Method of organization: Alternative.

             Tone: Serious, informative, specific.

             Note: Created for the general public and other railroading admirers taken into consideration.

             Capable of pulling thousands of metric tons of cargo, the diesel locomotives are the monsters of transportation in our world today. From freight to passenger, from station to yards, whether it"s hauling coal or mail, diesel locomotives have been servicing mankind"s needs to displace unimaginable quantities of cargo. The basic schematic of a diesel locomotive is the prime mover (engine itself) which powers an alternator that supplies electric current to axle mounted electric traction motors. Nevertheless there are two types of electric motors which locomotive companies have to choose from: motors that run on direct current (DC) where electricity flows from a negative borne to a positive one and motors that run on alternating current (AC) where an electric current reverses direction in a circuit at regular intervals. To find out which one of them will best suit a company, they will have to be contrasted in terms of 'power and reliability", and 'cost".

             The reliability of a motor depends on the level of maintenance it requires, it"s performance in all weather conditions. Mechanically, AC traction motors are more simply designed, more robust and are very reliable. AC motors are substantially immune to humidity (as in snow or rain) and in displeasing weather conditions due to its sturdy & airtight casings. In addition, the locomotive is less likely to slip on the tracks due to the computerized traction control system. These computerized beasts are nearly exempt from stalling damage and may travel for millions of miles between overhauls. The biggest advantage is the extreme thermal load that it can withhold when pulling a heavy freight- it does not overheat easily! A ruthlessly efficient machine, it lacks steel brushes and commutators that removes the potential for short circuits, flashovers and ground relays.