[ARC5] Locomotives

[Robert Eleazer]

Read a few years ago that they are building "hybrid" locomotives, hybrid in the same sense that a Prius is hybrid.

They replace switching engines in the yards and in fact use the running gear and frame from the old switch engines.  They use a whole bunch of batteries and a diesel engine such as would come in a large pickup truck.  The engine keeps the batteries charged, only starting when required.  The batteries run the locomotive.  A disadvantage of conventional diesel electric locomotives for switch engines is that they don't have to move long distances but have to run pretty much all day and night so to be handy as required.  The hybrid locomotive's engine only has to run as needed and I guess this not only reduces fuel costs but helps satisfy local air pollution requirements.  The hybrids actually weigh more than conventional diesel electric locomotives but this is seen as an advantage when assembling trains because it gives them more momentum.

They are going to start using hybrid locomotives for some long distance routes; I would guess these are for routes where the braking can be used to charge the batteries.

I have always thought it strange that the first major commercial user of GPS, using it even before the system was fully deployed, was the railroads.  While it is quite hard to get lost in a train, it turns out that knowing exactly where you are on a route helps a great deal, since you can apply or reduce power to handle changes in grade based on solid data rather than "This Looks About Right."  Thus, fuel and maintenance costs are reduced significantly.

Finally, I was told that in 1955 the old steam locomotives were surplused and sold for $500 each, and that included free use of the RR network to get it to your destination.  Don't ya'll all wish you had bought one?

Of course, in 1955 the USN's F8F Bearcats were surplused and sold for $500 each.  And I would rather have one of those!

Wayne