![]() ![]() Turbogenerators were made by several companies in the steam era, including Pyle-National, Sunbeam, and General Electric. Usually mounted along the top of a boiler, these ingenious devices use a powerful jet of steam from the boiler to spin a turbine wheel connected by driveshaft to a generator. The heart of the system is the steam turbine generator. Carl Swansonīut how can a steam engine produce electricity to run its lights? The far side contains a turbine wheel driven at very high speed by a jet of pressurized steam from the boiler. The side of the device closest to the camera contains an electric generator. 81’s turbogenerator is easily spotted thanks to its telltale escaping steam. This light was so superior that Congress passed a law in 1915 requiring all locomotives to be equipped with electric headlights. In 1897, a dramatically improved headlight appeared featuring a powerful beam powered by electricity. ![]() A much better approach soon arrived, a metal box mounted high on the front of locomotive containing an oil lantern in front of a reflector. The first attempt at a headlight appeared in 1832 and involved a large wood bonfire burning in an iron cage on top of a flatcar pushed by the locomotive. Carl SwansonĪs soon as trains began running at night railroads realized a light was needed for crews to see the tracks ahead and for people at grade crossings to be warned of the oncoming train. Locomotives were equipped with electric lights long before most homes in the U.S., but how can a steam locomotive generate electric power? The answer? A steam-powered generator, mounted just behind the headlight on this engine. Steam locomotives generate electricity The warm glow of an incandescent headlight lights the way for Nevada Northern’s No. ![]()
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