Is it possible for the trailing locomotives in a multiple-unit lashup to use less fuel than the lead locomotive? It seems to me the trailing units don’t encounter the wind resistance the lead locomotive does, very similar to drafting a big rig with your car. Sounds like one for Mythbusters.
Studies have been done regarding various consists. Considering the relative load of wind resistance on the locomotives compared to what’s hanging on the drawbar, I’d say the effect of drafting would be negligible.
I agree with Larry, at freight speeds the wind resistance is neglagable compared to the drawbar drag.
Besides the Diesel engines in the locomotives all they are there fir is to turn the ALternator and have that power turned into DC then fed into the traction motors. So regardless of were it is in the consist it burns the same amount of fuel since the Governor setting for that notch is steady.
Although an empty TTX 89’ flat could probably draft behind an autorack…[swg]
The locomotives are connected and they’re pulling the same load. The horsepower of the lead locomotive is split between countering wind resistance and pulling the load. It’s a very lop-sided split.