Since the original thread on this subject (labeled "new poster") has drifted off this subject, I would like to get back to it with a new and more informative title.  I have enjoyed the postings that addressed the physics of whether or not a steam locomotive would be more efficient, less efficient, on unaffected by high altitude.  However, it seems to me that there must be a good deal of folk wisdom on the subject.  Firemen and engineers who actually ran the locomotives must have had some opinions, whether or not they might be scientifically correct.  Anybody know where such lore might be found?
     Alan Miller
     Bainbridge Island, WA

I have a question about how to talk about types of cylinders on a steam engine.  I am doing a kitbash that needs to replace the more modern type with the older one.  My problem: what do I call the "2 tootsie rolls tied together with sheet metal" modern type vs. the "single tootsie roll with a square box on top type"?  It is embarrassing to talk like that.  These things must have names.
     Alan