What is a diesel locomotive?

Diesel locomotives, technically known as diesel-electrics, came into widespread use following development of Electro-Motive Corporation’s (later, General Motors’ Electro-Motive Division) EA/EB design, first tested on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O) in 1937.

What are the characteristics of a modern EMD diesel locomotive?

Average, modern, standard-cab “road switcher” EMD diesel locomotives consist of these traits: Details 2nd generation EMD units: Hood: Can be seen on every “A-unit” EMD diesel locomotive. Often referred to as “nose”.

How much power does a locomotive engine use?

This 270,000-pound (122,470-kg) locomotive is designed to tow passenger-train cars at speeds of up to 110 miles per hour (177 kph). The diesel engine makes 3,200 horsepower, and the generator can turn this into almost 4,700 amps of electrical current. The four drive motors use this electricity to generate over 64,000 pounds of thrust.

What is the hood on a diesel locomotive called?

Hood: Can be seen on every “A-unit” EMD diesel locomotive. Often referred to as “nose”. Cab: Houses the crew, as well as the controls to power and activate the locomotive. However, the locomotive may be started from within the engine compartment (long hood).

A diesel locomotive is a type of railway locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engine. Several types of diesel locomotive have been developed, differing mainly in the means by which mechanical power is conveyed to the driving wheels .

What kind of fuel do locomotives use?

Early internal combusition locomotives and railcars used kerosene and gasoline as their fuel. Dr. Rudolf Diesel patented his first compression ignition engine in 1898, and steady improvements in the design of diesel engines reduced their physical size and improved their power-to-weight ratio to a point where one could be mounted in a locomotive.

How did diesel locomotives become so popular in Germany?

The German railways (DRG) being very pleased with the performance of that engine, diesel–hydraulics became the mainstream in diesel locomotives in Germany. Serial production of diesel locomotives in Germany began after World War II.

What type of transmission is used in diesel locomotives?

Diesel–hydraulic drive is common in multiple units, with various transmission designs used including Voith torque converters, and fluid couplings in combination with mechanical gearing. The majority of British Rail ‘s second generation passenger DMU stock used hydraulic transmission.