On Thursday, June 8, 2006, at 07:51 PM, Dick J wrote:
> I understand that deisel locomotives are actually hybrid electric.
> the diesel engines only run a generator which runs an electric motor
> which, in turn, powers the locomotive. Dick J
>
They all are, and always have been (except for some pretty small units
such as you'd find working in the yard of a small factory). I'd guess
it's easier to build an electric motor with high torque at zero
speed*/high horsepower at high speed than it is to build a clutch pack
that'll handle a few thousand horsepower and enough torque to start a
10,000-ton load from zero speed and then stay together at high speed
through the mountains.
Turbine locomotives are hybrids, too. And electric trains are popular
in urban settings in America, some specialised industrial settings, and
all over the place in foreign lands. There's the drawback of needing
overhead wires to get enough volts/amps to 'em, but there's no smoke
and way less noise, and if electricity's easily available and cheap --
save the cost and hassle of the diesel and go all-electric.
*Steam engines were pretty good at this, too.
Jon Wennerberg
Seldom Seen Slim Land Speed Racing
Marquette, Michigan
(that's 'way up north)
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