The problem was that the diesel-electric locomotives of the era, like the EMD F3 and Alco FA, made only 1,500 horsepower. This was nothing compared to something like a Big Boy, which had up to 7,000 ...
The Silvis nonprofit Railroading Heritage of Midwest America has announced a weekend of rides on "The Quad Cities Rocket" to be held on the world's largest diesel locomotive.