The locomotive gas turbine differs from the aircraft jet engine in that the gases it produces are harnessed within the power plant and the resultant power is transmitted electrically to drive the wheels, whereas the aircraft engine provides forward thrust from the reaction of its exhaust stream. It develops 53-hp per foot of length, weighs 500,000 Ibs. and has a continuous tractive effort of 68,500 lbs. Geared for 79 MPH, the locomotive carries enough fuel for 12 hours operation at 4500-hp. The compressor, combustion chamber and turbine are of inline construction. Air is drawn through a compressor into several combustion chambers.
Fuel is injected and the mixture burns, raising the temperature of the compressed air.
Resulting gases expand and move at great velocity against the turbine blades, turning the shaft. The shaft drives both the power plant compressor and the generator. Power from the generator is supplied to eight traction motors, each of which drives an axle. The gas turbine power plant itself is rated at 4800 h.p. Historically, the idea of a gas turbine power plant is not new.