View Single Post
  #1  
Old 22nd August 2019, 13:03
ianrail ianrail is offline  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Reading
Posts: 327
How much fuel does a diesel locomotive use?

Yes, I know, how long is a piece of string?

The other day we were discussing if it was fair that preserved railways charge the same fare whether the train is diesel or steam hauled. It seemed to me that the cost of running a steam engine would be much higher, particularly when the railway has to buy coal in small quantities.

On the other hand, someone asked whether the fuel for a diesel locomotive (say, a Class 37) was really that much cheaper, considering that it has to be delivered to the railway in small quantities too.

Do any of our members who work on preserved lines have any figures regarding the relative costs please? I really have no idea how much fuel a locomotive might use during a typical day.
Reply With Quote