I see. So the difference is that electric motors can provide a momentary burst of torque which is higher than their sustained capacity. And steam engines can’t do that, if they could, then the same “problem” would arise for them, right?
Yup! Which is why some steam trains had starter gear or “boosters” which was a 3rd piston geared down a lot into a normally unpowered axle. It was only active at low speeds but provided extra starting torque to get things moving
I see. So the difference is that electric motors can provide a momentary burst of torque which is higher than their sustained capacity. And steam engines can’t do that, if they could, then the same “problem” would arise for them, right?
Yup! Which is why some steam trains had starter gear or “boosters” which was a 3rd piston geared down a lot into a normally unpowered axle. It was only active at low speeds but provided extra starting torque to get things moving