User Guide

MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR ENGINEER’S HANDBOOK
TRAIN BASICS | 22
THREE TYPES OF LOCOMOTIVES
You can drive three types of locomotives in Train Simulator: steam, electric, and diesel.
Steam locomotives
Flying Scotsman and the Gölsdorf 380 are steam locomotives, fueled by coal.
You can burn almost anything in a steam locomotive, but engines are typically designed to burn a
particular type of fuel, such as coal, wood, or oil. The fuel is used to heat water, creating the steam
that powers the locomotive. While steam engines were the transportation of choice in the 19th
century and early 20th century, they were largely supplanted by the more efficient diesel locomotive.
Electric locomotives
The Amtrak
®
Acela
SM
Express power car, Acela
SM
HHP-8, the 2000 Series, and the 7000 LSE Series
are electric locomotives, powered by electricity supplied from overhead power lines, also known
as catenary.
Electric locomotives use electricity to turn the wheels. The motors are very efficient, fast, reliable,
clean, and cheap to operate, but they require an electrified third rail or overhead electric lines, which
are expensive to install and maintain over long distances. Electric locomotives work particularly well
for commuter services, where high speeds and quick acceleration are important.
Diesel locomotives
The Dash 9, GP38-2, and KIHA 31 are diesel locomotives, powered by diesel fuel.
Diesel engines use diesel fuel to power the train. They replaced steam locomotives for long-haul
heavy freight operations because they are cheaper to buy, operate, and maintain. Unlike steam
locomotives, diesel locomotives can be coupled together and operated by one crew in the lead
locomotive, allowing efficient hauling of heavy loads over long distances. (When locomotives are
coupled together in this fashion, they are said to be in a “multiple-unit” consist, or “MUed together.”)
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAIN HANDLING
Proper train handling is all about safety and efficiency. To successfully operate a train, you must use
the right combination of the throttle and brakes to:
Protect yourself and others from injury.
Protect your cargo.
Prevent damage to the track structure and equipment.
Use fuel efficiently.
Meet your schedule.