Diesel Revolution
Diesel locomotives are large, powerful machines.
They are the backbone of many railways throughout the world. Diesel locomotives are used to haul all sorts of loads including passengers, general freight, grain, minerals and livestock.
See inside a diesel locomotive and discover how it works with the Diesel Cab simulator.
Driving a diesel locomotive
The driver adjusts the throttle to control the power, applies the brakes and controls the train's direction. They read the conditions, observe the track ahead and listen to the engine's exhaust sound to keep the train running smoothly and safely.
Driving a diesel locomotive is not simple task. It requires skill, a thorough knowledge of the track, and above all alertness.
In the past, a second crew member worked with the driver (known as the fireman from the steam era when the second crew member looked after the fire for the boiler). The fireman watches the track and checks the locomotive's control gauges. A guard also worked on diesel trains until the 1980s. They were stationed in the guard's van at the end of the train. The guard was in charge, signalling when it was safe to go.
The driver's compartment is called the cab. In older locomotives it was cold in winter, but fans kept the crew cool in summer. The only comforts were an electric hotplate, a drinking water tank and a small hand basin. Despite this, crews still found diesel locos more comfortable to work on than steam locomotives.
