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AC vs. DC traction
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I could see where DC locomotives are well worth having. Given the data here, a DC loco goes for between 60 percent and two-thirds the cost of the comparable AC model. But I do have some dumb questions (I'll start a new thread if you like but these are still in topic): <br /> <br />1. I know it may be impossible to compare since AC and DC's have comparative advantages, but "all things being equal" which gets the better fuel economy? <br /> <br />2. Who assigns locomotives, the number, electrical mode and tractive power? The yardmaster? Regardless of whom, are there computer formulas that list the most efficient use with variables set for speed, length of train and tare weight? If computer designs aren't used or aren't always the most helpful, can somone like a yardmaster chose AC or DC, etc., from his experience and seat-of-the-pants reckoning? <br /> <br />3. Finally, I notice that CP's 2004 Fact Book is proud of the fact that more than half of its locomotives are now AC and gave the distinct impression that DC was going to be attritioned out. Of course, a lot of CP's traffic is in heavy commodities, but proportionately the road hauls more intermodal than CN. <br />SOOooo, would it be a good idea to keep DC's since that power mode has been specifically mentioned here as good for fast freight and intermodals? <br /> <br />4. A lot has been written about burning out DC's. Do DC locomotives have a shorter useful life than their AC brothers? <br /> <br />5. Does CP's inclination toward AC echo that of the other large carriers? <br /> <br />My, he asks a lot of questions. [8D] <br /> <br /> <br />Thanks, Al Smalling <br />
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