Why does the railroad use copper and how much do they use?

Question

Why does the railroad use copper and how much do they use?

Answer 1

I haven't seen any traction motors or contactors made out of gold, they are all copper, the bearings for the traction motors, wheels and diesel engine are also made from copper.

Answer 2

If the railroad has electrified lines, they will use very large quantities of copper for the overhead wires.  Even if they're mostly diesel, they will still use a lot of copper for wiring within the engine and the rail cars, for phone and signal cables, and for general electrical use in the shops.

Answer 3

There's lots of copper out there.

All above ground communication and code lines are almost pure copper.  Copper is used because of its highly conductive capability.

It is also a target for thieves, copper being quite expensive, as non-precious metals go.

In locomotives however, we're talking gold, used in contacts and traction motors.  Part of the reason why they cost $1.7 million a copy...