Diesel locomotive

A railway locomotive powered by a diesel engine through direct mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical transmission. Diesel-electric designs use the engine to drive a generator or alternator that supplies traction motors.

Diesel-electric transmission: A locomotive drive system in which a diesel engine powers a generator or alternator that supplies electric traction motors. It is the dominant transmission arrangement in many mainline diesel locomotives.
Rudolf Diesel: A German engineer who developed the compression-ignition engine patented in 1893. His engine made the locomotive’s prime mover possible.
Diesel engine: An internal-combustion engine that ignites fuel by compressing air until it becomes hot. It supplies the mechanical power that drives every diesel locomotive.
Steam locomotive: A railway locomotive powered by steam produced in a boiler and delivered to pistons or turbines. Diesel locomotives replaced steam on many railways without requiring onboard boilers.
Switching locomotive: A locomotive designed primarily to move rail vehicles within yards, terminals, or industrial sites. Diesel locomotives are widely used for short, frequent shunting movements.
Diesel-hydraulic transmission: A locomotive drive system that transfers diesel-engine power through a hydraulic torque converter and gearbox. It offers an alternative to electrical transmission, especially in some European designs.
SŽD series Щэл1: A Soviet experimental diesel-electric locomotive built in 1924, also known by the designation Eel-2. It was an early large diesel-electric locomotive built for regular railway service.
Compression ignition: Combustion initiated when compressed air becomes hot enough to ignite injected fuel. This is how the locomotive’s diesel engine burns fuel without spark plugs.
Electric locomotive: A railway locomotive powered by electricity supplied through overhead wires, a third rail, or onboard storage. Unlike most diesel locomotives, it draws traction power from an external electrical supply.
Road switcher: A locomotive designed for both yard switching and mainline freight service. Its versatile layout lets a diesel locomotive move between switching and line-haul duties.

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