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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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