CHAPTER 4

The Locomotive
Steam until
mid 1950’s
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
 Diesel–Electric 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