Quick answer
A modern freight locomotive commonly produces roughly 3,000–4,500 horsepower, but a train may use several locomotives. Total train horsepower therefore depends on how many powered locomotives are working.
Horsepower is only half the story
Horsepower describes the rate at which work can be done. Starting a heavy train also depends on tractive effort—the pulling force available at the rail—and adhesion between steel wheel and steel rail.
Why trains use several locomotives
Railroads match locomotive power to train weight, grades, curves, desired speed and operating conditions. Multiple locomotives can work together under one engineer's control.
Examples from our locomotive library
The EMD GP38-2 is rated at 2,000 hp, the SD40-2 at 3,000 hp, the SD70ACe at about 4,300 hp, and the GE ES44AC at 4,400 hp.
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