System and method for optimized fuel efficiency and emission output of a diesel powered system

A method comprising:

• determining a trip plan for a train during a train mission, the trip plan designating one or more of speed settings or power settings of locomotives in a selected first set of the locomotives as a function of one or more of time during the train mission or distance along a route, the locomotives in the first set selected for inclusion in the train that is to travel according to the train mission, the locomotives in the first set associated with power outputs, wherein the first set of the locomotives include the power outputs that just meet an amount of power required for the train mission while yielding improved efficiency for the train to travel according to the one or more speed settings or power settings designated by the trip plan for the train mission relative to the train traveling using a different, second set of the locomotives in the train for the train mission;
• and
• automatically controlling the train to travel according to the trip plan for the train mission using a controller disposed onboard the train.