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Originally Posted by NBhunter80
I'm not sure what a diesel train engine does weigh, but probably alot less than a nuclear reactor.
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A locomotive can weigh anywhere from 100 tons up to 220 tons. A typical "unit train" averages about 15,000 "trailing tons" (110 cars @143 tons each).
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Also I think momentum plays a large role in a train's ability to climb grades. I dont think many trains can climb a steep grade from a dead stop.
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It's a function of
tractive effort as determined by the "factor of adhesion" and the "ruling grade." The newer locomotives with electronic wheel slip technology has allowed locomotives to substantially increase their tractive effort and ability to start up a grade.
EMD SD90MAC Data Sheet
Tractive effort - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
