Apparatus and method for power production, control, and/or telematics, suitable for use with locomotives

A power system housed in modules or containers may be located as a unitary structure for example secured to a locomotive platform, allowing easy retrofits. A control subsystem may maintain an RPM of a prime mover at minimum that still provides an expected level of power from an electric machine for any one of a finite number of throttle settings. The control subsystem may dynamically adjust loads between various combinations of series and/or parallel couplings. A set of processor executable instructions may be configured for specific platforms by selecting appropriate set of values based on number of loads (e.g., driven axles), rating (e.g., horse power), other criteria (e.g., manufacturer, model, year). Characteristics may be determined and verified, and operation based on the outcome of such. A telematics system method logs and provides remote access to operational data, engine data, power system data, anti-idling overrides, unauthorized changes, and/or location.