Locomotives are impressive machines with brute strength and reliability. They are equipped with many features and electronic safety systems. However, the more equipment, the higher the price point.
So, How much do locomotives cost? A diesel locomotive could cost from $500,000-$2 million. While an electric locomotive could cost more than $6 million. Price depends on whether it is powered by AC or DC traction, how much horsepower it has, or what electronics it is equipped with.
As with many modes of transportation, technology has greatly enhanced the capabilities and features of locomotives. With increased pulling power and ease of operation, locomotives continue to improve technologically, while performing more efficiently than ever before. With simple modifications, it is possible for locomotives to perform in many different climates throughout the world. In the rail industry, efficiency is key to a sound operation, and locomotives are one of the most important assets a rail company will own.
Diesel Locomotive Costs
Cost of an Alternating Current (AC) Locomotive
Because of the increased pulling power of AC locomotives, the price will be significantly higher than a non- AC locomotive. The tractive effort of an AC locomotive gives its customers 40,000 more pound feet of tractive effort than a non-AC locomotive. These types of locomotives provide cost savings for the railroad, as less units are needed to haul a heavy train. This saves the rail company a significant amount on fuel and maintenance costs. This is made possible through an alternator, instead of a standard direct current (DC) generator providing the power. Additionally, AC current locomotives have proved to cost less for maintenance. The cost of an AC locomotive averages around $2 million, differing between manufacturers.
Cost of a Direct Current (DC) Locomotive
Some of the earliest diesel electric locomotives were powered by DC traction. These are useful motors, however, they do not offer the increased pulling power offered by AC locomotives. DC locomotives cost around $1.5 million, depending on manufacturer. Although powerful, these units offer less tractive effort than their AC counterparts. The average AC locomotive can supply 180,000 lbf of tractive effort, while the average DC locomotive can only supply an average of 140,000 lbf of tractive effort.
Although these locomotives offer a decreased cost for rail operators, more units are needed to haul a decent sized train. For example, to haul a one-hundred car coal train, a rail operator would only have to use two AC locomotives, however three DC locomotives would be needed to haul the same train.
Electric locomotives are efficient, and surpass well over 6,000 horsepower per unit. These units are easy to maintain, as they do not include a prime mover, just generators and traction motors. Many electric locomotives are geared for high speed operation, making them ideal for busy urban centers.
Much like diesel locomotives, electric locomotives run on either AC or DC traction. Most new electric locomotives are delivered with AC traction, as it provides more horsepower and cost savings. This AC motors work similarly to diesels,except that the power is received through overhead wires instead of an on board prime mover.
Many DC electric locomotives are converted to AC traction as it is more efficient and cost effective to maintain. For example, in the early 2000s, Amtrak refurbished several of their DC AEM-7 units into AC traction. This helped Amtrak haul longer trains with one locomotive.
Electric locomotives carry a considerable higher cost however, as some units surpassing $6 million. For example Amtrak’s new ACS-64 locomotives ordered from Siemens, cost $6.66 million per locomotive. Interestingly, electric locomotives tend to be priced higher than diesels, as the electric locomotives sometime require an entire redesign, while diesel locomotives tend to be built upon an existing framework.
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Factors Contributing to the Cost of Locomotives
Locomotives are complicated machines and are packed with technology, like a massive computer. These technologies make daily operations safer, and improve the reliability and efficiency of operations. Most modern locomotives are equipped with computer screens that give the engineer real-time information on the status of the train including speed, oil temperature, train length, and other configurable settings.
The main factor in the cost of a locomotive is the prime mover, which is the diesel engine that powers the locomotive. The prime mover alone costs over $70,000, additionally traction motors could cost upwards of $15,000 per motor. If the locomotive is turbocharged, an extra cost of over $10,000 per turbo charger would be added.
Additionally, locomotives are equipped with many advanced electronics such as computerized displays, a microprocessor, and an event recorder. Installing these devices requires complex wiring and installation of software.
Rebuilding or Re-powering Locomotives
With the rising freight volumes and the constant need for new motive power, many railroads have begun rebuilding their current fleets of locomotives, instead of buying new. This gives the railroad the advantage of significant cost savings and gives the locomotive a second life.
Rebuilding locomotives is less expensive than purchasing new. Many rail companies consider rebuilding older locomotives, instead of purchasing new, as this saves rail companies a substantial amount of capital.
For example, many General Electric locomotives, currently owned by many North American railroads, are being rebuilt from direct current (DC) locomotives, to alternating current (AC) locomotives. Additionally, some of these rebuilt locomotives will receive cab upgrades, as well as electrical and safety upgrades. Re-manufacturing locomotives costs about 40% less than purchasing a new locomotive.
For example Norfolk Southern and Burlington Northern Santa Fe are in the process of rebuilding some of their DC C40-9 and C44-9W locomotives into AC traction. This is done by swapping out the DC traction motor for the AC motor, installing an alternator, and updating the electrical equipment.
