Electro-diesel locomotive

An electro-diesel locomotive is a type of train that can run on both electric power and diesel power. Think of it like a toy car that can run on both batteries and gas.

When the train is running on electric power, it gets its energy from overhead wires or a third rail (the metal track it runs on). The energy is then transferred to electric motors that turn the train's wheels. Just like charging a battery, the train needs to be connected to the power source to keep running on electric power.

But sometimes, the train cannot run on electric power because there are no wires or the power source is too far. So it switches to diesel power, where the energy comes from fuel like gasoline or diesel. Diesel engines are used to generate electricity, which is then used to power the train's motors.

The train can switch between electric and diesel power automatically, depending on where it is and what power source is available. It's like flipping a switch between battery and gas on a toy car.

Electro-diesel locomotives are useful for long train journeys that go through different environments with varying power sources. They save energy by switching to electric when possible and reduce emissions by using diesel only when necessary.