STEAM ENGINE: 'BIG TEA KETTLE ON WHEELS'


November/December 1978
Steam engines
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Robert Most collects 1880 style steam engines of which he has three that are being renovated. ''With a steam engine, it takes five minute to find the problem and a week to fix it,'' he says. Tribune photo by August Staebler.
August Staebler
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Reprinted with permission of Leland Hawes, Features, Editor, Tampa Tribune. Submitted by William L. Hetzer, 2309 West Comanche, Tampa, Florida 33603

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Robert Most collects steam engines.

Not scale models, but real coal burning, fire-breathing, 87-ton, 1880 style steam engines. He has three of them which are being renovated and readied to ride the rails once again.

'The total purpose of my interest is to save and restore the steam engines so that one day, they can be enjoyed by the public, young and old alike,' the Tampa insurance man said.

'MY INTEREST is not in trains. Trains, per se, do not interest me. The steam is what holds my interest.

'The steam locomotive is, in my opinion, the most fascinating piece of machinery ever invented. It is a fascinating invention and holds more universal interest than anything else ever built.

'It has a degree of nostalgia and fascination when operated. And to see the people's expressions when it's being operated it's just fantastic.'

BUT MOST SAID the steam engine's demise was not really necessary. Rather, he said, it was the result of a new invention, the diesel locomotive, and a fantastic amount of promotion by its builders which took the steam engines off the rails.

'During the 40s, there was a massive promotion of diesel engines. They went all out with portfolios, pictures, facts and figures and that's what did most to drive the steam engine off the tracks.

'There are many factors that went into it. Diesel engines have advantages over steam. Likewise, steam has advantages over diesels, too.'

HE SAID the diesel engine can be operated with fewer men, with more needed for the steam engine. But the steam engine is a simpler machine, with fewer problem areas.

'They say in a diesel it takes a week to find the problem and five minutes to fix it. With a steam engine, it takes five minutes to find the problem and a week to fix it.'

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