Depends on the type of locomotive traction generator - DC or AC.
DC (older) locomotives are cranked by dumping battery power to the main generator. The generator becomes a motor which spins up the diesel engine.
Newer AC locomotives require a separate geared electric or pneumatic starter. This is because the traction generator (actually an AC alternator) cannot be motored on battery current. Two starters are are generally used to achieve the crankshaft RPM required for reliable cold starting.
AFIK no starting aids (glow plugs, manifold heaters, etc) are required on mainline diesel locomotives.
Incidentally the sound of a pneumatic-start locomotive getting cranking up is one you are not likely to forget!
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Today's Featured Article - Tuning-Up Your Tractor: Plugs & Compression Testing - by Curtis Von Fange. The engine seems to run rough. In the exhaust you can hear an occasion 'poofing' sound like somethings not firing on all cylinders. Under loaded conditions the tractor seems to lack power and it belches black smoke out of the exhaust. For some reason it just doesn't want to start up without cranking and cranking the starter. All these conditions can be signals that your unit is in need of a tune up. Ok, so what is involved in a tune up? You say, swap plugs and file the points....now tha
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