Sunday 14 July 2013

Learn And Appreciate Locomotive Engines Better

By Roxanne Cruz


It is always safe to know about your favorite means of transport such as rail transport. Ferrying cargo is cheaper over the rail and so you should understand how the train works. It is powered by locomotive engines and these are of different kinds. This article will discuss about these engines.

Technology has advanced and by considering this engine you will actually attest to the developments that have been noted. This piece is an incredible display of power and ingenuity that meets the eye. It is in fact a combination of great mechanical technology that incorporates the heavy diesel engine with the electric motors and generators.

With time, the need for mechanical transmission has been eliminated with the new engines. The diesel engine remains the best option and a more efficient engine in comparison to the gasoline and other engine types. This change reflects in the significant difference that you will note on the cost of fuel. It is best to appreciate this information so that you even embrace locomotives the more. Locomotives today combine the great engine with steel wheels so as to reduce the rolling friction.

The diesel engine as already mentioned remains the best option. It provides the motive power that the train needs to keep moving and get to the different destinations. It is quite easy to service because of its design. It has modular cylinders that make it quite easy to service. They are available in two kinds. There is the type that pulls the train from the front and the type that pushes the train from behind. Both of these have their own pros and cons and you may be interested in finding out.

The other striking feature of this engine is that you don't have to stop the operations of the train to change it. It also makes maximum use of power which eliminates risk of additional expenses. The train is such a flexible means of transport since it ferries both cargo and passengers and so the engine is important as it provides the required power effectively. The engine makes the train less noisy.

These components are the driving power of the train. Like humans, engine also need food that is termed as fuel in this scenario. Therefore, it is important to know how such parts are powered and what types of fuel are generally used. There are various types of source that can be used for supplying fuel to locomotives. Wood, coal, petroleum, fossil fuel, these are the most used sources. The diesel is the most efficient option and highly recommended for the best performance.

The engines are many but they are classified based on the source of power. Internal combustion ones are the type that gets power from fuel. Electric ones are those that get their power from electricity. Hybrid ones get power from battery. The battery works by storing energy temporarily and permits regenerative braking and switching off whenever the engine is not in use.

There are many roles that locomotive engines play and these include the pilot engine which enables double heading and is attached to the front of the train. There is the banking engine that assists train from rear when facing difficulty in starting or sharp decline gradient. The light engine operates without the train behind it for operational and relocation reasons.




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