Wiktor Wise
The first diesel-electric train was the GM-50, which was built in 1918 and operated on the Jay Street Connecting Railroad #4 in New York City. This train was the precursor to the diesel locomotives that we know today. Diesel-electric trains are more efficient than steam engines as they require less fuel and maintenance. They have also been able to achieve higher speeds, with the Flying Hamburger train reaching 214 kilometers per hour between Berlin and Hamburg. Over the years, diesel-electric technology has continued to evolve, with companies like Electro-Motive Diesel and GE building more advanced locomotives since 2005.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of first diesel-electric train | 1918 |
| Company behind the first diesel-electric train | American Locomotive Company (ALCO) |
| Partners of ALCO | Ingersoll-Rand and General Electric |
| Name of the first diesel-electric train | GM-50 |
| Year the first diesel-electric train was introduced on railroad tracks | 1924 |
| Year diesel-electric trains entered mainline service | 1934 |
| Railroad companies that first used diesel-electric trains | Burlington Route and Union Pacific |
| Company that has been building diesel-electric locomotives since 2005 | Electro-Motive Diesel and GE |
| Year freight locomotive AC traction gained momentum | 1991-1992 |
| Company that introduced the first North American railroad to use AC traction technology | Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) |
| Year CPR introduced AC traction technology | 1984 |
| Company that built the first 10 diesel-electric locomotives | Wabtec |
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What You'll Learn
The first diesel-electric train
The GM-50 was the precursor to the diesel locomotives that we know today. At the time, steam-powered locomotives were the primary mode of train travel, but technology was pushing towards more advanced options. The GM-50 was the first diesel-electric-powered vehicle to operate on railroad tracks, and by 1924, ALCO, Ingersoll-Rand, and General Electric had designed an even more advanced diesel motor capable of powering a 60-ton boxcar.
Diesel-electric trains offered significant advantages over steam-powered locomotives. They required less fuel and less frequent stops for refuelling, resulting in increased efficiency and profitability for railroad companies. By 1934, the Burlington Route and Union Pacific had begun using custom-built diesel "streamliners" to transport passengers. The Winton Engine Corporation, supported by the General Motors Research Division, played a pivotal role in this transition by delivering the Winton 201A engine in 1934. This engine was specifically designed for high-speed, lightweight passenger trains, marking a significant milestone in the development of diesel-electric technology.
Over the following decades, diesel-electric technology continued to evolve and improve. By the 1980s, companies like EMD (Electro-Motive Division of General Motors) and GE Transportation were developing six-axle diesel-electric locomotives with AC drive and high axle loads for heavy-haul freight trains. In 1989, EMD produced the first U.S. diesel-electric locomotive to use inverters with GTO (gate turn-off) thyristors and evaporative cooling. These advancements paved the way for the powerful and efficient diesel-electric locomotives that we know today.
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Advantages over steam engines
The first diesel-electric-powered vehicle to run on railroad tracks was the GM-50, which was introduced in 1918. By 1924, a more advanced diesel motor was designed to power a 60-ton boxcar.
Diesel-electric locomotives offered significant advantages over steam engines. Here are some of the key advantages:
Greater Efficiency and Reduced Fuel Stops
Diesel-electric locomotives were much more fuel-efficient than steam engines, requiring less fuel to cover the same distance. This meant that trains could stay on the tracks for longer periods without needing to stop for refuelling, resulting in improved operational efficiency and reduced downtime.
Lower Maintenance Requirements
Diesel-electric engines required less maintenance than steam engines, which had to be kept hot during breaks and were prone to technical issues. The reduced maintenance of diesel engines kept them in service for longer periods, reducing costs and improving profitability for railroad companies.
Improved Power Generation and Transmission
Diesel-electric locomotives utilized a combination of diesel engines and electric generators to produce immense power. This hybrid system allowed for the efficient transmission of power to the wheels, ensuring that more of the generated power was used for effective driving force. In contrast, steam engines were less efficient, with only about 5% of their potential energy contributing to forward motion.
Enhanced Safety and Comfort
Diesel locomotives offered a safer and more comfortable operating environment compared to steam engines. They were quieter, fully weatherproof, and did not produce the dirt and heat associated with steam locomotives. Additionally, diesel locomotives could be operated by a single person, making them ideal for switching and shunting duties.
Increased Flexibility and Control
Diesel-electric locomotives provided greater flexibility in multiple-unit operation, allowing a single crew to control multiple locomotives within a train. This level of control and flexibility was not practical with steam locomotives.
