Do diesel locomotives use antifreeze?
Unlike car and truck engines, most locomotives in the U.S. are cooled with water that contains anti-corrosion inhibitors, but does not contain antifreeze compounds. Because of this, locomotive cooling systems may need to be drained when engines are shut down during road operation in cold weather.
Do trains use coolant?
Predominantly, locomotives use water as a coolant. The reason for this is because water is more effective at heat transfer and is better for the environment. For example, if a leak occurs in a hose or tank, with water, there is no environmental harm as a result.
How are train engines cooled?
A locomotive radiator system primarily cools air, water, and oil. The air is used in the combustion process; the water for cooling the engine and turbo (if equipped); and oil for lubricating the engine components.
Why are locomotives diesel electric?
Diesel–electric powerplants became popular because they greatly simplified the way motive power was transmitted to the wheels and because they were both more efficient and had greatly reduced maintenance requirements.
What is an ALCO FA locomotive?
ALCO FA. The ALCO FA was a family of B-B diesel locomotives designed to haul freight trains. The locomotives were built by a partnership of ALCO and General Electric in Schenectady, New York, between January 1946 and May 1959. They were of a cab unit design, and both cab-equipped lead (A unit) FA and cabless booster (B unit) FB models were built.
What kind of engine does an ALCO FPA 4 have?
Finally, the 1,800 hp (1,300 kW) FPA-4/FPB-4, powered by the 251 V-12 engine, was built between October 1958 and May 1959 by ALCO’s Canadian subsidiary, Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW). The FAs, as well as their cousins, the ALCO PAs, were born as a result of ALCO’s development of a new diesel engine design, the Model 244.
Does ALCO make a passenger version of the FA?
Finally, Alco offered a passenger version of its FA, the FPA-2 and FPA-4 which sold modestly (it should be noted that the final model, the FPA-4, used Alco’s much improved 251 model engine although by the time it was released the builder had already lost most confidence from railroads in its ability to produce reliable locomotives).
When was the first Alco diesel engine made?
The FAs, as well as their cousins, the ALCO PAs, were born as a result of ALCO’s development of a new diesel engine design, the Model 244. In early 1944, development started on the new design, and by November 1945, the first engines were beginning to undergo tests.