diesel-powered locomotive x diesel locomotive

English translation: Probably no difference

12:15 Oct 30, 2017
English language (monolingual) [PRO]
Tech/Engineering - Mechanics / Mech Engineering
English term or phrase: diesel-powered locomotive x diesel locomotive
Hello!

Is there a difference between a diesel-powered locomotive and a diesel locomotive?

Thank you in advance.
Alexandre Reis
Brazil
Local time: 10:25
Selected answer:Probably no difference
Explanation:
I'd say there is almost certainly no difference at all; I'd expect to find the former expression perhaps at the first occurrence in the document, and the latter expression everywhere else thereafter.

In this particular instance, it is just possible that a technical difference MIGHT be expressed in this way, though I feel it is unlikely. In any event, this terminology would be to be deprecated, as it remains ambiguous!

In point of fact, some locomotives are simply directly driven by a diesel engine; others may have a diesel engine that drives and electric generator, and the actual traction motors are electric. The latter would normally be referred to as 'diesel-electric' — and indeed, I don't know if they are still in current use. But if this were to be the case, then it would by no means be clear which of the 2 expressions was intended to refer to which case!
Selected response from:

Tony M
France
Local time: 14:25
Grading comment
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



SUMMARY OF ALL EXPLANATIONS PROVIDED
4 +4Probably no difference
Tony M


  

Answers


8 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +4
Probably no difference


Explanation:
I'd say there is almost certainly no difference at all; I'd expect to find the former expression perhaps at the first occurrence in the document, and the latter expression everywhere else thereafter.

In this particular instance, it is just possible that a technical difference MIGHT be expressed in this way, though I feel it is unlikely. In any event, this terminology would be to be deprecated, as it remains ambiguous!

In point of fact, some locomotives are simply directly driven by a diesel engine; others may have a diesel engine that drives and electric generator, and the actual traction motors are electric. The latter would normally be referred to as 'diesel-electric' — and indeed, I don't know if they are still in current use. But if this were to be the case, then it would by no means be clear which of the 2 expressions was intended to refer to which case!


Tony M
France
Local time: 14:25
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 504

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Jack Doughty
4 hrs
  -> Thanks, Jack!

agree  philgoddard
5 hrs
  -> Thanks, Phil!

agree  Ashutosh Mitra
1 day 15 hrs
  -> Thanks, Ashutosh!

agree  acetran
7 days
  -> Thanks, Ace!
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