Can Trains Have Car Engines?

The answer is yes, but it is not common. There are a few examples of trains that have been converted to use car engines, and there are also a few manufacturers that produce new trains that use car engines.

Advantages of Using Car Engines in Trains

• Car engines are more efficient than traditional diesel engines.
• Car engines are lighter than traditional diesel engines.
• Car engines are cheaper than traditional diesel engines.
• Car engines are easier to maintain than traditional diesel engines.

Disadvantages of Using Car Engines in Trains

• Car engines are not as powerful as traditional diesel engines.
• Car engines are not as reliable as traditional diesel engines.
• Car engines are not as durable as traditional diesel engines.
• Car engines produce more emissions than traditional diesel engines.

Examples of Trains That Use Car Engines

• The Budd RDC (Rail Diesel Car) was a self-propelled diesel-electric railcar that was produced by the Budd Company from 1949 to 1962. The RDC used a General Motors V8 car engine.
• The British Rail Class 220 Voyager is a diesel-electric multiple unit train that was produced by Bombardier Transportation from 1995 to 2001. The Voyager uses a Cummins V12 car engine.
• The Stadler GTW (Gelenktriebwagen) is a diesel-electric multiple unit train that is produced by Stadler Rail. The GTW uses a MAN V8 car engine.

Conclusion

While it is possible to use car engines in trains, it is not common. There are some advantages to using car engines in trains, such as improved efficiency and lower cost, but there are also some disadvantages, such as reduced power and reliability. Overall, traditional diesel engines are still the most common type of engine used in trains.