From Steam to Green: The History and Evolution of Locomotives

How passenger and freight rail locomotives have changed throughout history, from steam locomotives like the Big Boy to fuel efficient and battery-electric locomotivesOn February 21, 1804, British mining engineer, inventor and explorer Richard Trevithick debuted the first full-scale working railway steam locomotive in the Welsh mining town of Merthyr Tydfil. Following that debut, locomotives have been powered by a myriad of fuels, including wood, coal and oil. Then, in 1913, diesel powered locomotives hit the scene in Sweden, followed by the U.S. in 1939 and continue to dominate the landscape today. Locomotives have evolved a great deal since their inception, becoming much more efficient and environmentally friendly over time. Let’s take a look back at Union Pacific’s history of locomotive use to see how they have developed into today’s green powerhouses that can move one ton of freight nearly 500 miles on a single gallon of fuel.1868 - CP No. 60 and UP No. 119 - American TypeThe most p...