Diesel powered electricity generation engine starting

In 1939 General Motor s Electro-Motive Division sent its famed demonstrator FT-103 diesel-electric units on a triumphant tour of America. One purpose was to show skeptical railroaders that this 5400 hp, four-unit diesel locomotive developed more low speed tractive effort than competitor steam engines, which meant smooth starts and excellent performance on long mountain grades. The effect was much like Trevithick s demonstrations 130 years earlier, and a new generation of railroad locomotive power was assured. 

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