How do locomotives pull so much weight?
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How do locomotives pull so much weight?
Electric locomotives are powerful and have traction motors fitted in all coaches. So, starting and accelaration is instant in case of metro trains. Some trains have double engines to pull higher loads. The two things that make this possible are HORSEPOWER and TRACTION.
How does a train pull all that weight?
When the train pulls the carriages their wheels are rolling not sliding. That means the coefficient of friction of the carriage wheels with the rails is not relevant. The engine just has to be able to produce enough force to overcome whatever drag exists in the carriage axles and wheel bearings.
How much weight can an average locomotive pull?
Heavy Haul vs High Speed.
| Model | Weight | Total tons on 1\% grade |
|---|---|---|
| Light GP40 | 250,000 | 3750 |
| Heavy GP40 | 280,000 | 4200 |
| Light SD40 | 380,000 | 5700 |
| Heavy SD40 | 420,000 | 6300 |
Why do Locomotives weigh so much?
It all depends on how much the track (rails) can take. Rails in India are designed to take about 24 tons / axle. if there are 6 axles on a locomotive, then the locomotive cannot be more than 24*6 = 144 tons. if, for some reason, loco is weighing more, then more axles will have to added.
How many cars can a locomotive pull?
Depending on track gradient and other constraints such as the lengths of passing loops, loading and discharge loops and sidings, these trains can vary from 40 to 46 wagons. So each loco can pull 20 to 23 fully loaded wagons in typical operating conditions.
How much does a diesel locomotive weigh?
GE AC6000CW
| hideSpecifications | |
|---|---|
| Height | 16 ft 0 in (4.88 m) |
| Axle load | 72,000 lb (32,658.7 kilograms; 32.7 tonnes) max |
| Loco weight | 423,000–432,000 lb (192,000–196,000 kilograms) 212–216 short tons (189–193 long tons; 192–196 t) |
| Fuel type | diesel fuel |
How many train cars can one locomotive pull?
How much does an entire train weigh?
So a typical over the road long haul freight train can weigh anywhere from 3,000 tons to 18,000 tons or more depending on the number of cars in the train. Local trains with less cars might weigh anywhere from 1,500 tons to 6,000 tons or more.
How much does an Amtrak train engine weigh?
The average Amtrak locomotive today weighs about 134 tons (121,563 kg).
How do locomotives get traction?
Locomotives are engineering marvels, and many instances must be present in order for a locomotive to gain traction efficiently. Trains get traction because of the immense weight of the locomotives, and the friction generated between the wheel and rail head.
How does the weight of a locomotive affect the effort involved?
In short, the heavier the locomotive, the greater the tractive effort. Aerodynamic drag is also a key factor in how trains are able to gain tractive force.
Why do trains have multiple locomotives?
This adds more horsepower to the train and allows for increased adhesion. In order to gain traction when commandeering a heavy train, multiple locomotives are utilized to generate enough power. This is performed by a series of electrical and air systems connected to the locomotive via various hoses.
A modern diesel electric locomotive weighs around 400,000 lbs, and has a tractive effort of roughly 60,000 lbs, thus, there is massive force on the rail head. Some modern locomotives, such as the ES44AC, are ordered with extra weight for additional tractive effort.