Table of Contents
Why is there a diesel engine on the back of a steam train?
In the interim, until all steam locomotives were modified to work an air-braked train, they were required to be fitted with a through air pipe so a diesel or electric locomotive could be attached in order to provide assistance in the event of failure of the steam locomotive.
Are electric locomotives more powerful than diesel locomotives?
Power plant capacity is far greater than any individual locomotive uses, so electric locomotives can have a higher power output than diesel locomotives and they can produce even higher short-term surge power for fast acceleration. Electric locomotives are ideal for commuter rail service with frequent stops.
Why do steam trains pull backwards?
They’re on those rails so the rail is the only direction of travel they can go in.” Jacobs says it’s actually more efficient to leave locomotives facing whatever direction they are facing because it takes a lot of energy to pick a train up and turn it around so that it would face the other way.
What does it mean to touch the third rail?
Touching a third rail can result in electrocution, so usage of the metaphor in political situations relates to the risk of “political suicide” that a person would face by raising certain taboo subjects or having points of view that are either censored, shunned or considered highly controversial or offensive to advocate …
Why do some trains have diesel locos at the back?
Having a diesel loco at the back allows the stock to be pulled clear and release the train engine, which can then go off for turning (either via a wye/triangle or a turntable). Provision of electric train heating and other electrical power for the coaching stock (very important given the inclement British winter weather!)
How much power does a diesel locomotive generator produce?
A locomotive’s diesel engine is connected to an electric generator that is either DC or AC. In either case, the power produced is around 3,200 horsepower. The generator uses this power to convert it into a massive amount of current, approximately 4,700 amperes.
Why do passenger cars have diesel engines?
But the cars are modern, and that’s another reason for the diesel. Passenger cars no longer have steam lines as they used to. They are all-electric and get the power from the locomotive, which has a separate generator to provide it to the consist. Since the switch to 480 Volt three-phase AC Head End Power (HEP), a means for it must be provided.
Why are electric locomotives more fuel efficient than steam engines?
Diesel is a more efficient fuel, and of course electric locomotives don’t need on-board fuel at all. Steam locomotives were insatiable consumers of water – up to 7 or 8 times the weight of water per mile would be consumed compared to the weight of coal.