Unicorns, Bigfoot, Nessie And Now T H I S...

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Locomotive power is a term used "to set things to travel usually bearing a load".

New railroad locomotives are AC electric diesel. Older ones were direct current. Different meaning. MUCH of generated power is used for magnetism to bond the drive wheels to the track. Remember old-timey steam locomotives? Slipping drive wheels? Sand to increase friction? Think those guys were more powerful than your everyday ATSF transcontinental? Yes the implications are clear. Newer locomotives have one hell of an inverter aboard.

Quick search puts both at about 6500 horsepower.

Steam lost due to lower efficiency and higher maintenance cost. Not for power.

Pretty sure a modern diesel/electric could spin the wheels just as easy as steam. I assume better control of torque for the diesel/electric.

Magnetic bond? Have any link on that?... I have never heard of it.