Are vintage steam trains speed limited when on mainline runs.?

Question

Some old locamotives are capable of well over 100mph in their heyday.

Answer 1

The last I heard (on a video about Mallard dating around 1989/90) steam locomotives in the UK are limited to 60mph on mainlines.

Answer 2

Yes they are, the weight of an old steam train is much greater with tender than new trains, also the maintenance of bridges, viaducts and cuttings are not as good as in the Steam days.

Also most trains are limited to speed, especially off the Mainlines.

Answer 3

Yes and no

the vintage rail cars are almost always good for whatever speed the operating RR is good for.

Most vintage steam locos are operated at a slower speed out of caution and respect for the grand old girls.

that does not mean they are slow by any means but usually around 60 MPH seems the norm.

And not all class I railroads are even equipped with cab signals. It is not required by the FRA and so is optional equipment by the railroad companies.

Answer 4

Mainline "plated" steam locomotives are limited.

Answer 5

YES

Answer 6

Steam locomotives are subject to speed limits which in many cases are well below the loco's capability.

The exact speed limit will depend on the type of loco and other factors such as axle load, wheel diameter, etc.

Answer 7

Yes the maximum speed for preserved main-line steam locomotives in the UK on Networkrail lines is 60MPH.

This limit is imposed to ensure maximum reliability and not over stress the loco whilst on main-line service.

Answer 8

thye need to have cab signals before they can even be run on a class I railway.

and they must adher to the speed restrictions.

Answer 9

they allowed to go up to 75mph.

Answer 10

The old BR limit of 60mph for steam engines was lifted ages ago. If they were all constrained to that then main line running would be almost impossible amongst modern traffic.

These days the speed limit is determined on a personalised engine basis.

Normally none would go faster than about 80mph because of engine wear and track damage.

Also, just like your motor car - the faster they went, the more coal and water they used. Locomotive coal is Very Expensive and suitable watering points are scarce.

Answer 11

As far as i know they can go line speed.  I would suppose that they are limited to a certain speed because of the nature of the engine, but as far as i am aware there are no limitations imposed due to the infrastructure.

Answer 12

75mph going forward, 60mph Tender first due to lack of visiblity.

Answer 13

You have to remember that the mechanics of a steam locomotive are much different than diesel electrics. Plus most of the parts are at least 70 years old. Even though all American steam locos are inspected and  certified, there are those seams that cannot be guaranteed unless X rayed. It's safer to run at lower pressures putting less demand on antique and most times irreplaceable parts.

Answer 14

I miss the old steam trains chugging along at a great speed and would help you to have a nap

Answer 15

the new trains go much faster so i dont see why not.