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I am not an expert but my understanding is the electromotive configuration is better suited to locomotives. An internal combustion engine is used to run a generator or alternator and the electricity then runs the electric motors that drive the wheels.

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The diesel engine IS used in small locomotives, usually with a hydraulic transmission. Larger locomotives use either electric or hydraulic drives but the prime mover is still a diesel engine.

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Q: Why diesel engine is not used in small locomotives?
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Why is diesel electric used on locomotives?

Diesel electric is used on locomotives because the diesel electric system is much cleaner and quieter and more efficient than the old steam locomotives. The diesel fuel is used to run a generator which produces electric power which is used to power the electromagnetic drive motors mounted on the locomotives axles!


What are locomotives used for?

locomotives are used to propell railcars. They can be in a push or pull mode. Locomotives are generlly diesel or diesel electric. If a locomotive starts to lose its propullsion power it will require maintenance.


Where were locomotives used?

Locomotives were and are used for pulling train cars. Today, they are run by diesel electric engines and possess several thousand horsepower each.


Which is rated better diesel or petrol engine?

Each engine is rated better for different things. A petrol engine generally has a higher horsepower than a diesel engine, so acceleration and speed is often better on a petrol engine. Diesel engines tend to rate better with torque, so they are better at pulling heavy loads, which is why diesel engines are used in trucks and locomotives.


What are the different kinds of locomotives?

Steam, diesel, electric, sail, gas turbine, maglev and railplane (1934). The different kinds or steam locomotives, diesel locomotiveas, etc. There are three diffrent types: steam, which isn't used much nowdays, diesel, which burn diesel to run power generators, and electric, which run on electricity.


What happens if petrol is used in diesel engine and vice versa?

If gasoline is used in a diesel it will damage the engine. If diesel is used in a gasoline engine it will do no real damage as the engine will not run.


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Most trains are powered by what?

There are two major types of modern locomotives. Electric, and Diesel-Electric. Electric locomotives are very popular in some countries, and likewise for diesel-electric. Electric locomotives take in electricity via an overhead wire or a third rail that carries this electricity which is then in turn used to power electrical motors on the axles of the locomotive to move the train. Diesel-electric is identical, but electricity is not directly supplied. The locomotive is fueled with diesel which powers a large diesel engine that drives a generator that in turn drives electric motors on the axles of the locomotive. Think of it as a hybrid. An on-board generator that powers on-board electric motors.


Is petrol is used in diesel cars?

No, diesel engine require diesel fuel. Put petrol in a diesel engine and you will destroy it.


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No spark plugs are used in a diesel engine


Why cant petrol be used in diesel engine?

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