Rail locomotives whose prime mover is a diesel engine, an electric motor drawing power from a third rail or overhead line, or a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain, the traction technologies that displaced steam on most of the world's mainlines over the twentieth century. Belongs here: any freight or passenger locomotive built around one of these traction types, including shunting and switching locomotives. Does not belong here: steam locomotives, or self-propelled passenger trainsets, which are grouped under passenger rolling stock even when diesel- or electric-powered, because the whole vehicle rather than a separate locomotive is the unit of interest there.
Facts
Comparison
Era of Emergence Era of Emergence Browse By
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Rail transport
WikipediaRail transport, lead section, 1880s electrification sentenceQuote, Rail transport, lead section, 1880s electrification sentence
In the 1880s, railway electrification began with tramways and rapid transit systems.
View the Source 2. Wikipedia: Diesel locomotive
WikipediaDiesel locomotive, lead section, 1925 US service sentenceQuote, Diesel locomotive, lead section, 1925 US service sentence
The first successful diesel engines used diesel-electric transmissions, and by 1925 a small number of diesel locomotives of 600 hp (450 kW) were in service in the United States.
View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.