THE inherent simplicity of the gas turbine and its well-known success in aircraft applications is leading to its consideration for locomotive use.
As a matter of fact, gas turbine locomotives have already found limited use by a few railroads throughout the world. The author discusses these applications and some of the lessons learned from them.
He points out that, although the first gas turbine locomotive to be put in service was built in 1941 - the same year that the first commercial diesel locomotive was placed in service -the latter has forged rapidly ahead, so that today the railroads are about 75% dieselized.
What, then, has held the gas turbine locomotive back? Mr. McGee points out that two of the most significant factors responsible are:
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1.
Metallurgical problems - the need for materials capable of withstanding the high temperatures encountered.
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2.
High fuel consumption.
He discusses both these factors - what has been done and what, in general, is still to be done- to solve them.