| MPI MPXpress | |
|---|---|
| Rail Runner MP36PH-3C in New Mexico | |
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
| Builder | Motive Power, Inc. (Wabtec) |
| Build date | 2003-present |
| AAR wheel arr. | B-B |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Wheel diameter | 3 ft 4 in (1,020 mm) |
| Minimum curve | 248 ft (76 m) |
| Wheelbase | 9 ft 0 in (2.74 m) (original) 9 ft 4 in (2.84 m) (new) |
| Length | 68 ft (21 m) |
| Width | 10 ft 7.5 in (3.239 m) |
| Height | 15 ft 6 in (4.72 m) |
| Locomotive weight | 285,000 to 295,000 lb (129,000 to 134,000 kg) |
| Top speed | 108 mph (174 km/h) |
| Power output | 3,600 hp (2,700 kW) (MP36PH-3S,3C) 4,000 hp (3,000 kW) (MP40PH-3C) |
| Tractive effort | 88,500 lbf (394 kN) (starting) 78,000 lbf (350 kN) (continuous) |
MPXpress is a series of diesel-electric passenger train locomotives designed for commuter rail service. The manufacturer, Motive Power (Wabtec), offers the locomotives with a number of customizable options such as different prime movers and traction motors, head end power (HEP) generated by a separate engine or by the prime mover, and new or refurbished trucks. To date, MPI has offered three main variants: MP36PH-3S, MP36PH-3C, and MP40PH-3C.
The MPXpress line of locomotives were the first production passenger locomotives to meet EPA Tier 1 and Tier 2 emissions regulations, as well as FRA safety regulations regarding crashworthiness and fire safety. The line also meets APTA crashworthiness standards.
Numerous public transit agencies in Canada and the United States have ordered MPXpress locomotives for their commuter rail services.
Contents |
The MP36PH-3S uses a 16-cylinder MPI 645F3B diesel engine as its prime mover. Its HEP is generated from a static inverter that receives its power through connections to the prime mover — hence the "S" (static) designation. When providing full electrical power to the passenger cars connected to it, the prime mover must maintain a higher RPM in order to supply power to the passenger cars. The traction power when providing full HEP load of 500 kW is 2930 HP, since HEP generation diverts some power from the prime mover.
Chicago's Metra has ordered 27 of these locomotives, which were built and delivered from 2003 through 2004. 14 were to replace Metra's aged F40C fleet; the rest were for expansion. When the locomotives were first delivered, they exhibited software and computer problems, to the point that Metra had to put two F40Cs back into service for a short time in 2004. One of the unique features of the MP36s in Metra's fleet compared to other operators is that they are equipped with a Gyralite (which is standard equipment on all of Metra's passenger locomotives), which are mounted in the spot where the locomotive number board would be located on the front of the locomotive. Metra is currently the only operator of the MP36PH-3S version.
The MP36PH-3C has the same prime mover as the "-3S" model, the MPI 645F3B diesel engine, but with its HEP generated by a separate Caterpillar C-18 diesel engine, thus the "C" in its model name. In this arrangement, when providing HEP, the full 3600 HP from the prime mover is available for traction, and the prime mover is allowed to idle at a lower RPM. Caltrain was the first to purchase the MP36PH-3C in 2003. SunRail's version will differ from the norm as in addition to being refurbished, it will have a switcher-like body unlike the fully enclosed body standard to the MPXpress locomotives. The streamlined cab will still remain in place though.[1]
The MP40PH-3C is similar to the MP36PH-3C, but with several differences:
GO Transit ordered 27 locomotives of this model to replace their aging EMD F59PH fleet, which were delivered throughout 2007 and 2008. An order for 20 additional units was signed in July 2008. They're currently on delivery. In February 2010, yet another order was signed for 10 additional units. As of March 2011, GO Transit has funding for an additional 20 locomotives.[2] All options included, their fleet will eventually have 77 of this model. It was announced on November 1st, 2011 that GO Transit would be swapping out the EMD prime movers of 11 MP40s for the new Cummins QSK95. It is currently unknown if the engine swap program will be expanded to include the rest of the GO fleet which is still relatively young. [3]
While GO Transit at this time is the only operator of this locomotive, Sound Transit has placed an order for 3 of these models to be used on their Sounder commuter rail service. [1][4]
| Model | System | Locale | Inventory |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP36PH-3S | Metra | Chicago, Illinois | 27 |
| MP36PH-3C | Caltrain | San Francisco, California | 6 |
| FrontRunner | Salt Lake City, Utah | 11 | |
| MARC | Washington, D.C./Maryland | 26 | |
| MBTA | Boston, MA | 2 | |
| Metrolink | Los Angeles, California | 15 | |
| Northstar Line | Minneapolis, Minnesota | 6 | |
| New Mexico Rail Runner Express | Albuquerque, New Mexico | 9 | |
| SunRail | Greater Orlando, Florida | (7) | |
| Virginia Railway Express | Washington, D.C./Virginia | 20 | |
| West Coast Express | Vancouver, British Columbia | 1 | |
| MP40PH-3C | GO Transit | Toronto, Ontario | 65 (+12) |
| Sounder Commuter Rail | Seattle, Washington | (3) |
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