Cow-calf
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In rail transport, a cow-calf is a set of diesel switcher locomotives. The set usually is a pair; some three-unit sets were built, but this was rare. A cow is equipped with a cab; a calf is not. The two are coupled together and equipped with multiple unit train control so that both locomotives can be operated from the single cab.
EMD TR1 diesel locomotive with two units—cow and calf
This locomotive and slug of the Iowa Interstate Railroad resemble a cow-calf set, but the slug has no engines of its own; this allows it to be cut down for better visibility.
These EMD FP9 locomotives also resemble a cow and calf, but the B unit is designed for mainline speeds, and to be detachable and operate with any other locomotive.
A Belt Railway of Chicago cow-calf set in 1985
Diesel locomotive
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A diesel locomotive is a type of railway locomotive in which the power source is a diesel engine. Several types of diesel locomotives have been developed, differing mainly in the means by which mechanical power is conveyed to the driving wheels. The most common are diesel-electric locomotives and diesel-hydraulic.
The ČKD ČME3, a common example of a diesel shunting locomotive
The InterCity 125 set a speed record – 148 mph (238 km/h) – for a diesel-powered train in 1987. Capable of 125 mph (201 km/h) in regular service, the train consists of two power cars with either seven or eight carriages between them.
These locomotives operated by Pacific National in Australia show three styles of diesel locomotive body: cab unit (front), hood unit, and flat-nose (rear).
Petrol–electric Weitzer railmotor, first 1903, series 1906