User Guide

MICROSOFT TRAIN SIMULATOR ENGINEER’S HANDBOOK

HOW TO DRIVE A DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE | 41

WHAT IS A DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE?

A diesel engine is an oil-burning internal combustion engine. In a gasoline engine the fuel is ignited

by spark plugs, but in a diesel engine the fuel ignites because of heat generated by compression

inside the cylinders. When the pressure in the cylinders rises, the temperature of the fuel-air mixture

increases to the point where it ignites. The force of the ignition of the fuel moves the pistons in the

cylinders, which turn the crankshaft.

In a diesel-mechanical or diesel-hydraulic locomotive, the crankshaft is connected to a mechanical

or hydraulic transmission that both lowers the speed of rotation and allows power to connect and

disconnect from the wheels. The KIHA 31 is a diesel-hydraulic locomotive.

In a diesel-electric locomotive, the crankshaft turns an alternator or generator, which produces

electricity to power the traction motors (one located on each driving axle), which turn the wheels.

Diesel-electric locomotives are similar to electric locomotives, except that rather than having the

electricity generated outside the locomotive and delivered by electrified lines, the electricity is gener-

ated on board. The Dash 9 and GP38-2 are diesel-electric, as are almost all large diesel locomotives.

Diesel locomotives have the same operational advantages over steam that electric locomotives have,

in terms of power and fuel efficiency. But unlike pure electric locomotives, diesels can go anywhere

there is track, because they don’t need electrified lines, which are costly to build and maintain over

long distances.

1 Batteries 6 Motor Blower 11 Drive Shaft 16 Air Compressor

2 Control Stand 7 Auxiliary Alternator 12 Gearbox 17 Fuel Tank (one side)

3 Electronic Controls 8 Main Alternator 13 Radiator Fan Reservoirs (other side)

4 Rectifiers/Inverters 9 Engine 14 Radiator 18 Traction Motor

5 Air Intakes 10 Turbo Charger 15 Sandbox 19 Wheel

20 Truck Frame