2006-11-12 10:43:01 · 24 answers · asked by jstrothard 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Rail
coal, gas, or desel fuel
2006-11-12 10:44:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Diesel, electricity, or a combination of the two. City run trains such as found in the subways run on electricity.
The freight trains you see, use diesel engines to generate electricity to run the train. If you are near one when it starts up listen for the engine to rev up a little then a low humming sound when the electric motors kick in and the train begins to move.
2006-11-12 23:41:51 · answer #2 · answered by eferrell01 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On Train Tracks.
2006-11-12 19:03:35 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Knowledgeable VI 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Modern trains are diesel-electric. Have you ever noticed that when a trail accelerates from a dead stop to cruising speed that the sound of the engines doesn't change? That's because the trains use diesel engines to run electric generators, which in turn power electric motors, which make the train move.
2006-11-12 18:53:08 · answer #4 · answered by mtbskier81 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
most european trains run on electricity. the high speed intercity trains use AC, and the trams in the streets use DC. there are traction motors mounted on the axles that move the train. they get their electricity from an overhead wire or a third rail, and return it through one of the rails.
most american trains run o deisel. either they have a deisel engine inside that is geared to the wheels, or they have a deisel engine that generates AC electricity, that goes to traction motors mounted on the axles.
in some places, they still use steam. i'm not sure exactly how steam engines work, but the fire in the cab boils water, and they direct the steam from that to pistons mounted to the driving rods, which are the things that move the wheels.
2006-11-15 17:25:06 · answer #5 · answered by sery5692 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two forms of Fuel either Diesel or the newer trains can run on Bio-Diesel. The other method and most popular in the city is of course electricity.
2006-11-15 11:44:33 · answer #6 · answered by Alright! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All modern trains run on electricity. They obtain the electricity from either an overhead catenary, a ground-level third rail, or an onboard generator powered by a diesel engine.
2006-11-12 23:35:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Trains run on diesel-electric engines. I work for a railroad and have not seen a steam engine yet and have been here for almost 8 years. If you want to know the different stages of railroad engines then go to the website I have posted. It is very interesting.
2006-11-12 22:53:54 · answer #8 · answered by alvassar1980 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A train track.
2006-11-12 18:44:34 · answer #9 · answered by marklemoore 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rails :D They actually run on diesel IIRC, but I should mention that they are MUCH more energy efficient than semi-trucks, cars, and planes. Some trains run on electric, but usually those are urban.
2006-11-12 18:46:55 · answer #10 · answered by rath 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tracks
2006-11-12 18:45:59 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