I need some information about trains for my new project!

G3orgelop3z Oct 6, 2012

  1. G3orgelop3z

    G3orgelop3z New Member

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    Hi guys,

    I am currently building an online train simulator (That will be released for free). I'll be honest, I don't know much about trains, and I want this game to be as accurate as possible. I just have a few questions:

    1) How many miles does the average train engine drive a year?
    2) What is the average MPG of a train?
    3) How much does a Box Car, Tank Car, Flat Car, and hopper usually cost new?
    4) What is the average amount of money earned on each ton of cargo?
    5) How much do repairs usually cost?
    6) How much does each car usually hold?
    7) How much horse power does it take to pull one (lets say 100 ton) car?

    Thank you very much in advance. Any answers would greatly help me out.
     
  2. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Actually, your questions being general information, placing this inquiry in the Ready Track was just fine.
     
  3. bnsf971

    bnsf971 TrainBoard Member

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    I can answer a few of your questions.
    A train will get roughly 4 gallons per mile per locomotive at full load.
    A car's capacity will be listed on the side in pounds. Most coal hoppers, for example, would hold 200000 pounds, or 100 tons, until recently.
    Horsepower per ton ratio depends on the terrain and how fast the railroad needs to get the train over the road. On flat terrain with modern locomotives, you can have as little as .5 horsepower per ton. If you have a tight schedule, you may go as high as 4 horsepower per ton. Most railroads try to get into the 3 horsepower per ton area, which is a compromise between speed and economy. So, to pull your 100 ton car, you could have as little as 50 horsepower, or as much as 400 horsepower.
     
  4. G3orgelop3z

    G3orgelop3z New Member

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    Thank you very much, bnsf. Do you have any other websites I could go to get more information?
     

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