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Firebox (steam engine)
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In a steam engine, the firebox is the area where the fuel is burned, producing heat to boil the water in the boiler. Most are somewhat box-shaped, hence the name. The hot gases generated in the firebo
The firedoor into the firebox of a steam locomotive. The firebox peak temperature is approximately 2,500 °F (1,370 °C).
The firedoor into the firebox of a steam locomotive. The firebox peak temperature is approximately 2,500 °F (1,370 °C).
Firebox of a GWR 6959 Class steam locomotive, showing the underside of the brick arch, constructed from specially-shaped firebricks
Firebox of a GWR 6959 Class steam locomotive, showing the underside of the brick arch, constructed from specially-shaped firebricks
Empty firebox of a Baureihe 52, showing the brick arch
Empty firebox of a Baureihe 52, showing the brick arch
Cutaway of locomotive firebox and boiler with radial stays
Cutaway of locomotive firebox and boiler with radial stays
Belpaire firebox
Videos
The Belpaire firebox is a type of firebox used on steam locomotives. It was invented by Alfred Belpaire of Belgium in 1864. Today it generally refers to the shape of the outer shell of the firebox whi
Firebox (steam engine)
…the contour of the boiler. However, due to the problem of placing stays at right angles to both the wrapper sheet and the crown sheet (see above), the Belpaire firebox was developed. In the Belpaire design, the wrapper sheet is roughly parallel with the firebox sheets, allowing better placement of the stays. That…
Diagramatic cross section of the Belpaire fire box showing the increased area for evaporation and larger volume of water contained in the square secti
Diagramatic cross section of the Belpaire fire box showing the increased area for evaporation and larger volume of water contained in the square section above the box. The hatched circles show the outline of the barrel to which the firebox was attached.
A Round-topped firebox cross section shown for comparison. Note the angling of the stays.
A Round-topped firebox cross section shown for comparison. Note the angling of the stays.
Pacific-type flat-topped inner firebox
Pacific-type flat-topped inner firebox
A Victorian Railways J class Belpaire firebox and boiler, in storage. A second firebox can be seen behind.
A Victorian Railways J class Belpaire firebox and boiler, in storage. A second firebox can be seen behind.