what kind of engine does trains have? cargo train?

Answer 1

An excellent question, even if asked before.

Although correct, the term “engine” is often interchanged when dealing with different parts of motive power, which creates some confusion. So, lets define our terms.

Properly called a “locomotive” or “unit,” when referring to the entire piece of equipment, that which most people refer to as an ‘engine’.

An “engine,” is defined by the railroads as “A unit propelled by any form of energy, or a combination of such units operated from a single control, used in train or yard service.”

The diesel motor (engine) that drives all of the components is called the ‘prime mover.’ So, we have an engine, an engine and an engine, but they are three different things.

These days the diesel-electric locomotive reigns supreme. There have been many improvements over the years, most recently incorporating the use of alternating current, but essentially, they are the same as in the beginning.

The prime mover usually consists of 12, 16, 18 or 20 cylinders. EMD prime movers are 2 stroke, while GE has always opted for the 4 stroke variety. You will notice a much different sound between the two.

Older prime movers incorporate “roots blowers” while the newer prime movers are turbo- charged. But, there is a difference here as well. The EMD prime movers’ turbos are actually kind of a hybrid between a blower and a turbo-charger. This turbo is actually gear driven when operating in throttle positions 1 thru 5, and at 6 thru 8 a clutch disengages the gear works and then it runs off of the exhaust gasses, as a pure turbo-charger. GE locomotive prime movers are purely turbo-charged.

Whether AC or DC, the prime mover turns an alternator, which produces alternating current. On locomotives with DC traction motors, the AC current must be converted to DC before reaching the traction motors. This is done through the use of banks of ‘rectifiers’. Of course AC traction motors allow for these rectifiers not to be needed, which increases efficiency. DC locomotives’ alternators, at least on EMD units, use the AR-10 alternator, with the ‘10' referring to the number of ‘diodes’ contained within. I can’t remember the GE models, however.

Aside from the difference in current, alternators and generators operate differently, with the ‘alternator’ needing what is called ‘excitation’ from another electrical source to operate. In your automobile alternator, it gets its needed supply from the battery. On a locomotive alternator, it gets the electricity it needs from the ‘companion alternator’, which is also powered by the prime mover.

The prime mover also powers the ‘auxiliary generator’, which supplies low voltage needs for headlights, battery charging, etc.

The electricity produced is then fed to the electric traction motors, which are axle hung, with a ‘pinion gear’ mounted at the end of the armature of the traction motor connecting with a ‘ring gear’ on the drive wheels.

So, how much electricity does one of the beasts generate? I have seen them put out 9,000 amperes across a 600 volt field. But, in most instances, wheel slip or wheel creep is happening by this time, and when these conditions exist, electricity is often automatically reduced through protective circuitry. So, one of them can provide the electrical needs of a small community.

The prime mover also powers the air compressor, which is usually a two-stage three cylinder affair that can put out some major cubic feet per minute.

As mentioned above, the long hood behind the cab contains all of this gear, in addition to the cooling water retention tank, fuel filters, the ‘equipment rack’, the associated electric switch gear and the like.

As also mentioned, the horse power varies between 1200 and 6000. But, it is the weight of the locomotive that gives it its 'tractive efort'. Rule of thumb, 25% of the weight of the locomotive is what the tractive effort can be expected to be. Most road engines are around 410,000 lbs. and the tractive effort is pretty close to 105,000 ft lbs of tractive effort, or 'torque'.

Answer 2

For cargo trains, they are powered by Diesel engines. There are two manufactures of locomotives in the United States, General Electric and EMD (ElectroMotive Division of General Motors).

The engines range in power from 1500 hp to 6000 hp. They come in both AC and DC versions. The AC versions are typically larger, harder pulling and about twice as expensive as the DC versions. The engine drives a generator, alternator, and auxiliary generator sets. The generator powers either 4 or 6 traction motors that nestle on the axles between the wheels of the locomotive.

Besides the fact there are no transmissions, clutches, and etc., by running electric motors to power the wheels is that the locomotive doesn't care which way its going. Forward and reverse is set by the first locomotive. This is why when a train is pulled by several locomotives they don't have to face a certain way.

Answer 3

Most commonly a Diesel engine drives an alternator, producing alternating current electricity. This is regulated by the driver and passes to the motors which drive several of the wheels. Some locos have four or more wheels on each side driven.

In the pure electric, power from an overhead wire called a caternary passes to the loco via a spring loaded contact called a pantograph. This drives motors. The current then flows to ground via the rails.

The three rail system with an electrified central rail is basically only used in underground rail systems because of low headroom and because public (read idiot) access to the rails is limited.

In China it is estimated that about 3000 steam locomotives are still in use, but the Chinese are steadily replacing these with Diesel-electric locos. There are some operational steam locos working in a few other places.

Answer 4

Train Locomotive Types

Answer 5

Rango is correct although i've never got to haul Zebras.I stood to catch the Ringling Brothers circus train twice and neither time got it.Airplanes haul a wide variety of cargo too,but not near as diverse as trains do.I have hauled small planes, helicoptors and 747 engines.

Answer 6

Diesel driven generators send electricity to large DC motors on the trucks. A truck is a set of 4 train wheels with axles, brakes and suspension springs.

Answer 7

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Apples to zebras, we haul it all. Look around you ... .. most everythign you see is moved via freight train. We haul entire Boeing 737 fusealges from a plant in the midwest to the west coast, although they dont have the wings, they are pretty impressive anyway. They need two flatcars coupled permantnely together. Back in the cold war days we would haul solid rocket engines to the missile bases at Malmstrom AFB, they were accompanied by armed guards in a special armored caboose, we didnt mess with those loads. The materials for the house you are in, appliances, clothing, food, even the computer you are sitting at, all are hauled by train. Your automobile and the fuel it burns, the road building equipment and materials. The list of things we dont haul is very very short.

Answer 8

Great big diesel engines that produce thousands of horsepower. then they drive generators that produce electrical power which is fed to electric "Traction Motors" that drive the wheels. Look at a locomotive from the side, see where the engineer sits? the big space from him to the other end of the locomotive is how big the "Great Big Diesel' is!

Answer 9

Diesel powered locomotives are the mainstay for U.P., B.N.S.F., and the other large railroads-the newest line of large locomotives that U.P. uses has 8,000 horsepower, a 6,500 gallon fuel tank, and weighs 1/2 a million pounds. Throttle 8 will get you up to 75 mph...the most incredible feeling ever bestowed upon a human being

Answer 10

Diesel engine provides electric power which runs electric motors that propel the train