The “diesel-electric locomotives” tag at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is a tribute to the power and innovation that revolutionized rail travel in the 20th century. This tag explores the history, mechanics, and enduring impact of these mighty machines, offering a journey through their development, the engineering marvels behind them, and the stories of the people who operate and maintain them. Discover how diesel-electric locomotives have shaped the landscape of modern railroading and continue to fascinate enthusiasts and visitors at TVRM.
Behind the Scenes: Replacing a Locomotive’s Traction Motor As many of you know, most diesel locomotives are not going to be “direct drive” units, but are powered using a “diesel-electric” system. This system works by having the unit’s diesel motor (prime mover in railroad vernacular) turn a generator to create electricity, which is then sent…
