How does the locomotive work?

Answer 1

I assume you're referring to a diesel-electric locomotive. It's basically the same as your every day car engine, except your car might have 4 cylinders the size of the width of your hand, while in a locomotive has 16 cylinders the size of the width of both your hands together. So this is what happens: Fuel is injected into the engine the same way as your car. As energy is produced it goes to the traction motors located in the trucks (wheel base). The traction motors then turn the diesel power into electric power, hence the name "diesel-electric." The electric energy then turns the wheels. The throttle is the same thing as the gas pedal on your car. The throttle is marked with 8 notches and the higher the notch, the more power is put into the wheels. I hope this answered your question!