Diesel train began to replace steam trains around sixty years ago. Their engines work in the same way as truck engines. They are very powerful and often haul long trains enormous distances.

The picture above is a diesel locomotive. In a diesel locomotive a diesel engine actually powers a electric generator which powers the wheels. Thus making it more correct to call them "diesel electrics"  

 Diesel engines are the most used locomotives today. They are very power full yet very slow compared to the up and coming electric engine.

Many American diesels are stylishly designed. The American Zephyr diesels of the 1930s had shiny, silver bodies made of steel. In the 1950, diesels on the Santa Fe Railroad in the U.S.A were famous for their bright red and yellow logo.   

 Diesel power was first used in Britain in the 1960's. The most famous early British diesels were called Deltic. They were able to reach speeds of 105 mph. This was faster then any other British train at that time. 

In 1957, a high-speed diesel service began in Europe. It was called the Trans-Europe Express, and it licked France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands together.   

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