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Originally Posted by M II A II R II K
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The big railroads that operate in the US- BNSF, UP, NS, CSX, CP, CN, and KCS, all have had a long experience with alternate fuels. The classic example involved converting from coal fired steam engines, to diesel.
Since WWII, railroads have experimented with oil (and coal?) fired turbine locomotives, and, oil powered steam engines. I am sure, too, that LNG has been discussed at great length, also.
The biggest advantage of diesel powered locomotives is that diesel is easy and safe to store, resists ignition during train accidents, has a higher burn temperature than LNG, and, uses very proven technology from the fuel tank through engine design.
However, IMO, LNG has a role in freight switching engines where LNG could be stored close to where it is used. Another possible use might be for locomotives that would run 24/7 that would provide electricity to jump start diesels. Maybe, too, urban commuter trains would be a good candidate as the pollution benefits and short distance traveled by commuter trains would make centralized LNG stations very practical.