Now that you have a basic rundown of Chicago's rail history and the environmental importance of freight rail, you'll hopefully have more appreciation for the main purpose behind my recent trip to the Windy City. CSX introduced their GenSet Locomotives earlier this year and invited members of the online media to see firsthand why their development is so innovative.

GenSet Locomotives have been certified as ultra-low emitting, as outlined by EPA standards. In fact, CSX has managed to achieve an 80 per cent reduction in nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions. Rather than using one large diesel locomotive engine, the GenSet uses three 700-horsepower engines. The locomotive uses the three engines when required, however will automatically shut down the engines that are not required, thus efficiently conserving fuel . The same way your computer goes into standby mode when it remains inactive for a prolonged period, the GenSet enters "sleep" mode after a certain length of inactivity to eliminate the environmental unfriendliness of idling. The engines can also be turned on as quickly as that of a truck, further eliminating the need to leave the engines running when unnecessary. The maintenance requirements have even been reduced by as much as 35 per cent thanks to the engine load sharing system. The GenSets also address the issue of noise pollution and are substantially quieter than traditional locomotives. 

The GenSet Locomotives are actually former diesel locomotives that have been retrofitted with the new technology. Because they aren't as powerful as their single-engine brothers, the GenSets are currently used locally to switch cars within rail yards. CSX currently has two GenSet locomotives being used in their Dearborn, Michigan rail yard, and have plans to add another four GenSet Locomotives come 2009.

These particular locomotives may not be making the cross-country trek carrying a load of Nintendo Wiis - yet. However CSX is alway working on new technological advancements that will likely make this a reality one day soon. Given the existing eco-friendly nature of freight rail (keep in mind: one tonne of materials + one gallon of fuel = over 400 miles per gallon!), the GenSets sort of seem like icing atop of an already green cake.

» CSX