How Big Is a Locomotive Engine Car?
Size Variations
Locomotive engine cars come in a wide range of sizes, depending on the type of locomotive and the intended purpose. The smallest locomotives, such as those used in industrial settings or on narrow-gauge railroads, can be as short as 15 feet (4.6 meters) long and weigh as little as 10 tons (9,072 kilograms). The largest locomotives, such as those used to haul heavy freight trains, can be over 100 feet (30.5 meters) long and weigh over 400 tons (362,874 kilograms).
Average Size
The average locomotive engine car is around 60 feet (18.3 meters) long and weighs around 150 tons (136,078 kilograms). This size allows locomotives to generate enough power to pull heavy trains while still being able to navigate curves and other obstacles on the track.
Factors Affecting Size
Several factors can affect the size of a locomotive engine car, including:
- Type of locomotive: Different types of locomotives have different power requirements, which affects their size. For example, diesel-electric locomotives are typically larger than steam locomotives because they require more space for their diesel engines and generators.
- Intended purpose: Locomotives used for different purposes are often different sizes. For example, locomotives used to haul heavy freight trains are typically larger than those used to pull passenger trains.
- Track gauge: The gauge of the track that a locomotive operates on can also affect its size. Locomotives operating on narrow-gauge tracks are typically smaller than those operating on standard-gauge tracks.
Largest Locomotives
The largest locomotives ever built were the Union Pacific Big Boys. These locomotives were over 130 feet (39.6 meters) long and weighed over 600 tons (544,311 kilograms). The Big Boys were used to haul heavy freight trains over the mountains of the western United States.
Smallest Locomotives
The smallest locomotives ever built were the Ffestiniog Railway’s “Little Giants.” These locomotives were just over 10 feet (3 meters) long and weighed just over 5 tons (4,536 kilograms). The Little Giants were used to haul slate trains on a narrow-gauge railway in Wales.
Conclusion
Locomotive engine cars come in a wide range of sizes, depending on the type of locomotive and the intended purpose. The average locomotive is around 60 feet (18.3 meters) long and weighs around 150 tons (136,078 kilograms). However, locomotives can range in size from 15 feet (4.6 meters) long and 10 tons (9,072 kilograms) to over 100 feet (30.5 meters) long and 400 tons (362,874 kilograms).
