Automatically Refueling a Locomotive (2024)

FAQs

Automatically Refueling a Locomotive? ›

A flatcar with two bulk diesel fuel tanks, one of which has a pumping module underneath, is connected to the diesel locomotive(s), providing constant in-transit refuelling of the locomotives. It is a revolutionary fuelling system that continuously refuels the locomotive day tanks during long haul operations.

Thanks in part to these technologies, U.S. freight railroads can, on average, move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles per gallon of fuel, making rail the most fuel-efficient way to move freight over land.

A diesel engine can be fueled from a pump in 10 minutes or so. Steam Engine 1536 is a Mikado 2-8-2 locomotive. The Illinois Central Railroad Engine 1536, a 2-8-2 Mikado locomotive, is refueled in Carbondale, Illinois. Loading of coal and water and incidental maintenance takes a steam locomotive about 1 hour.

Fuel Tank. This huge tank in the underbelly of the locomotive holds up to 5,500 gallons (20,820 liters) of diesel fuel, plus an additional 300 gallons (1,135 liters) of coolant, and 250 gallons (946 liters) of engine oil.

Most of the time they are refueled when at a yard or maintenance depot. But they can be field fueled trackside if needed. Large railroads will have their own fueling facilities at strategic points on their franchise.

With the introduction of tenders (a special car containing water and fuel), trains could run 100–150 miles (160–240 km) without a refill.

Today's train locomotives are already quite fuel efficient, especially compared to trucks. In fact, trains can haul one ton of goods an average of more than 480 miles on just a single gallon of fuel, making them 3-4 times more fuel efficient than trucks.

Massive diesel engines will burn more fuel starting than they will idling for the better part of a day. If not intended to be shut down for more than 12 hours it is more fuel and money efficient to leave some massive engines idling. Other answers give some practical operational reasons to keep the engines running.

A locomotive fuel tank quantity(size) varies with the locomotive and whether it is a diesel or steam locomotive. Small diesel locos can be around 50 gallons for the tank. Large 4000 to 6000 HP mainline freight locos will usually have a 4000 to 5000 gallon fuel tank under the frame between the power trucks.

Ever check out the list prices of brand-new main line diesel-electric locomotives? They are expensive, about $3 million each.

What is the average horsepower of a diesel locomotive? ›

While the average car engine has about 200 horsepower, locomotive engines typically range from 2,000 to 4,500 horsepower. Train operators rely on diesel power across the full range of rail power applications.

EF3: A tornado becomes EF3 when the wind speed reaches 136–165 mph. With this power, the tornado can blow structures away and overturn trains.

Most commonly in North America the engines are fueled as part of their hostling, between assigned trains. Longer-distance routes have trackside fueling points — probably the closest thing metaphorically to 'gas stations'.

A locomotive fuel tank quantity(size) varies with the locomotive and whether it is a diesel or steam locomotive. Small diesel locos can be around 50 gallons for the tank. Large 4000 to 6000 HP mainline freight locos will usually have a 4000 to 5000 gallon fuel tank under the frame between the power trucks.

locomotive fuel is stored at high pressures (>250 atmospheres) and ambient temperatures in cylinders. These cylinders are carried either on the locomotive or on a tender behind the locomotive. diesel fuel (dual-fuel operation).

Diesel-Powered Trains: Diesel locomotives are commonly used in many rail systems. On average, a typical freight diesel locomotive can consume 3 to 5 gallons of diesel fuel per mile. Passenger diesel trains might have slightly lower fuel consumption. Electric Trains: Electric trains rely on electricity rather than fuel.