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[quote user="daveklepper"]Rediculous to both use reciprocating or direct drive turbine power and at the same time generate electricity for traction in the same locomotive or "slave" units.   Steam will make a comeback only through electricity generation because it is more economical, more efficient, easier on the track, more compatible with existing off-the-shelf technology, basically a small mobil power plant furnishing power to the diesel electrics standard modern electrical-electronic system.   Anything else is pure and simple waste.   But with today's technlogy, more than one turbine and generator are essential, two being a minimum for three efficient throttle positions.  [/quote]Generator/motor drive is both very expensive to build and loses about 20% of the prime mover power. As decentralized power it requires generating capacity equal to fleet horsepower, whereas the Pennsy's central power plant load averaged 16% of fleet horsepower and never exceeded 22%. (Barriger's foreword, When the Steam Roads Electrified)It does produce lots of torque from a high speed prime mover, which is why diesels are so good      at lugging. It can run indefinitely; thus with an engine that can run long periods it can do non-stop runs like the Pioneer Zephyr. At speed, however, where transmission is not necessary, it is not only a major expense, but a rigid limitation on output.
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