Why are train motors on 24/7?

Question

I have noticed that especially with coomuter rail "powers" etc. Is it because they run on diesel? Any other reason(s)?

Thank you for the answer!

Answer 1

Yes... diesel engines take time to warm up and become efficient.  So it's much more cost effective to just leave them running unless you're parking them for 6+ hours.

Answer 2

Here's my two cents worth.

Diesels like to idle.  There coolant is plain old water, so they are left running in temperatures below freezing.

Constant starting and stopping will be a strain on the batteries, as well as contributing to metal fatigue from the constant expansion and contraction.

Most class 1 RRs shut down locomotive for fuel conservation, even though they only consume about 6 gallons of fuel per hour in low idle.  6 gal. doesn't sound like much, until you think of say, 3,000 locomotives burning 6 gal an hour.  The math tells the tail.

Answer 3

Locomotives are kept running for a few reasons. First, it takes a long time for those puppies to warm up. If they go a little cold, it uses up time later. Second, they're water-cooled. If that water freezes and the guru valve doesn't open, serious damage can result. If the valve does open, the unit has to be re-watered. Third, idling diesels turn at relatively low rpm, and it doesn't take much fuel to keep it turning over. And fourth, the engine needs to be running to compress air for the train's brake system. If the air dumps and bleeds off, there are hand brakes to keep it from rolling. But again, rebuilding air takes time.

Newer, more fuel-efficient units have automatic shut-down. They'll idle for awhile, then shut down. If the temperature or the air gets too low, they fire back up and run for awhile. It's a little eerie when a dead engine fires up right next to you!

Answer 4

They are diesel, and that has a good bit to do with it. Also, they just don't sit still long enough to power them down.  It takes too much to get it started, and if they are unable to start it they have a hard time moving it, so to insure the steady flow on the rails they keep them running.

Answer 5

cause people need to get places at all different times of the day and night

Answer 6

it is actually better on deisel eigines to be left idling than shut down and restarted.

recently due to the high price of fuel many are built with automatic start/stop features.

if they are going to be stopped for over a set period of time most railroads want them shut down.

Locomotives do not have anti-freeze so they have to be drained if they are shut down in freezing weather.