Rail motor coach
A motor coach (in the European use of the word) or motorcar is a powered rail vehicle able to pull several trailers and at the same time transport passengers or luggage. With multiple unit train control, one operator can control several “motor coaches”, possibly even combined with locomotives, efficiently in the same train, making longer trains possible. A motor coach is distinguished from a railcar by not being lightweight.
Motor coaches can replace locomotives at the head of local passenger or freight trains. Especially electrified narrow gauge lines on the European continent often saw this form of operation. Many of these railways closed down, many others changed to electric multiple units. But a few lines in Switzerland, Italy and Austria still work with motor coach pulled train consists. It can be expected that the Bernina line of Rhätische Bahn will continue for a long time to be operated with motor coaches pulling passenger and freight trains.
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A 2100 kW motor coach of Südostbahn at the head of a train in Wädenswil
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Two motor coaches of Rhätische Bahn pulling the maximum allowed load of 140 t on the Bernina line
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Electric motor coach with trailer in Switzerland
See also
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Category:Rail motor coaches. |
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Category:Electric motor coaches by country. |
Categories
- Locomotive
- Multiple Unit
- Railbus / Railcar
General
- Autorail
- British Rail Railbuses