Railroading is after all a for profit endeavor . When making decisions regarding the bottom line railroads take the ultra conservative approach. Look at how long they are looking at the new "green"locomotives prior to committing. Don't get me wrong, I like steam and will go out of my way to see it when it shows up (Sacramento) . What I really think is in the future for American railroads is electrification. Make the power at a central location and transmit that power to the locomotive via the overhead wires. The advantages are several. The locomotive is ALL power, There is no extra non revenue weight (Remember cabooses?)Far fewer moving parts to contend with. Things can be designed in a "Plug-N-Play" modular manner for reduced downtime. Even with the "Stone knives and bearskins" technology of the past, look how long those old electrics lasted. Electric locomotives can EXCEED their rated tractive effort for brief periods when needed. Recent advances in traction motor technology and adhesion control can enhance this ability. The quietness of an electric locomotive can make the public more tolerant of trains through their towns, Zero emissions is also a plus. The downside is the initial cost of infrastructure. The upside of that though is longterm payoff in trouble free continuous service.

The rail industry is at a crossroads. The new demands being placed on them by world trade and demand for low cost efficient transportation of goods and people are going to bring about some dramatic changes in the near future. As always the bottom line is going to be the major factor in the decisions made. Whatever happens,it will certainly be interesting.