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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.

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Q: Most trains are powered by what?
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Related questions

How has trains changed since 1950s?

trains were powered on steam and now most trains work by electricity


How are trains powered?

they are not powered dar - ID2573951383 Contrary to what ID2573951383 thinks, trains are powered, dar, or they wouldn't be able to move. Most modern day trains are powered by a single car called a locomotive that pulls the rest of the train. Locomotives are typically powered by diesel although electric locomotives are also becoming popular. In the past locomotives were powered by steam. - P.C.


What are was the major fuel for trains and ships?

The main fuel IS diesel fuel for both both trains and ships, most freight trains run on electric motors that are powered in most cases by diesel engined generators, while passenger trains are powered by diesel, or directly from an overhead power line, or electrified rail. Trains of course used to be powered by steam, fired by wood or coal. old sailing ships obviously used to be powered by wind and/or manpower. Later they were powered by steam, usually coal fired, and then by diesel fuel.


Does trains need petrol?

Modern trains are powered by diesel or electricity. There are still some coal powered steam trains in service, mainly on tourist lines.


What provides power for a train?

Most often electricity, but there are diesel and steam trains powered by coal.


What powered the earliest trains in the US?

Steam


How were steam trains powered in the past?

with steam.


How are maglev trains powered?

Any electrical source.


How are londons underground trains powered?

Electric traction motors in each car via a "3rd rail" feeding electricity.


How did the people travel in the past?

Boat, trains, and horses powered carriage


Do trains still run off coal?

New trains are not built to be coal powered. However there are still some steam trains run and maintained by amateur enthusiasts.


There not many steam - powered trains still running A are B is?

To take a look as to whether to use 'There are' or 'There is' we need to look at the subject, ignoring the adjectives and adverbs. In this case 'trains'. We'll cut out everything else and look at the simplest form of that sentence - "There ____ trains". Trains is plural so we would use are. We can then add 'are' into the original sentence to get 'There are not many steam-powered trains still running'. Your answer is A.