Diesel fueling stations

[Anonymous]

How far apart are fueling stations for diesel trains? I'm curious as too how many times a train has to have its locomotive power fueled. I'm sure it must vary with loads and the track profile but was wondering if there is a rule of thumb as to the distance between stations.

[thirdrail1]

Most road Diesels can run a 1000 miles or more between refuelings. To use an example I am familiar with, 6 locomotives of 1500 HP each pulled a 13,000 ton loaded train 100 miles, and returned with a 100 car empty train. Total fuel consumption was ~1600 gallons or 267 gallons per unit. Assuming a 2000 gallon tank on each unit, the units could run 750 miles in each direction before refueling. Fueling stations are therefore located where locomotives tend to congregate, i.e. major yards and junctions, as they seldom need to be refueled mid-trip. BN used fuel tenders so it could run the length of its system and back without refueling, buying fuel where it was cheapest (Texas?).

[Anonymous]

Dan, Typically the newer locomotives can go about 500-700 miles between fueling Stops...that's about the distance between Chicago and North Platte Neb. On the UP. On the Amtrak runs between Chicago and Seattle there are about 3-4 fueling stops. Hope this answers your question.

[Anonymous]

that is good to know and I appreciate your input

[Anonymous]

Is that because Amtrack Locomotives have smaller tanks?