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bartpaaddiator β Shikulje
Published: 2013-09-18 08:55:05 +0000 UTC; Views: 367; Favourites: 18; Downloads: 4
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Description
A still working Kriegslok in the Shikulje coalmine, near Lukavac, Bosnia and HerzegovinaRelated content
Comments: 6
That's quite interesting. I know there are still operating Π’Π's (Russian BR 52 adaptation) but those are museum locomotives that only haul tourist trains or star in motion pictures. But this one appears to be actually working with cargo trains. On the other hand, it makes sence regarding the fact that it works at a coal mine. It has to be much cheaper to operate a steam engine there.
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There are operable ones all over Europe. Thousands were made, and many are preserved.
You are right - though there is also another reason, which is how cheap they are to fix. To make replacement parts for them all you need is a basic machine shop. For diesels, you have to order parts from manufacturers, something that could not be afforded in the situation Bosnian industry is in. Of course, I admire their practicality. I have befriended the engineer that keeps them alive. They are very happy with those machines, they are as you say economical to run, they are a good design. There is really no reason to change them. Many people assume that steam is archaic, but I don't believe this to be the case.
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Β Thanks for the explanation. Speaking of the repairs, another problem with diesel and electric locomotives that I've heard of several times is that they have a rather small period between scheduled repairs when working at such a place as a mine. Even the special industrial locomotives are so. The dust clogs the filters, wears off sensitive parts and creates sort circuits in the electrical machines really fast and it's very hard to keep it out. I've heard that some blocks of machines that may normally be disassembled for repairs are effectively impossible to take appart after a few months of work at a mine. So to keep the repair schedule and prices reasonable such blocks have to be replaced altogether. Steam engines, on the other hand, are very robust, mostly rely on mechanics and don't rely on such complex and expensive parts as electric traction motors etc.
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Fascinating! It's amazing that industrial steam still carries on in 2013.
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Bosnia is the last country in Europe when that takes place nowadays, in more than one location. I had always dreamed of seeing a wild steam engine, and then - it happened. I have to go there again, and i recommend that you, and anyone else who is fascinated with steam come there too sometime - to witness the sight.
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Unfortunately, it's unlikely I'll ever be able to travel that far (health reasons) but the internet lets me see photos and video of it, which is the next best thing!
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