Quote:
Originally Posted by OVERULD
OP: I can only imagine the torque that a locomotive must produce to get a long loaded train moving. Looking at the drive wheels on a locomotive it seems that they would just spin on the tracks. Can you explain some things for this non-railroader?
1)How much horsepower in a typical locomotive?
2)How much torque to the drive wheels?
3)Does the diesel engine power a generator that then powers electric motors on the drive wheels?
4)Why don't the drive wheels spin on the track when starting out?
5)What is final drive ratio of the gearing used?
6)Why do you see one or more locomotives turned backwards when running several together?
Thanks - sorry for any stupid questions.
BJ
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1)Between 4000 & 4400 for road power
2)A single unit can generate 190,000+/- pounds of tractive effort
3)Yes.
4)Weight on the wheels.The contact patch for each wheel is roughly the size of a dime.
5)DOn't know-the gear on the traction motor drives what is basically a ring gear on the axle.
6)If they are not the lead unit,direction is irrellevant.To change direction,you simply move to the cab of the other unit.