DIESEL DEVELOPMENT: RAIL-TRUCK MOTIVE POWER

Locomotive development promises to be evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, because the diesel engine seems to be peaking out in performance. Work on alternative prime movers indicates little competition for the diesel, with even the regenerative gas turbine being less efficient and with higher first cost. Turbocharging produced the second generation diesel locomotive; the author sees solid state electronics applied to propulsion and control systems as being the basis for further performance improvements. While any revolutionary motive power development probably would involve electrification, American railroads already have adequate motive power and scarce capital may well be better applied in improving inadequate right-of-way, outdated signaling and control systems and obsolete yards. The article also discusses technological innovation in trucking.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/4563352
• Corporate Authors:

  Traffic Service Corporation

  Washington Building
  Washington, DC  United States  20005
• Authors:
  • SMITH, H L
• Publication Date: 1976-6-21

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 33-36
• Serial:
  • Traffic World
  • Volume: 166
  • Issue Number: 12
  • Publisher: Commonwealth Business Media
  • ISSN: 0041-073X
  • Serial URL: http://www.trafficworld.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Control systems; Diesel electric locomotives; Electronic control; Engines; Gas turbine locomotives; Horsepower; Locomotives; Railroad electrification; Solid state devices; Superchargers; Technological forecasting; Vehicle design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Propulsion systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Electronic control systems; Locomotive design; Motive power; Prime movers; Solid state; Supercharging
• Subject Areas: Design; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00138329
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 3 1976 12:00AM