Electric locomotive Facts for Kids

An electric locomotive

An electric locomotive is a type of train engine that runs on electricity. These powerful machines are usually cheaper to buy and run compared to other types of locomotives. However, setting up the special power system for them, called a railway electrification system, is very expensive. Because of this, only busy train tracks usually get this special power system. That's why diesel locomotives are more common, but electric ones are still very popular.

How Electric Locomotives Get Power
Types of Electric Locomotives
Images for kids
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How Electric Locomotives Get Power

Electric locomotives get their power in a few main ways:

From wires above the tracks (called overhead lines or catenary).
From batteries built right into the train.
From a special rail next to the main tracks (called a third rail).

Overhead Lines

Many electric trains get their power from overhead lines. These are wires suspended above the tracks. A special arm on top of the train, called a pantograph, touches these wires to collect the electricity. This is a common way to power trains on long-distance routes.

Third Rail

In some places, especially in subway systems or urban areas, trains get power from a "third rail." This is an extra rail placed next to the main tracks. A shoe-like device on the train slides along this rail to pick up electricity. It's often used where overhead wires might be difficult to install.

Battery Power

Some electric locomotives run on batteries built right into them. These are called battery-electric locomotives. They are often used in places like mines, tunnels, or train yards. This is because they don't produce exhaust fumes, which makes them safer to use in enclosed spaces.

Types of Electric Locomotives

There are many different kinds of electric locomotives, designed for various jobs. Some are built for speed, like those used for high-speed passenger trains. Others are made for pulling very heavy freight trains over long distances.

Electric locomotives have been around for a long time. Early designs used direct current (DC) power, while newer ones often use alternating current (AC) power. Modern electric locomotives are very efficient and can be quite fast. For example, the Siemens ES64U4 set a speed record for electric locomotives in 2006, reaching 357 kilometers per hour (222 mph).

Images for kids

Electric locomotive Škoda ChS4-109. The Moscow–Odessa train in Vinnytsia railway station.
The ČSD Class E 499.3
The Siemens ES64U4 is the current confirmed holder as the fastest electric locomotive at 357 km/h (222 mph) in 2006.
A Milwaukee Road class ES-2, an example of a larger steeplecab switcher for an electrified heavy-duty railroad (DC) 1916
A prototype of a Ganz AC electric locomotive in Valtellina, Italy, 1901
A Swiss Re 420 leads a freight train down the south side of the Gotthard line, which was electrified in 1922. The masts and lines of the catenary can be seen.
Pikku-Pässi, a small electric locomotive of the Finlayson company in Tampere, Finland, in 1950s
The operating controls of VL80R freight locomotive from Russian Railways. The wheel controls motor power.
Electric locomotive used in mining operations in Flin Flon, Manitoba. This locomotive is on display and not currently in service.
The Swedish Rc locomotive was the first series locomotive that used thyristors with DC motors.
A modern half-pantograph
Third rail at the West Falls Church Metro station near Washington, D.C., electrified at 750 volts. The third rail is at the top of the image, with a white canopy above it. The two lower rails are the ordinary running rails; current from the third rail returns to the power station through these.
One of the Milwaukee Road EP-2 "Bi-polar" electrics
A GG1 electric locomotive
A London Underground battery-electric locomotive at West Ham station used for hauling engineers' trains
NER No.1, Locomotion museum, Shildon
FS Class E656, an articulated Bo'-Bo'-Bo' locomotive, manages more easily the tight curves often found on the Italian railways
British Class 91
Soviet electric locomotive VL60pk (ВЛ60пк), c. 1960
Russian freight electric locomotives 3ES10 and 4ES5K
CN Boxcab Electric locomotive leaving Mount Royal Tunnel, in 1989.
A Siemens ACS-64.
Two China Railway HXD3Ds hauling a long-distance passenger train.
Japan electric locomotive EF65
Australian electric locomotives 3100/3200 class
Indian Railways 12,000 HP freight class WAG-12 electric locomotive
Indian Railways passenger class WAP-7 electric locomotive
Indian Railways freight class WAG-9 electric locomotive

Electric locomotive facts for kids

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