How a Diesel-Electric Locomotive Works
AnimagraffsCited 3× on HN, 2023–2025
explainer · general · evergreen · 2023–2025 on HN
A 3D-animated walkthrough of a heavy-haul diesel-electric freight locomotive, covering the frame, coupling, draft gear, engine and drive systems. Made in Blender by Animagraffs.
Cited in threads about physical controls and how diesel-electric locomotives actually work.
Up next
15 mo on HNAround The Corner - How Differential Steering Works (1937)
US Auto Industry
Recommended 17× on HN · 2013–2024
12 mo on HNDetergent packs are kinda wishy-washy (Dishwashers Explained)
Technology Connections
Recommended 15× on HN · 2021–2025
12 mo on HNMechanical Computer (All Parts) - Basic Mechanisms In Fire Control Computers
Excelsior10000
Recommended 13× on HN · 2014–2025
11 mo on HNThe Antique Toaster that's Better than Yours
Technology Connections
Recommended 12× on HN · 2019–2025
11 mo on HNU.S. NAVY BASIC MECHANISMS OF FIRE CONTROL COMPUTERS MECHANICAL COMPUTER INSTRUCTIONAL FILM 27794
PeriscopeFilm
Recommended 11× on HN · 2018–2026
9 mo on HNThe Ingenious Design of the Aluminum Beverage Can
engineerguy
Recommended 9× on HN · 2016–2026
9 mo on HNOrigins of Precision
Machine Thinking
Recommended 11× on HN · 2019–2025
7 mo on HNElevator Hacking: From the Pit to the Penthouse
DeviantOllam
Recommended 9× on HN · 2014–2026
6 mo on HN(1/4) Intro/History: Introducing a 100-year-old mechanical computer
engineerguy
Recommended 6× on HN · 2015–2023
6 mo on HNThe Hyperloop: BUSTED!
Thunderf00t
Recommended 7× on HN · 2016–2023
6 mo on HNDEF CON 22 - Deviant Ollam & Howard Payne - Elevator Hacking - From the Pit to the Penthouse
DEFCONConference
Recommended 5× on HN · 2016–2026
5 mo on HN[HOPE X] Elevator Hacking: From the Pit to the Penthouse
themarimbaincident
Recommended 4× on HN · 2014–2023
3 comments from Hacker News
Fyi, virtually all diesel locamotives already employ regenerative braking. They just send the electricity to resistors, turning it into heat. The amount of energy is simply staggering. No battery tech can absorb the power fast enough. Its funny that this train is in australia. Only on a very flat run will braking be so slow that power can be stored efficiently. ▶ this video
At least the diesel engine powers the electric motors at the wheels! How a Diesel-Electric Locomotive Works -- ▶ this video
A diesel locomotive has my ideal user interface[1]. (a) For non critical operations, it has smart displays similar to an airplane cockpits. Physical function keys perform different things depending on the screen the smart display is presenting. (b) For critical operations, physical switches and levers are clearly labelled to show what they do,. I would say the best UI is one where you can talk someone through an emergency over the phone. e.g., "Mayday. Help. The locomotive engineer just passed out and I don't know how to stop this thing." "Are you sitting on the right seat? The operator's seat? Look to your left, you will see two blue levers marked throttle and dynamic braking etc." [1] ▶ this video (skip to the 20 minute mark)