by SouthernRailway
Trains magazine has an interesting piece on cowl units: locomotives that have a shell that fully encloses them, including walkways. Freight locomotives, conversely, usually are hood units; the walkways on the sides aren't enclosed, and it's easier to access their "innards" from the outside. Apparently freight locomotives usually aren't cowl locomotives because they are more expensive to maintain and are necessary really only in colder climates.
So...why are almost all passenger locomotives cowl locomotives? Metro-North has a few Brookvilles that aren't cowl locomotives, but almost all others are. If they cost more to maintain and aren't necessary except in really cold areas, why spend the money on them? Do they just look better? Or are they more aerodynamic, which would help higher-speed passenger trains? Or is there another reason?
Thanks.
So...why are almost all passenger locomotives cowl locomotives? Metro-North has a few Brookvilles that aren't cowl locomotives, but almost all others are. If they cost more to maintain and aren't necessary except in really cold areas, why spend the money on them? Do they just look better? Or are they more aerodynamic, which would help higher-speed passenger trains? Or is there another reason?
Thanks.