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by Karim Nice

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Nice, Karim.  "How Diesel Locomotives Work"  22 May 2001.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/diesel-locomotive.htm>  11 February 2012.
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Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Diesel Locomotives Work
  2. Why Hybrid? Why Diesel?
  3. Steel Wheels
  1. Traction
  2. The Layout: Main Engine and Generator
  3. The Layout: Cab and Trucks
  4. See more »
    1. The Layout: Power, Fuel and Batteries
    2. The Engine and Generator
    3. The Trucks: Propulsion & Suspension
    4. The Trucks: Braking
    5. Driving a Locomotive
    6. Riding the Train
    7. Lots More Information
    8. See all Engines & Equipment articles

Lots More Information

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Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Diesel Locomotives Work
  2. Why Hybrid? Why Diesel?
  3. Steel Wheels
  4. Traction
  5. The Layout: Main Engine and Generator
  6. The Layout: Cab and Trucks
  7. The Layout: Power, Fuel and Batteries
  1. The Engine and Generator
  2. The Trucks: Propulsion & Suspension
  3. The Trucks: Braking
  4. Driving a Locomotive
  5. Riding the Train
  6. Lots More Information
  7. See all Engines & Equipment articles
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Prices: Diesel Locomotive Products

  • Norfolk Southern 8688 Dash 8 40-C Diesel Locomotive
    Norfolk Southern 8688 Dash 8 40-C Diesel Locomotive

    Engines such as the Dash 8 have made General Electric successful. Modern electronics control the amount of power each wheel will deliver, measure any wheel slippage and monitor the flow of fuel to deliver more slip-free Horsepower from less fuel. Add a model of one of the most modern and powerful diesel engines in America to your layout - the Dash 8 40-C. It has all the external features of the real engine.

    $299.97

  • Kleinn Model 220 Dual Train Horn
    Kleinn Model 220 Dual Train Horn

    These horns are designed for durability easy fit and extreme sound. The ABS trumpets with extra-wide bells produce a bone-rattling locomotive blast that can be felt as well as heard. The 220's feature two separate mounting trumpets each with their own solenoids. Two separate horns 15-1/2" and 10-1/2". Each has its own mounting bracket and solenoid. High impact ABS trumpets. Max Input 175 psi Output (db) @ 100 psi: 152.7 Output (db) @ 150 psi: 154.2 Sound clip Solenoid (2) Vortex 4 12-Volt DC *156.9 db output with BlastMaster upgrade kit. Click here to check out the Blast Master upgrade kit.

    $129.00

  • Rail Road Diesel Locomotive Die Cast Metal Pencil Sharpener in Colorful Printed Box
    Rail Road Diesel Locomotive Die Cast Metal Pencil Sharpener in Colorful Printed Box

    This sharpener is a collectible item. Although it sharpens both graphite and colored pencils reasonably well, neither the blade nor the sharpener (located in the base on some) are replaceable. It is easy to paint using hobby enamel paints, either by brush or spray.

    $3.25

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