How Many Cars Can a Locomotive Engine Pull?

Introduction

The number of cars that a locomotive engine can pull depends on a number of factors, including the type of locomotive, the weight of the cars, the track conditions, and the grade of the track.

Types of Locomotives

There are three main types of locomotives: diesel-electric, electric, and steam.

Diesel-electric locomotives are the most common type of locomotive in the United States. They are powered by a diesel engine that drives an electric generator, which in turn powers the traction motors that drive the wheels.
Electric locomotives are powered by electricity from an overhead catenary or from a third rail. They are more efficient than diesel-electric locomotives, but they are also more expensive to build and operate.
Steam locomotives are the oldest type of locomotive. They are powered by burning coal or oil to create steam, which drives the pistons that drive the wheels.

Weight of the Cars

The weight of the cars that a locomotive engine can pull is also a factor in how many cars it can pull. Heavier cars require more power to pull, so a locomotive engine that is pulling heavier cars will be able to pull fewer cars than a locomotive engine that is pulling lighter cars.

Track Conditions

The condition of the track can also affect the number of cars that a locomotive engine can pull. Track that is in poor condition will require more power to pull trains over, so a locomotive engine that is pulling trains over poor track will be able to pull fewer cars than a locomotive engine that is pulling trains over good track.

Grade of the Track

The grade of the track is also a factor in how many cars that a locomotive engine can pull. A locomotive engine that is pulling trains up a steep grade will require more power than a locomotive engine that is pulling trains on level track, so a locomotive engine that is pulling trains up a steep grade will be able to pull fewer cars than a locomotive engine that is pulling trains on level track.

Conclusion

The number of cars that a locomotive engine can pull depends on a number of factors, including the type of locomotive, the weight of the cars, the track conditions, and the grade of the track. In general, a diesel-electric locomotive can pull between 50 and 100 cars, an electric locomotive can pull between 100 and 200 cars, and a steam locomotive can pull between 20 and 50 cars.