Norfolk Southern to research battery-powered locomotives

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The Virginian-Pilot
© September 13, 2008

Norfolk Southern Corp. will research battery-powered electric locomotives with funding from a new $50,000 grant, the Federal Railroad Administration announced Friday.

The Norfolk-based railroad will also contribute $65,000 to the project, which aims to design a prototype battery for electric locomotives that would reduce fuel costs and emissions, according to a rail administration news release.

Norfolk Southern’s research grant is one of 13 announced Friday with the goal of improving rail infrastructure.

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Solar Power

Submitted by mose on Mon, 09/15/2008 at 1:21 pm.

Here's an idea! Why not mount solar panels on top of the locomotive to generate the main power? Use back-up storage batteries for night train operations! Change the 110 volt electrical system to operate on 12-24 volts DC power for running lights and instrumentation.
Just an idea!
- Toot! Toot! - Clacky! Clacky! Clack! -

Battery-Powered Trains

Submitted by Prairiedog on Sun, 09/14/2008 at 8:54 am.

Good idea...but they'll need a long extension cord!

Important detail left out

Submitted by ILikeSnacks on Sat, 09/13/2008 at 10:48 am.

The important detail here is they are not looking at battery powered locomotives for hauling trains long distance. That would be completely impractical. These are for switching operations at the yard.