Is steam more powerful than diesel?
Is steam more powerful than diesel? Steam engines CAN be more powerful than diesels. Steam engine have been built with 7000–8000 hp. They tend to be very heavy and very complicated with multiple driving axle articulated trucks.
Why did diesel replace steam locomotives?
The diesel engine drives an alternator, which produces electricity to run electric motors mounted on the locomotive's axles. The internal combustion engine was a dramatic improvement in efficiency over the steam locomotive, making substantial savings possible in maintenance and the elimination of widespread facilities.
What eventually replaced the steam engine?
Eventually, the steam engine would be replaced by more efficient means of energy conversion, such as internal combustion engines.
Do steam trains pollute more than diesel?
Diesel engines are much more efficient than steam engines, but the combustion in the steam engine's firebox can be more carefully controlled and, so, possibly produce less of the types of pollution caused by imperfect combustion.
Why did diesel replace steam power?
Diesel locomotives were generally more powerful than the steam locomotives that came before them. They were also less polluting, and they did not have to stop to pick up water. Diesel-powered trains are used worldwide, especially on less busy routes where it would be too expensive to electrify the lines.