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Diesel-electric locomotive manufacturers
The first diesel-electric-powered vehicle to run on railroad tracks was the GM-50, which was designed by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in partnership with Ingersoll-Rand and General Electric. This vehicle made its way onto the tracks in 1918, marking the precursor to the diesel locomotives that we know today.
Diesel-electric locomotives were favoured by railroad companies due to their efficiency. They required less fuel and maintenance than steam-powered engines, making them more profitable.
Today, there are various manufacturers of diesel-electric locomotives, including:
- Electro-Motive Diesel and GE (since 2005)
- Bombardier Transportation: A successor to the Montreal Locomotive Works, which was acquired in 1975.
- Wabtec: Specialises in amusement rides, including locomotives and carousels.
- Severn Lamb: Produces narrow-gauge diesel locomotives, carriages, and track infrastructure.
- Clyde Engineering: Became part of Downer Rail in 2001.
- Republic Locomotive: Offers locomotive design and manufacturing services.
These manufacturers provide diesel-electric locomotives for various applications, including freight, passenger, and industrial uses, showcasing the continued evolution and advancement of diesel-electric technology since its early beginnings in the early 20th century.
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Early diesel-electric train routes
The first diesel-electric trains emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. In 1924, two diesel-electric locomotives were taken into service by the Soviet railways. The first, the Ээл2 (Eel2), was designed by Yuri Lomonosov and built by Maschinenfabrik Esslingen in Germany. The second, the Щэл1 (Shch-el 1), was developed by Yakov Modestovich Gakkel and built by the Baltic Shipyard in Saint Petersburg. From 1925 to 1927, the Щэл1 hauled trains between Moscow and Kursk and in the Caucasus region.
In the 1920s, diesel-electric technology was first used in switcher locomotives (shunter locomotives in the UK), which were used for moving trains around in railroad yards. The American Locomotive Company (ALCO) offered "Oil-Electric" locomotives and its ALCO HH series entered series production in 1931.
In 1934, the Burlington Route and Union Pacific began using custom-built diesel "streamliners" to haul passengers. The following year, Union Pacific started a diesel streamliner service between Chicago and Portland, Oregon, and in 1936, added Los Angeles, Oakland, and Denver to the destinations of diesel streamliners out of Chicago.
By 1935, B&O was powering its smaller passenger trains using diesel-electric locomotives. In 1952, the Saint Louis-Southwestern Railroad Train 2, a diesel-electric-powered giant, pulled into Dallas Union Terminal.
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Modern diesel-electric trains
The first diesel-electric train made its way onto American tracks in 1924, marking the precursor to the diesel locomotives we know today. This GM-50 train was the first diesel-electric-powered vehicle to run on the Jay Street Connecting Railroad #4 in New York City.
One of the key advancements in modern diesel-electric trains is the ability to smoothly modulate power and avoid sudden changes in train loading. This means that the train can adjust to the required power levels without causing abrupt power increases, resulting in a smoother ride. Additionally, modern trains have electronic systems that allow for flexible power distribution. They can send power from the secondary engine to the traction motors or from the main engine to the head-end power unit (HEP), depending on the current energy needs of the train.
The HEP plays a crucial role in modern diesel-electric trains. It consists of a powerful diesel engine that can generate between 3,000 and 4,000 horsepower. This engine drives a generator that provides 480-volt, 3-phase AC power for the train's various systems, such as electric air conditioners, lights, and kitchen facilities. By having a separate engine and generator for these systems, the train can maintain passenger comfort even if the main engine encounters issues.
Modern diesel-electric locomotives also boast impressive power output. Siemens' modern engines can produce up to 4,200 horsepower, and the generator can convert this into nearly 4,700 amps of electrical current. This results in an incredible 60,000 lb-ft of torque, showcasing the immense power of these trains.
In terms of design, modern diesel-electric trains have evolved to meet the challenges of various terrains. For example, in mountainous regions, helper locomotives are often placed in the middle of the train to provide extra power for ascending grades and to reduce stress on the draft gear. Additionally, modern trains have more advanced control systems, ensuring that all locomotives in a consist behave as one in response to the engine driver's control movements.
Amtrak, the primary commuter rail network in the US, is currently undergoing a significant transformation. By 2031, the company plans to replace 40% of its trains with a new fleet of dual-power trains that can run on both diesel and electricity. This upgrade will improve efficiency and comfort for passengers, showcasing the continued evolution of diesel-electric train technology.
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Frequently asked questions
The first diesel-electric train was introduced in 1918, marking the precursor to the diesel locomotives we know today.
The first diesel-electric train was introduced by the American Locomotive Company in partnership with Ingersoll-Rand and General Electric.
The first diesel-electric train was called the GM-50.
