How many miles to the gallon does a standard Union Pacific diesel locomotive use?
Miles per gallon is dependant on train tonnage and grade. 2 – 3 Gallons per mile is generally accepted value for normal conditions and train tonnage. More accurate fuel consumption is based on the locomotive diesel engine speed (rpm not mph). 4gph for idle, 180 – 200 gph for Run 8 (max throttle position) for most modern locomotives. Throttle position has nothing to do with speed. You may be in Run 8 at 15 mph or 70 mph. Run 8 only increases the locomotive engine speed and consequently main generator speed in order to keep up with traction motor power demand.
