Comparisons of railway motive power for operations in the Pacific Northwest

RECIPROCATING steam, Diesel-electric, and electric locomotives compete today for the main-line freight and passenger assignments of Pacific Northwest railways. It is doubtful if the present struggle for dominance among the three will be influenced greatly by other types of locomotives. Reciprocating steam locomotives have occupied a position of leadership here as elsewhere in the United States since the coming of the railroad, but it is apparent that their days of unchallenged leadership are over. On the basis of physical ability to perform present and prospective tasks as well as on the basis of operating economy, steam locomotives face strong competition from Diesel-electric and electric motive power.