Differences between locomotives

[littleshunter060]

Hi everyone, I have a question that's been nagging me ever since I got into trains.

How do people tell the difference between different types of locomotives? in the UK and other countries, this probably isn't so difficult because the locomotives over there are more unique between the classes, but in the US, all the modern locomotives look the same to me. I can't tell the difference between a GEVO, an SD70, and an EMD to save my life.

Is it just experience, or is there something i'm missing?

 

[mchawkman]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_devil_is_in_the_detail

Look for the details. Changes from one locomotive to another in the details of the cab, shape / angle of the nose, roofline, window shapes, details of the dynamic brake blister / vents / grills, fans, shape of the fuel tank, etc.

The list of the changes in details from locomotive to locomotive could go on for hours. Once you start looking into the details the differences soon become quite clear, and you begin to recognize them upon first sight.

Regards,
MSP

 

[JCitron]

Some of the railroads also put the engine model on the side of the cab.

John

 

[simulatortrain]

Careful, details are a slippery slope.

 

[pdkoester]

On the left is the GEVO, on the right is the SD70, only thing really similar is the cab shape, to me...

 

[whitepass]

Some times you can not tell, an Alco PA1 and PA2 look the same as only the engine deferent and a GP7 and a GP9 have only a set of 3 vents.

 

[nathanmallard]

I struggle a bit with US diesels too! The devil truly is in the details. It's a shame really that there isn't more variety on the US rail network nowadays. Of course, us Brits are brilliant at making our diesels distinctive, although distinctive isn't always practical...

Yes, we're looking at you, 10100...

 

[Matt3985]

I agree with Nathan, locomotive design is so simple today for us because there are only 6 major carriers plus Amtrak (and not counting all of the short lines) that why I like the steam era and the transition era because there were a lot more railroads back then and even some built their own locomotive designs like the PRR and N&W.

 

[Saieditor]

I struggle a bit with US diesels too! The devil truly is in the details. It's a shame really that there isn't more variety on the US rail network nowadays. Of course, us Brits are brilliant at making our diesels distinctive, although distinctive isn't always practical...

<image snipped>
Yes, we're looking at you, 10100...

Was that the genesis of the Class 37?

 

[jeffmorris]

Most NYCTA subway cars look alike even when made by different manufacturers and have different motor/control systems.

 

[210009222]

Differences in maker can also often be heard. EMDs sound like they are 'screaming' and are very treble-heavy. GEs sound like tractors, very bass-heavy beings.

Alco, just look for smoke.

 

[MeowRailroad]

I struggle a bit with US diesels too! The devil truly is in the details. It's a shame really that there isn't more variety on the US rail network nowadays. Of course, us Brits are brilliant at making our diesels distinctive, although distinctive isn't always practical...

Yes, we're looking at you, 10100...

I think that this is because you are used to UK engines and I am used to US engines. A GEVO looks nothing like an SD70 to me (except for the cab as previously stated) but they are separate enough. However, most UK locomotives look indistinguishable to me.

 

[Matt3985]

I'm from the US but since I'm not into modern diesels that much it's hard to tell the difference for me.

 

[pdkoester]

I'm from the US but since I'm not into modern diesels that much it's hard to tell the difference for me.

Really??? Are you serious? Come on, I don't believe you, doofus.



How can YOU not know???

Are they not furry fandom enough?

Not Brony Pony enough?

Or is it just they don't have them in Thomas and Friends?

 

[Vinnie264]

I'm from the US but since I'm not into modern diesels that much it's hard to tell the difference for me.

@Pdkoester

kek

@Matt

 

[ryanstrains]

Enough of this nonsense guys, I will take care of this thread as soon as I am done with work and I get this plane pushed on time.

 

[Vinnie264]

Enough of this nonsense guys, I will take care of this thread as soon as I am done with work and I get this plane pushed on time.

Hey ryan. Get off the phone and back to work! :B

 

[n8phu]

Sadly Accurate

 

[NIARTcar]

/foam (10foamers)

 

[simulatortrain]

What kind of goofball thinks Alcos sound bad?