Forney locomotive
The Forney locomotive is a type of tank locomotive patented by Matthias N. Forney between 1861 and 1864 and used predominantly in the US.
Forney design
Forney locomotives include the following characteristics:
- A RTwheel arrangement, that is four driving wheels followed by a truck with four wheels (though the term has become somewhat generic; many small tank engines of various wheel arrangements have been called Forneys).
- No flange on the second pair of driving wheels.
- The fuel bunker and water tank placed over the four-wheel truck.
History
The locomotives were set up to run cab (or bunker) first, effectively as a 4-4-0 (or 6-4-0), though the type achieved popularity for its ability to operate well in either direction. The 4-4-0 wheel arrangement, with its three-point suspension, was noted for its good tracking ability, while the flangeless middle wheels allowed the locomotive to round tight curves. Placing the fuel and water over the truck rather than the driving wheels meant the locos had a constant adhesive weight, something other forms of tank locomotive did not.
Large numbers of Forney locos were built for the surface and elevated commuter railroads that were built in cities such as New York, Chicago and Boston. These railroads required a small, fast locomotive that tracked well and could deal with tight curves. Their short runs meant the limited fuel and water capacity was not a problem, making the Forney ideal. However, their noise, smoke and tendency to drop ash and cinders (particularly from overhead tracks) made them unpopular. As these railroads began to electrify or were replaced by subways at the end of the 19th century, Forneys began to disappear.
Forneys were also popular on the
Related designs
The
]The Mason Locomotive Works, developed the Mason Bogie locomotive, a type of British Single Fairlie. Unlike the Forneys, the Mason Bogies were articulated locomotives: the boiler and fuel/water tank were on the main frame and the engine was on a separate steam "bogie" that was articulated to pivot beneath the boiler. Because the bogie was articulated, the reach rod and reversing lever were positioned above the main frame earning the locomotives the nickname "sewing machines."[citation needed]
Surviving locomotives
Today, Forney locomotives can still be seen on
References
- ^ Broggie (2014), pp. 242–243.
- ^ DeGaetano (2015), pp. 6–7.
- ISBN 978-1-57864-914-3.
- DeGaetano, Steve (2015). The Ward Kimball: The Story of Disneyland Engine No. 5 (2nd ed.). Theme Park Press. ISBN 978-1-941500-58-3.
External links
