0-4-0 and 0-6-0 locomotives coal or oil fired - Model Railroader Magazine

Hello All,

to the forums.

Your first few posts will be moderated so they will be some delay in viewing them.

Dr_Bullitt

Did these burn both oil and coal?

No, it was an either-or situation.

I primarily run diesels but I do have two (2) steamers; a USRA 0-6-0 with a Vanderbilt tender and a 0-6-0 Side Tank Porter, both converted to burn oil.

The Vanderbilt tenders coal bunker was retrofitted to haul the oil. 

Vanderbilt tenders were manufactured in different sizes.

For short hauls, a smaller four-axle tender was used while for longer hauls, and bigger engines, a larger six-axle version would be used.

Because of the tight 15-, and 18-inch curves on my pike the smaller, four-axle version is used.

I don't know if it's true to scale but my four-axle tender measures 26-feet from footboard to footboard.

For longer hauls, I have a second four-axle tender that can be added on.

On the Bachmann 0-6-0 Side Tank Porter, just behind the cab is a space for the fuel of choice.

A coal load is modeled in this space and a cover plate with an oil filler is provided- -so you can model it for either coal or oil. 

Side Tank Porters were used for switching in ports- -hence the name.

As has been noted...

wrench567

Tank switchers did not stray far from a water source.

This was true for fuel; coal or oil, as well.

On my pike, it is used as a helper up the 3% grade. Then it is backed down and topped off for the next run.

Again, never far from a fuel oil and water source.

Hope this helps.