What replaced steam engines?
What replaced steam engines? It wasn't until 1940 that the Electro Motive Division of General Motors (EMD) demonstrated that diesels could practically replace steam locomotives in heavy-duty service. A pioneer freight diesel, model FT, toured the nation's railroads and changed history.
What is the largest steam engine still in use?
Big Boy No. 4014 is the world's largest operating steam locomotive.
Are steam trains faster than diesel trains?
ton for ton a steam locomotive can and does pull more tons at higher speeds than a diesel locomotive can. The H.P. of a diesel is less effective at faster speeds because more electricity is needed to keep the traction motors spinning at the higher speeds.
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.