What do most modern trains run on?

Question

Like those cargo trains or passenger trains...

Sorry if this is too general, but I don't know a lot about trains.

Answer 1

Most trains I know of run on diesel

Answer 2

This depends on where you're from.

In the US most engines are diesel-electric, only a few corridors have electric trains.

In many other parts of the world (especially in Europe and Asia) most main-lines are electrified so the trains run mainly electric; diesel-engines (diesel-electric or diesel-hydraulic, the latter are often seen in Europe) are primarily used on branch lines.

Answer 3

coal for steam trains and diesel for cargo trains

Answer 4

Diesel engines power electric generators that run the train....

Answer 5

diesel fule

plz answermine

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 6

Diesel-electric.

Answer 7

Diesel.  Number 2 dyed (no road tax) diesel fuel, to be precise.  

Steam trains are long dead, except for museums.  The last steam engine ran for a mainline in 1960.

Some railroads are straight electric.  They don't need batteries, they just stick a wire above the track or a third rail alongside.  Most urban transit trains are electric, such as the L.A. Subway (yes, there is one).   Also most passenger railroads in Europe are electric.

Answer 8

Mostly diesel, though some run on electric, either through a 3rd rail or overhead = catenary.

Answer 9

electricity

all trains run on electricity with the rare exceptions of old restored steam trains

the diesel engine in locomotives does NOT run the train.

It is not connected to the wheels in any mechanical way.

All the diesel engine does is turn a huge generator and it is the generator that runs the wheels.

The wheels are all powered by electric motors mounted at the axles. Some trains, most especially in the northeast are still operated by electrictiy directly from overheard wires which is a much "greener" and more efficient way to operate.

Some day in the not too distant future I predict the electric powered trains will be brought back, not overnight but as a matter of necessity.

Answer 10

There are several

Diesel-Electric is the most common. A diesel motor powers a generator, which in turn powers electric motors. Some diesel electrics could also run on 3rd rail or overhead wires. Some smaller diesel and gas locomotives are used in industrial service. Engines found in Diesel electric locomotives are also commonly found in ships, tugboats, stationary generators, and large trucks.

Electric Locomotives are generally limited to passenger service.

Answer 11

Steel tracks.

Answer 12

Trains run on diesel. But what most people don't know is that they're actually hybrids, the most common hybrid on the planet. The engine is not actually attached to the wheels. The engine powers a generator that powers and electric motor that powers the wheels