Some manufacturers such as Motive Power Industries (MPI), will rebuild older EMD locomotives. These locomotives will be rebuilt from the ground up. The components of the locomotive are disassembled and are replaced or re-manufactured as needed. This process of re-manufacturing locomotives can add up to twenty years to a locomotives’ life.
Modifying Locomotives for Different Climates
Locomotives are manufactured for many railways throughout the world, and many times modifications are made so they will operate more efficiently in a certain environment. Some locomotive manufacturers will modify their locomotive to the specifications of their customer.
For example, due to the excessive heat in the Pilbara iron ore region in Western Australia, many General Electric locomotives are given advanced cooling systems, such as larger radiators, added cooling fans, and additional air vents. These modifications prevent the locomotives from overheating. Although these modifications are needed for the operating environment, they can add significant costs, and some of the locomotive’s frame and body must be configured accordingly.
For further information and pictures of modern diesel locomotives, Brian Solomon’s publication, “Diesel Locomotives” takes a detailed look at the modern locomotive. Solomon’s publication is available here. (link to Amazon)
Related Questions
How much does a used locomotive cost? A used locomotive could cost anywhere upwards of $100,000. It depends on the size and how much horsepower it produces. Another factor is if the locomotive has gone through a rebuild, which would mean the unit has new or refurbished parts.
How much does a locomotive weigh? A locomotive could weigh anywhere from 200,000-440,000 pounds depending on what type of locomotive it is. Many locomotives are ordered with extra weight to improve tractive effort. AC locomotives are also heavier than DC locomotives.
How long does a locomotive last?A locomotive can last over 60 years, even longer if maintained properly. Many locomotives in daily service were built in the sixties and seventies, and are still serving their operators. The life of a locomotive can be prolonged further by rebuilding parts such as the prime mover, and rewiring the electrical system.
How much horsepower does a modern locomotive have?A modern locomotive has between 1,500-6,000 horsepower. Horsepower varies by manufacturer, and how the locomotive is geared. In some locomotives, horsepower can be increased or down-ratedwith the flip of a switch during its regular maintenance cycle.
How much does a new freight car cost? New freight cars can cost well over $100,000, for example, a new boxcar costs about $130,000. However, despite these astronomical costs, some of it is paid by the shipper in the form of fees. Many railcars are leased by railroads from leasing companies, as it is more cost effective than purchasing them outright.
NEW DELHI: The Indian Railways has managed to slash the cost of new electric locomotives for freight movement by over two-third to Rs 11 crore per loco compared the current cost of over Rs 30 crore.
In addition to the GE locomotive, BNSF is pursuing other emission-reducing projects. The nearly $23 million grant will pay for about half of the cost of projects, including the locomotive, which is expected to cost around $45 million.
CP is rebuilding units for a little less than $2 million each, while a new GE comes with a sticker price of around $3 million, Creel says. New locomotives are less reliable than a remanufactured unit, Creel says.
Rail shipping is considered one of the most cost-effective modes of transportation, especially for large volumes traveling long distances. Due to its ability to move major quantities of freight at one time, rail shipping has a lower cost-per-ton-mile (the cost of moving one ton of freight one mile) than truck shipping.
CSX trains can move a ton of freight approximately 520 miles on a single gallon of fuel. Efficient use of fuel means fewer greenhouse gas emissions for our planet. (Learn more at the Association of American Railroads' website, http://www.aar.org/.)
The Union Pacific Railroad (reporting marks UP, UPP, UPY), legally Union Pacific Railroad Company and often called simply Union Pacific, is a freight-hauling railroad that operates 8,300 locomotives over 32,200 miles (51,800 km) routes in 23 U.S. states west of Chicago and New Orleans.
The price tag for the rail system has risen to $128 billion, according to a California High Speed Rail Authority project update report — a nearly 22% uptick from the previous figure of $105 billion from last year and a far cry from the $33 billion cost voters approved in 2008.
CSX Transportation Inc. yesterday unveiled its new $2 million locomotive, hailing it as revolutionary equipment that can push and pull far more freight and boost the railroad's productivity in the lucrative freight arena.
A train graveyard (or cemetery) is where trains and rolling stock are discarded while awaiting collection, recycling, or destruction. They might be abandoned and left to decay. The term can also be used to include trams.
Puffing Billy is the world's oldest surviving steam locomotive, constructed in 1813–1814 by colliery viewer William Hedley, enginewright Jonathan Forster and blacksmith Timothy Hackworth for Christopher Blackett, the owner of Wylam Colliery near Newcastle upon Tyne, in the United Kingdom.
An average freight train traveling at 55 mph may take a mile (5,280 feet) or more to stop, the length of 18 football fields! Trains can stop, but they can't stop quickly.
Engines may be left idling to maintain important safety related functions such as maintaining engine temperature, air pressure for the brake system, the integrity of the starting systems, the electrical system and providing heating or cooling to a train's crew and/or passengers.
