we gotten to the point that, with all our modern technology, we doubt that we can accomplish that which was done previously?

I'm afraid so. On the 3 July 1938 the loco Mallard set the still-current world speed record for steam rail traction at 126 mph (203 km/h, 56.3 m/s) further south on the same East Coast Main Line route as Tornado.
 
  • #13
Noisy Rhysling said:
100 mph? What's that in real numbers?
~1.5E-7c

PS, I was pleased to see this was Tornado the loco not tornado the weather
 
  • #14
GrahamN-UK said:
I'm afraid so. On the 3 July 1938 the loco Mallard set the still-current world speed record for steam rail traction at 126 mph (203 km/h, 56.3 m/s) further south on the same East Coast Main Line route as Tornado.

Yes,the record set by Mallard was mentioned in the video, making it all the more strange that we should get so excited today about making it to 100 mph today. Are we celebrating under achievement?
 
  • #15
Dr.D said:
Yes,the record set by Mallard was mentioned in the video, making it all the more strange that we should get so excited today about making it to 100 mph today. Are we celebrating under achievement?
Keep in mind we live in a day and age that has imposed so many restrictions that having to slow down in many locations does make a difference in how quick a recovery of speed can have an affect on top speed over a distance.
 
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