Improving Fuel Efficiency WSOR continues its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and cut fuel consumption from its fleet of 42 locomotives. Unlike automobiles, railroad locomotives cannot use anti-freeze, and must be kept warm in cold weather either with heaters or by idling to avoid freezing of the diesel engine. “Smart Start” equipment is being installed on WSOR's fleet of locomotives. This equipment automatically shuts down the locomotive engine when it has idled for a predetermined amount of time while not in use. The engine automatically restarts to warm the engine coolant in cold weather and also when power is demanded from the locomotive. Idle reduction devices will reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 50-70 percent. WSOR continues a program to retrofit low-horsepower engines prone to heavy carbon build-up with Harco Spark Arrestors. The spark arrestor is designed to trap red hot carbon particles which are emitted out the exhaust stack. Baffles inside the arrestor deflect carbon particles where they are trapped in a chamber, thereby allowing only exhaust gases out of the top of the stack. Spark arrestors have proved very effective in collecting particulates harmful to our environment as well as reducing the frequency and severity of grass fires along our rail corridors.