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If you just mean strictly average speed for all freight it is around 17mph or so, point to point, this includes layover time, crew changes, air tests, train meets, etc,etc. If you mean actual speed that the train can run out in the open, that varies greatly from location to location and train to train. One of the prime limiting factors is the type of cars on the train, example on the UP, most empty bulkhead flats (except centerbeam) are limited to 40mph. Hazmat trains with enough cars to qualify as Key trains are limited to 50. Most stack trains and auto racks are 70. Most other empty cars are restricted to 60 or less. All it takes is one restricted car to restrict the whole train, (it's the weak link). <br />The other factors limiting speed are subdivision max speed limit, curves, hills, wind (yep wind will knock the speed of an underpowered train down badly), horsepower/ton, and several other factors. Almost all road units are geared for a maximum speed of 70 (this is a compromise between pulling power and speed, get good pulling power at low speed, don't exceed the traction motor's rotational maximum when going 70).
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