by Denver Dude
It's no secret that tractive effort is the main (or only) force that locomotives use to push or pull rolling stock. Here's what I really don't understand. Locomotives can generate up to 200,000 lbf. That sounds like a lot, but that's not even as much as the weight of a loaded coal car. It's less than half the weight of a locomotive.
I realize that pushing or pulling something on a track isn't the same as lifting it, but still...
An ES44AC can pull 50,000,000 pounds on a level track at 10 MPH.
How does the relatively low tractive effort amount equal such incredible pulling power?
Thanks!
I realize that pushing or pulling something on a track isn't the same as lifting it, but still...
An ES44AC can pull 50,000,000 pounds on a level track at 10 MPH.
How does the relatively low tractive effort amount equal such incredible pulling power?
Thanks!