Anonymous

“ The Rubicon, as yet unnamed, arrived at NCR in 1909 on a flat car, just as its successor was welcomed more than half a century later.
Most things yield to progress—and that, of course, is how museums are made. The Corliss engine now on display at Carillon Park labored mightily during the formative years of American industry, yet more economical electric power systems eventually sent that steam giant into retirement at the Park. The Conestoga wagon and the Concord coach, the Grasshopper locomotive and the high-wheeled Cadillac—all served their purpose. ”

“ The NCR engine house had just been completed when employees clustered around the Dayton for this photograph.
One of the first engine crews poses by the Rubicon.
The Diesel-electric locomotive which replaced them is a 50-ton eight-wheel unit manufactured by the General Electric Company at Erie, Pa. It is powered by two 150-horsepower engines, each driving a D.C. generator. In turn, each of the generators powers a D.C. motor geared to an axle. A powered axle drives two wheels directly, and by side arms two other wheels are also driven. Thus, the locomotive is powered by two independent units. ”

“ As steam is used, the pressure falls, but with the decrease part of the water becomes steam. The tank is charged to full boiler pressure, 250 to 200 pounds as the case may be, and the pressure reduced to 60 pounds by a reducing valve.
The cylinder diameter is increased so the tractive power, to the limit of adhesion can be utilized at 60 pounds pressure in the cylinders. Due to these large cylinders, the locomotive can move itself with only or 4 pounds pressure.
Under ordinary circumstances, it will not have to be charged any oftener than the regular type of locomotive takes water. ”