Steam Locomotive Retirement, Future Use, New Builds

United States, Britain, Historical Use, Scunthorpe Steelworks

File:Number 4468 Mallard in York.jpg, From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository, Description English: The famous speed record holding steam locomotive №4468 Mallard at the National Railway Museum in York. Author PTG Dudva

Introduction

History shows that steam locomotives could not be operated as cheaply or perform as well as diesel and diesel-electric locomotives. The iron horse had run across our countries for many years. Sure, some of them were preserved and others modified which is a great thing for those saved.

160,000 steam locomotives were produced so I can’t help but wonder if the steam locomotives were given a fighting chance to be used for other purposes. This article will speak to the retirement of steam locomotives in both the United States and the UK.

It goes on to provide information about how one company is now looking forward and building new steam locomotives at great cost. I think that is fantastic and look forward to seeing pictures or if I am lucky enough to make the trip to the location where the trains will be used that would be even better. We begin with our discussion on how the steam locomotive was retired in the United States.

United States