Do locomotives use turbine engines?

A gas turbine-electric locomotive (GTEL) is a locomotive that uses a gas turbine to drive an electric generator or alternator, producing an electric current which is used to power traction motors.

Can freight trains be electric?

Electric locomotives are used on freight routes with consistently high traffic volumes, or in areas with advanced rail networks. Electric locomotives usually cost 20\% less than diesel locomotives, their maintenance costs are 25-35\% lower, and cost up to 50\% less to run.

What happened to turbine-powered cars?

Only nine Chrysler Turbine Cars have survived. Two are kept by Chrysler, out of three initially retained by the company; six are on display at museums around the United States, and one is owned by a private collector.

How did steam turbine locomotives work?

They were the only condensing steam locomotives ever used in the United States. A Babcock & Wilcox boiler provided steam, which drove a pair of steam turbines which powered a generator, providing power to the electric traction motors that drove the wheels, as well as providing head-end power for the rest of the train.

Why did they stop making turbine cars?

Chrysler’s turbine engine program ultimately ended in 1979, largely due to the failure of the engines to meet government emissions regulations, relatively poor fuel economy, and as a prerequisite of receiving a government loan in 1979.

How much is a Chrysler turbine car worth?

Estimated value: $415,000 Chrysler’s experimental turbine engines attempted to eliminate pistons and the need for regular gas. These engines could run on peanut oil, salad dressing, or anything else combustible for fuel.

Why are freight trains diesel-electric?

During that transition, U.S. railroad companies chose to switch to diesel over electric locomotives because of diesel’s much lower up-front costs, even though electric systems cost significantly less to operate and to maintain than diesel systems.