Quote:
Originally Posted by bnk
DMU's
advantages must be weighed against the underfloor noise and vibration that may be an issue with this type of train.
Generally diesel traction has several downsides compared to electric traction, namely higher fuel costs, more noise and exhaust as well as worse acceleration and top speed performance. The power to weight ratio also tends to be worse.
DMUs have further disadvantages compared to diesel-electric locomotives in that they cannot be swapped out when passing onto an electrified line, necessitating either passengers to change trains or Diesel operation on electrified lines. Similarly the lost investment once electrification reduces the demand for diesel rolling stock is higher than with locomotive hauled trains where only the locomotive has to be replaced.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel_multiple_unit |
What have you been drinking? Stadler makes FLIRT trains that can be powered electrically or diesels, or by both. They are even designing and building a battery powered FLIRT. The idea a train must switch locomotives when moving from electrical to diesel power modes is false, especially when discussing multiple unit trains.