Oh To Build Something Like This (Steam Shovel)

[BrokenTrack]

I was looking at this, and it would be possible to home-build.

With a little old equipment mash-ups, you could get the track system, and turntable, then add some winches, and fabricate the boom, bucket and cable system. I know you can buy brand new, vertical tube ASME boilers that look just like this, and would be legal. A person could then take the steam out of the top of the boiler and push steam across a hydraulic pump and power each winch, crowd or track unit with hydraulic power instead of mechanical gearing. Granted it would not be really true to history, but still a workable, old-looking steam shovel that worked without anyone really knowing the difference until they got up close.

I cannot see why it would not work. It would be an expensive, but fun project! It would be the first new steam shovel built in the last 100 years anyway!

 

[3Ts]

I've always been fascinated with the railroad steam locomotives. I found out they operated at around 150 psi which is much less than I'd expected since we use compressed air at near that pressure. I suspect that the steam shovels operated near that pressure as well so not a lot of power compared to today's equipment, but yes it would be interesting. You could also use a gasoline engine running a pump to power the winches and a separate steam generator just for show. Actual steam boilers have to be opened up and inspected periodically.

If you decide to build one, be sure to post pictures.

 

[BrokenTrack]

I've always been fascinated with the railroad steam locomotives. I found out they operated at around 150 psi which is much less than I'd expected since we use compressed air at near that pressure. I suspect that the steam shovels operated near that pressure as well so not a lot of power compared to today's equipment, but yes it would be interesting. You could also use a gasoline engine running a pump to power the winches and a separate steam generator just for show. Actual steam boilers have to be opened up and inspected periodically.

If you decide to build one, be sure to post pictures.

150 pounds is pretty good pressure, especially considering that they had superheated steam towards the end of steam trains on the railroads. With steam expanding 1700 times in volume, there is a lot of force at play, so you can do some significant work with it. More so with superheated steam naturally.

The biggest thing is safety. When you got that much pressure, you have upped the boiling point of water a significant amount, so if you lose pressure...suddenly the boiling point of water is down to 212 degrees again, and the boiler is at 366 degrees and you get some pretty good squish-bang going on.

Inspections are twice a year: one external, and one internal, or at least in Maine that is how it works. A fireman in this situation would only need a Class 4th class boiler operators license though because the btu's are so low.

I was working for the railroad and was working in Chicago when we saw this bad boy pull up beside us. That was pretty interesting to see.

 

[redheelerdog]

I was looking at this, and it would be possible to home-build.

With a little old equipment mash-ups, you could get the track system, and turntable, then add some winches, and fabricate the boom, bucket and cable system. I know you can buy brand new, vertical tube ASME boilers that look just like this, and would be legal. A person could then take the steam out of the top of the boiler and push steam across a hydraulic pump and power each winch, crowd or track unit with hydraulic power instead of mechanical gearing. Granted it would not be really true to history, but still a workable, old-looking steam shovel that worked without anyone really knowing the difference until they got up close.

I cannot see why it would not work. It would be an expensive, but fun project! It would be the first new steam shovel built in the last 100 years anyway!

View attachment 646405

An EPIC build indeed

 

[ruffdog]

Steam shovel register:

Steam Shovel Register

 

[MossRoad]

I wonder if the heat from the steam would have an effect on the hydraulics? I suppose you could shaft drive the pump to keep it away from the steam heat.

All things are possible if your wallet is large enough. :thumbsup:

 

[bcp]

Boiler pressure of 150 PSI would be from the late 1800's, maybe.

Here's a more modern locomotive from 1944. 300 PSI.

Union Pacific 844 - Wikipedia

Bruce

 

[Semper Paratus]

Can anyone say Mike Mulligan and Mary-Ann

 

[ProjectKing]

Instead of building one... you could restore one and bring it back to life. Preserve a piece of history.