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Because they used steam engines, which rely on fire to turn water into steam to power pistons which makes the train move.
Also, while in use some of the steam is always released, creating big steam clouds around the locomotive.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoCompared to Diesel and Electric trains, steam trains use more fuel and takes a lot longer to get going from cold.
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What are steam engines being used for today?
trains x
Can a train run on steam?
Steam trains were once widespread, and changed the world. A steam engine is an external combustion engine, meaning that the fuel burns outside the engine. In modern internal combustion engines the petrol or diesel burns inside the engine, and the gases produced expand and push the cylinders, and this motion eventually turns the wheels. In the steam engine the fuel burns in an external fire box. The heat boils the water to make steam, which pushes the cylinders. So it depends exactly what you mean by 'run'. Certainly there were and are steam trains, but the steam doesn't provide the energy to make it go, the fuel does.
What inventions did Elijah McCoy make?
Elijah McCoy invented the automatic lubricator which is used to oil the steam engines of trains and ships. Elijah McCoy was not only an inventor but also an engineer.
What were steam engine powers used for?
steam engine powers are used for the transport application in the early days. Later modified versions of the steam engines are used also for the electrical energy generation.
What is glandsteam?
Gland steam is used in engineering to prevent air from entering the steam chest.
What trains were used in the 1860s?
steam engine trains.
Fuel used by steam trains?
Steam coal
What does the idiom running out of steam mean?
trains used to run on steam, when they ran out they wouldnt be able to move anymore. its the same for people, when your "running out of steam" your getting tired, and weak
What were steam engine trains used for?
The same things modern trains are used for: hauling cargo and people.
What were steam trains used for?
steam trains were used to pull carriage's full of coal, tanks of oil, wood, and clothing cloths, and any other stuff used in the cities that was going to be used in the factories
Where were steam trains used?
Up until about 1950 ... everywhere.
What are steam engines being used for today?
trains x
What is good about having steam trains?
its more efficient and diesel trains consume more natural resources like oil which is also used for planes, cars and boats. only steam trains use coal.
What happen to the steam boats?
they are outdated and not used anymore
What happened the the steam boat?
they are outdated and not used anymore
Why diesel engine trains more used compare to steam engine trains?
Efficiency and cost. The maintenance of a steam engine can be very costly as compared to a diesel engine as well.
What are the advantages of using a steam engine train?
Steam engine trains used to be the only type of train that would work. They used to be iconic and were significant in the understanding of railroads. Today, steam engine trains offer no real advantages to other modes of transportation.
