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Old 09-13-2008, 12:25 AM   #53 (permalink)
njlou
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jamesqf View Post
Not so. The electric part of a standard diesel-electric locomotive is just a transmission, so calling one a hybrid is like claiming an automatic transmission makes a car a hydraulic hybrid.

There apparently are a few experimental hybrid locomotives used as switching engines. And in some places in Europe (I remember seeing one in Finland some years ago), there are hybrid diesel-electric systems that pull power from overhead wires when available, but run on the diesel engine otherwise.
Please do some research. start with: Diesel-electric locomotive engines & how they work

or google for additional information
The diesel electric technology is VERY old however with newer technology such as computer controls they are getting more efficient.
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