The Reason Trains Carry Fuel They'll Never Actually Use

Comments · 33

• AL

  @Alan-t7z8c · 1 month ago

  Yes in Australia fuel is needed in extra rail cars behind to transfer fuel to the locomotive. Commentary really dont know lol

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• RI

  @RickSadler-t4o8s · 1 month ago

  Railroads buy fuel in bulk ,, the locomotives drag extra fuel tanks around with them to fuel other terminals based on price per local area ,, it’s not for that locomotive to use

  7

• MA

  @markmonse5285 · 1 month ago (edited)

  Airline fueling practices have many similar issues as well as some major difference.  While airline dispatchers usually plan flights point-to-point fuel loads that include fuel for FAR reserve, fuel for an alternate (if destination weather necessitates) and fuel for weather for storm deviations or holding patterns, the ability to tanker fuel between airports is also affected by other variables such as actual payload, available fuel tank capacity, aircraft max takeoff *and landing weight, among others.  If unexpected weather comes up, any tanker fuel can be used as necessary.

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• HU

  @HurairahHomestead · 1 month ago

  I think it's a reserve in case something happens.  A train can be delayed.  Delays=extra fuel burn.  And on aeroplanes, there is also a reserve amount of fuel fr in case of delays or detours.

  5

• CH

  @charliehargrave7458 · 2 weeks ago

  You don't fill the tank, you only fill enough to the next fuel stop.

• CA

  @captainkeyboard1007 · 1 month ago

  This story is a documentary that I have waited for in so many years. Locomotive Geek, you are best!

• LA

  @LatitudeSky · 1 month ago

  Fuel like this IS used in Australia. The train must refuel itself or it won't complete the trip. Very standard practice and more sophisticated than just pulling a tank car.

• IS

  @Issac-Clark-Engineer · 1 month ago

  Love your channel. Just found you looking up the Crazy 8888 Incident after my dad and I was discussing the Unstoppable Movie staring Denzel.

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• AL

  @Alan-t7z8c · 1 month ago

  Rail / trucks need weight for " traction" on ice etc

  7

• CA

  @caseyvanboxtel2279 · 1 month ago

  Are people actually this stupid asking these questions?

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• DM

  @dmfraser1444 · 1 month ago

  Basically the same as my always filling my car when I get fuel. Even though I can get along fine only filling it half way. But my time is too valuable to spend filling up twice as often. Even as a teen working at a gas station and getting minimum wage I always filled it . I could never undrstand those who could not afford to fill it. You save little in the long run.  If I had worked in railroads, I would not have made the slightest objection to a train leaving with full tanks.

• KA

  @Kangenpower7 · 1 month ago

  Let&apos;s say they have 3,000 gallons on each locomotive, and only plan on using 2,000 gallons. &nbsp;Let&apos;s also say they have 3 locomotives to move this train whatever distance they plan. &nbsp;But one of the train engines goes bad, and now the two locomotives are now running closer to 80% power instead of 65% power. &nbsp;They will consume more fuel than planned. &nbsp;And still have around 500 gallons left when they arrive to get more fuel.<br><br>Also locomotives need weight on them to lessen wheel slippage. &nbsp;It is unlike any other vehicle, that does not bring along extra weight just to hold the vehicle to the ground. &nbsp;Yes you hear of people saying your car can get better MPG if you leave behind 100 pounds of stuff not needed for your trip. &nbsp;That is not true of a locomotive train, where it Must be 300,000 pounds to make the contact to the steel have more traction.

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