Since the engine only drives a generator, this may be a splendid idea. I wonder what the range of such a setup (one engine and one tank car) would be.
Putting the LNG on a Westport LNG Tender, rather than simply replacing the diesel fuel tanks on existing locomotives, offers a number of advantages:
More than 10,000 gallons LNG capacity—provides longer range than a diesel locomotive, reducing the need for LNG refuelling infrastructure and refuelling stops
Intelligent fueling controls will allow tenders to supply fuel to natural gas locomotives from virtually any manufacturer, reducing operational complexity and investment in different proprietary fuel supply solutions
Each tender can support two locomotives, reducing the capital investment required to move to LNG
Utilizes an industry standard vehicle design and 40’ LNG ISO tank, which minimizes cost and will allow production volumes to be rapidly increased as the industry migrates to LNG