when did steam engines stop running?

Answer 1

They haven't stopped running. I am a boiler operator and I get paid very good money to watch a firebox and pressure gage. Steam locomotives were phased out by the diesel-electric drives after WWII, but some historical railroads still run the old steam locomotives. Steam operated cars lost popularity in the early 20th century to the internal combustion engine primarily because of the weight of the water they had to carry and the long time it takes to build up steam pressure.

Answer 2

a steam roller passed the front of my house 2 weeks ago with a police escort going to the Heritage Museum, I guarantee you they are still here.

however I think this is what you want to know,

The introduction of diesel-electric locomotives in the first part of the 20th century spelled the end of steam locomotives, though they were used in the North American and Europe to mid-century, and continued in use in other countries to the end of the century.
Steam locomotives can be fairly simple machines, maintainable under fairly primitive conditions and amenable to a wide variety of fuels. They are also relatively inefficient and require constant maintenance, and need substantial labour to do so. Water must be supplied at many points throughout the system, a problem in desert areas or where the local water is unsuitable.

The reciprocating mechanism pounds on the rails, thus requiring more maintenance of way. Steam locomotives require several hours' boiling up before service and an end-of day procedure to remove ash and clinker, unlike a diesel or electric locomotive which starts working from the first turn of the key and can be put away at night just as quickly.

Finally, the smoke from steam locomotives is frequently objectionable; in fact, the first electric and diesel locomotives were developed to meet smoke abatement requirements.

1960 the last American Class I holdout, the Norfolk and Western Railway, had discontinued steam operations. Some shortlines continued steam operations into the 1960s, and one steel mill continued to operate steam locomotives up to 1980.

In the United Kingdom the availability of cheap domestic-produced coal kept steam in widespread use until the 1960s, when rising labour costs led to its phasing out in 1968.

At the end of steam British Railways estimated that its steam locomotives were costing around four times more in running costs than diesels (even though most of its steam locomotives were allowed to deteriorate to a sorry state of repair before being scrapped).

The use of steam locomotives in British industry continued until 1974

Answer 3

They have not actually stopped running, the diesels have taken over most the routes, but you still have the occasional steam engine run along, special trips out for the odd steam train, keep an eye out for one, they are so picturesque. So technically, they have not actually stopped.

Answer 4

They didn't. You still occasionally see a steam engine on main lines, and of course there are many many private railroads still running steam.

Lots being used in Australia and China.

Answer 5

In 2004 the People's Republic of China retired its last steam engine train. There are some that are still used but only on heritage railroads these days and a company in Switzerland that is the last one making the is still in operation.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 6

It wass August 1968 in engelant wen stem locomotives haul last ordinary servis train for British railways, Special selebration tren houled 70013 Oliver Cromwell and other engine.
No Steam tren run British railways den till 191 wen Bulmer cider who haf contract British Railways uses 6000 King George V on Cider special tren den steam special start and now in sumer steam train rn ever day Fort William to Mallaig ont British Railway ore railtrack track.

Answer 7

the reason why steam engines stop running is because of their efficiency was very poor around 17% and different engineers found better ways to power engines as today gasoline and diesel engines

Answer 8

1

Answer 9

August 1968 although a narrow guage continued in British Rails hands until sold in Wales until 1989.

Answer 10

they are still used in all the power plants to make the electricity you use :)

they are called steam turbines and they can use natural gas or nuclear power to make the steam

the end of the steam car came in the early 1931 when Doble went out of business