A locomotive (10) is operable in two or more distinct configurations, with the change in configuration being response to a configuration input signal (35). A locomotive configuration is represented by the set of end use device control signals (13) that are generated by the locomotive control systems (22) in response to the respective set of operational input values (27). For a given set of operational input values, a first set of end use device control signals is generated when a configuration input has a first value, and a second set of end use device control signals is generated when a configuration input has a second value. The configuration input variable may be responsive to the locomotive location, a wayside device signal, an operator action or the health of the locomotive, for example. Locomotive configuration changes may include peak horsepower rating, number of engine cylinders fueled, number of throttle notch settings, adhesion limits, mission priorities or emission profile, for example.