A Diesel "Tutor"

If you've wondered why there so many different types of Diesel Locomotives or just what a diesel locomotive is, this short tutorial is for you!

The Diesel Locomotive

A diesel locomotive is powered by a diesel engine (e.g; it doesn't use steam power).  Diesel's made their first appearance on America's railroads in the 1920's.  More powerful locomotive's were becoming necessary as the railroad industry was booming.  More people and more products needed to get more places quicker than ever before.  The answer was not with the steam engine.  The 1930's saw some "streamlined" locomotives which basically were the steam engines with "skirts" around the steam chambers to give them a more streamlined look but did not enhance their speed or power.  Diesel Locomotive included variations for diesel mechanical, diesel hydraulic, and diesel electric which refer to the method used to connect the diesel engine's power to the wheels.

Basic Diesel Types

 Doodlebug - EMC Gas

This was a gas-electric powered unit that was first used in 1923.  These units were used between small town depots, pausing to drop off or pick up mail, packages and passengers.  These units were less expensive to operate than a complete train and allowed railroads to provide rail service in rural areas that otherwise would not have been economically feasibly.

 EMD

The Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors produced the GP (General Purpose) line that began their lives as freight haulers and then were used as switchers at the central rail yards.

 GE U30C

This 6-axle locomotive was GE's answer to General Motors EMD.  Using the 3,000 HSP motor, the U30C's were used to pull heavy freights.

 Fairbanks-Morse

The H15-44 and H16-44 locomotives were designed for road freight and commuter service.

 ALCO RS-1

The RS-1 was introduced in 1941, combining the accessibility of a switching locomotive and the higher speed tracking of a road unit.

 EMD E3 & E6

Electro-Motive Division of GM designed the EMD E3 as a stock model, making it easier, cheaper and faster for railroads to modernize passenger service.  All models were powered by two 567A engines that produced 2000 HSP and shared the slanted nose, earning it the nickname of "Shovel Nose".

 GG1

Starting in 1895, the Pennsy Railroad built an electrified network that served many major cities. These routes handled a huge volume of traffic, including premier passenger runs.  By 1933, a dramatically new design was being used.  The streamlined body had a centered cab for bi-directional running eliminating time spent turning engines after each trip and greater crew safety.