Mechanics,thermodynamics and locomotive design: Analytical methods and the classic form

The railway machine‐ensemble was brought to the classical condition by applying rational management, and associated techniques, which were developed by F.W. Taylor, F.B. Gilbreth, and H.L. Gantt. These methods identified the Stephenson‐Goss archetype, operated on the Common User system, as the ideal form of locomotive for the steam operated railway. It is argued that when a system is brought to the classical condition it usually approaches Design Impasse, and obsolescence.

The application of rational methods to the machine‐ensemble is related to the creative, derivative, and synthetic traditions of engineering design.