Abstract: The use of short consists of powered and unpowered freight cars for moving cargo from its source to transfer facilities is described. The use of short consists of powered and unpowered freight cars can enable the efficient operation of unit trains. Single self-powered rail cars or short consists (up to about 25 cars) can overcome a number of problems associated with long unit trains such as dynamic instabilities, inability to stop quickly if needed and long headway time required between trains. A system of feeder trains (aggregators) to facilitate keeping unit trains in more or less constant motion is described. The use of gearing and shafts for power transmission from traction motors installed on various types of freight cars using the structure of the existing freight car truck is also described.

Abstract: A method and system(s) are disclosed for integrating a new fuel into an operating transportation system in a continuous, seamless manner, such as diesel fuel being gradually replaced by compressed natural gas (“CNG”) in long haul trucks. Integration can be implemented using two enabling technologies. The first is an engine system capable of operating seamlessly on two or more fuels without regard to the ignition characteristics of the fuels. The second is a communications and computing system for implementing a fueling strategy that optimizes fuel consumption, guides the selection of fuel based upon location, cost and emissions and allows the transition from one fuel to another to appear substantially seamless to the truck driver.