Fuel Tank. This huge tank in the underbelly of the locomotive holds up to 5,500 gallons (20,820 liters) of diesel fuel, plus an additional 300 gallons (1,135 liters) of coolant, and 250 gallons (946 liters) of engine oil.
Freight and passenger rail rely almost exclusively on diesel power. The latest diesel innovations contribute to cleaner air and reaching climate goals. According to the Association of American Railroads, in a typical year, US freight railroads move around 1.7 billion tons across nearly 140,000-miles of track.
The containers can be double-stacked, which means up to 10 containers can be carried on one railcar. Containers on well cars can be 20, 40 or 53 feet in length.
Answer: Yes. The massive power outages currently plaguing Texas have gotten many thinking about alternative ways to get power to buildings during an emergency. Gizmodo has taken the opportunity to recall the time when a Canadian town came up with a rather ingenious solution involving a locomotive.
Bill Gates acquired 54.8 Million Canadian National Railway shares worth $6.31 Billion. That's 16.51% of their entire equity portfolio (3rd largest holding). The investor owns 8.27% of the outstanding Canadian National Railway stock. The first Canadian National Railway trade was made in Q3 2002.
Chicago is North America's largest rail hub, and remains unsurpassed in the total number of passenger and freight trains that converge on any city on the continent. Chicago is a major hub for Amtrak, with 15 different lines terminating at the city's Union Station.
Cornelius Vanderbilt, byname Commodore Vanderbilt, (born May 27, 1794, Port Richmond, Staten Island, New York, U.S.—died January 4, 1877, New York, New York), American shipping and railroad magnate who acquired a personal fortune of more than $100 million.
Each locomotive carries 5,000 gallons of fuel. In that round trip, the train will refill twice, each time each locomotive taking on about 4,000 gallons.
This lower oil consumption results in substantial cost savings for some locomotives, since a locomotive crankcase holds about 1,500 l (400 US gallons). Multigrade locomotive engine oils are formulated from API Group I, API Group II, and re-refined base stocks.
10000+ kilometers, if the train consists of a standard US freight locomotive pulling one car. Can cover more than 1500 km a day, and can keep going for more than a week.
More lines of track radiate in more directions from Chicago than from any other city. Chicago has long been the most important interchange point for freight traffic between the nation's major railroads and it is the hub of Amtrak, the intercity rail passenger system.
The traditional method of disposing human waste from trains is to deposit the waste onto the tracks or, more often, onto nearby ground, using what is known as a hopper toilet. This ranges from a hole in the floor to a full-flush system (possibly with sterilization).
On average, drivers reported fewer hours of sleep per 24 h on workdays compared to days off (Fig. 2), upper panel), with an average of 7.7 (± 1.1) hours workdays, compared to 8.7 (± 1.2) hours on days off.
Most train engineers do not work a standard 40-hour workweek. Their work hours tend to vary with irregularly scheduled days off. Many train engineers are required to work weekends, nights and holidays. Some train engineers are paid hourly, while others receive an annual salary.
Wyoming. The Big Boy locomotives weighed more than one million pounds and were 132 feet, 9 inches long. Stood on its end, one would be the equivalent of a 13-story building. Each one cost approximately $265,000 to build, or about $4.4 million in today's money.
The Union Pacific locomotive, known as "Big Boy" 4014, is the largest locomotive ever constructed. It just rolled in to Southern California after a massive restoration project. Thousands of people welcomed the largest steam locomotive ever constructed as it made its way back to Southern California Wednesday.
4014 restoration cost, but Wrinn estimated at least $4 million based on similar restorations. The result will be one of just six to eight steam engines still operational on mainline U.S. railroad tracks.
Its girth requires a 4-8-8-4 wheel configuration to keep it rock-steady on the rails. With a puny 7,000 horsepower, Big Boys had a maximum tractive power of 135,375 pounds, all to pull huge loads of freight across steep grades in Utah's Wasatch Mountains and the Rockies.
The Fairy Queen, also known as the East Indian Railway No. 22, is a steam locomotive which was built in 1855. It was restored by Loco Works Perambur, Chennai in 1997, and housed at the Rewari Railway Heritage Museum.
Fuel Tank. This huge tank in the underbelly of the locomotive holds up to 5,500 gallons (20,820 liters) of diesel fuel, plus an additional 300 gallons (1,135 liters) of coolant, and 250 gallons (946 liters) of engine oil.
The "Big Boys" were built for power. They did the work of three smaller engines, pulling 120-car, 3800 ton freight trains at forty miles per hour in the mountains of Utah and Wyoming. With power, though, comes weight - larger cylinders, pistons, drive rods, boiler and firebox.
The Big Boy has the longest engine body of any reciprocating steam locomotive, longer than two 40-foot buses. They were also the heaviest reciprocating steam locomotives ever built; the combined weight of the 772,250 lb (350,290 kg) engine and 436,500 lb (198,000 kg) tender outweighed a Boeing 747.
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