CHAPTER 4

The Locomotive
Steam until
mid 1950s
Types of Locomotives

Steam
Diesel-Electric
Electric
Hybrid
Two Factors Determine the Ability of a Locomotive to
Start, Accelerate, and Obtain Top Speed

Tractive Effort

The Ability to Overcome Resistance

-Starting, Grade, Wind, Curve, Rolling

Tractive Force = Weight of Drivers x Coefficient of Adhesion

Horse Power (mainly 1,500 to 5,000 hp)

Rate of Doing Work

Drawbar Horsepower: horsepower available to haul

Adhesion Control

Grip Rail without Slipping

Dependent on weather, rail

conditions

Controlled automatically in
modern locomotive

Sanding
Tractive Force vs. Tonnage and Grade
Performance Curve of the Locomotive
(with train resistance for 420 tons trailing load of passenger stock)
 Different Horsepower
Ratings

Not all engine power pulls

train

On average, 82% of power

is left to pull train
Power Required vs. Speed and Grade
 DieselElectric Locomotive

Diesel Engine Prime Mover

Turbocharger / Electronic Fuel Injection

Alternator / Generator / Fans / Batteries

AC/DC Traction Motors

Locomotive Principal Components
Radial Trucks
 Locomotive Controls

Minimum Levers, but

Connected to Circuitry

Microprocessor Control

Display Screens

Interfaces with Primary

Operator
Six Axle, approx. 390,000 pounds

vs.

Four Axle, approx. 260,000 pounds

Multiple Unit Arrangements
Distributive Power / ECP
Mid-Train or Rear End
Slugs and Mates

No Prime Mover
Store Excess Power
Provide Weight for Tractive Effort
 Maintenance and Life Span

Most New Locomotives can Self-Diagnose Problems

Different Inspections Mandatory at Daily, 92-days,

Annual, and Biennial Periods

Remote Diagnostics

Average Locomotive Service is 20-25 Years

Used to be Returned to Manufacturer, but Now Sold to

Smaller Railroads
Genset and Hybrid Locomotives (Mainly for Switching)

Genset Multiple engine-generators per vehicle

Hybrid Operates on batteries that are charged overnight