Are tank engines most efficient?

[Robert Gift]

Would heat lost from the boiler raise the tank water temperature, saving fuel by having to raise that water temperature less?

Also, would the weight of the water on the drivers create better traction?

Did they ever place water jackets on huge locomotives?

Thank you.

Robert

 

[Pat]

Would heat lost from the boiler raise the tank water temperature, saving fuel by having to raise that water temperature less?

Yes though on road locomotives the amount of water that could be carried by this tank would be small compared to the needs of the locomotive. The tank would also subtract from the axle loading available for the rest of the locomotive. Pumps wouldn't be bothered by warm feed water but there is a limit to how warm the water could be for injectors.

Also, would the weight of the water on the drivers create better traction?

Yes but the weight would vary full to empty. So the usable traction would be limited by a less than full tank making the extra traction with a full tank of minimal use.