Chapter 2
THE
DIESELELECTRIC
LOCOMOTIVE
2.1. INTRODUCTION
A dieselelectric locomotive is primarily a powerplant mounted on
wheels with controls, whereby the power can be used to propel railway
equipment. Electrical equipment is used to transmit power from large
internal combustion engines to the driving wheels. The powerplant consists
of one or two multicylinder engines which deliver from 150 to 1,600
horsepower or more at a top speed of from 800 to 1,700 revolutions per
minute (rpm). The engine is directly connected to a generator which
furnishes the electrical power to the traction motors which drive the
locomotive through spur gears on the driving axles.
In the lines you have just read are mentioned a number of the major
components of the dieselelectric locomotive, the subject of section I of
this chapter. Discussed in section II is an important part of the overall
maintenance program for all types of rail equipmentpreventive maintenance.
A sound preventive maintenance program greatly increases equipment
availability and efficiency. Proper inspection and maintenance of Army
dieselelectric locomotives help to keep them rolling. However, both
require completing various forms and records, the subject of section III.
Section I. Major Components
2.2. GENERAL
A modern dieselelectric locomotive is an assembly of many components;
however, this section explains only its major oneswhat they are and how
they function. In the paragraphs to follow are discussed the engine itself,
the three kinds of generators, the air compressor, the fuel and water tanks,
and the trucks. As you study, refer often to figure 2.1 which illustrates
how the equipment on a dieselelectric locomotive is arranged. Also, refer
to the glossary in appendix H for explanations of technical terms that may
be unfamiliar to you.
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