A modern locomotive can have anywhere from 1000 to 18,000 horsepower, depending on the power source, model, and year of production. The average power of a train engine can vary greatly, but almost all options offer a level of strength and durability that would be unthinkable a few decades ago.
Here are the nine most powerful locomotives in the world, almost all electric. Plus, one honorable mention, because every data spread needs a romantic denouement.
Early diesel engines were less than 100 horse power (hp) but today the US is building 6000 hp locomotives. For a UK locomotive of 3,300 hp (Class 58), each cylinder will produce about 200 hp, and a modern engine can double this if the engine is turbocharged.
A diesel locomotive is a type of railway locomotive in which the power source is a diesel engine. Several types of diesel locomotives have been developed, differing mainly in the means by which mechanical power is conveyed to the driving wheels. The most common are diesel-electric locomotives and diesel-hydraulic.
Learn some basic spotting features for modern EMD and GE diesel-electric locomotives
Today''s trains run on diesel-electric, gas-turbine, and electric power. But, let''s dive into the details a little further. We all know that classic representation of trains. It''s those with gigantic engines with massive smoke billowing from the head! Much like Thomas The Train or Chuggington, if you can imagine.
Many trains intersperse multiple locomotives throughout their lineup to increase and distribute the power. Besides steam- and diesel-powered locomotives, many modern trains operate solely on electrical power. They get the electricity from a third rail, or electrical line, along the track.
A traditional locomotive simply relies on mechanical energy to drive the locomotive. On the other hand, a modern hybrid diesel locomotive combines both electrical and mechanical energies to give better power output.
Environmental and financial pressures have shunted the rail industry into overdrive in the pursuit of new solutions to make train engines more efficient, cost-effective and quieter. How are engines being changed and improved in
The AC6000CW is a 6,000-horsepower (4,500 kW) diesel electric locomotive built between 1995 and 2001 by GE Transportation. It is among the world''s most powerful single-engined diesel locomotives. The locomotive was designed for extremely high horsepower needs, such as pulling heavy coal and ore trains.