MPI MPXpress

MPI MPXpress

New Mexico Rail Runner MP36PH-3C in New Mexico

Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Builder Motive Power, Inc. (Wabtec) Build date 2003-present Total produced 217 + 16 MP36PH-3S: 27 MP36PH-3C: 110 MP40PH-3C: 70 MP32PH-Q: 10 MP54AC: 16 (on order) Rebuilder Motive Power, Inc. (Wabtec) Rebuild date 2015 Number rebuilt MP40PH-3C: 1 (to MP54AC) MP36PH-3S: 1(to MP36PH-3C)

Specifications AAR wheel arr B-B Gauge 4 ft 8 ^1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge Wheel diameter 3 ft 4 in (1,016 mm) Minimum curve 248 ft (75.59 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) Loco weight 285,000 to 295,000 lb (129,000 to 134,000 kg) Prime mover EMD 16-645F3B (MP36PH-3S,3C) EMD 16-710G3B-T2 (MP40PH-3C) 2x Cummins QSK60 (MP54AC)

Performance figures Maximum speed 79 mph (127 km/h) (MP32PH-Q) 82–102 mph (132–164 km/h) (MP36PH-3C) 93 mph (150 km/h) (MP40PH-3C) 110 mph (180 km/h) (MP54AC) Power output 3,600 hp (2,700 kW) (MP36PH-3S,3C) 4,000 hp (3,000 kW) (MP40PH-3C) 5,400 hp (4,000 kW) (MP54AC) Tractive effort 70,000 lbf (310 kN) (MP32PH-Q) 72,500–85,000 lbf (322–378 kN) (MP36PH-3C) 85,000 lbf (380 kN)[1] (MP40PH-3C) 82,900 lbf (369 kN) (MP54AC)

Career Operators See list

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 five main variants: MP36PH-3S, MP36PH-3C, MP40PH-3C, MP32PH-Q, and MP54AC.

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. GO Transit is the largest client for MPI MPXpress locomotives with 67 in their fleet.

Models

MP36PH-3S

An MP36PH-3S in Metra livery. Thus far, Metra is the only railroad to order this model.

The MP36PH-3S uses a 16-cylinder EMD 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.^[2]

Chicago's Metra ordered 27 of these locomotives, which were built and delivered between 2003 and 2004. Fourteen were to replace Metra's aged F40C fleet, while 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 on the front of the locomotive where the locomotive number board would otherwise be located. Metra is currently the only operator of the MP36PH-3S version.

Metra has plans to convert all of their MP36PH-3S locomotives to the MP36PH-3C specification by removing the static inverter system and replacing it with an HEP genset in an effort to reduce noise pollution and boost fuel efficiency. As of August 2015 the first -3C Conversion has taken place with Metra 417 returning from the MPI's Shops in Boise, ID for testing.^[3]

MP36PH-3C

An MP36PH-3C in Caltrain livery.

The MP36PH-3C has the same prime mover as the "-3S" model, the EMD 645F3B diesel engine, but with its HEP generated by a separate Caterpillar C-27 ^[4] 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. The Wabtec Q-Tron control system is used in all models built prior to 2008/9, while newer units use the same EM2000 system like GO Transit's MP40PH-3C.^[4] Caltrain was the first to purchase the MP36PH-3C in 2003.

MP40PH-3C

An MP40PH-3C in the old GO Transit livery.

The MP40PH-3C is similar to the MP36PH-3C, but with several differences:

• the MP40PH-3C uses a 16-cylinder EMD 710GB series diesel engine instead of the EMD 645F3B, generating 4000HP instead of 3600.
• the use of EMD's EM2000 computer and associated control system instead of Wabtec/MPI's own system in the MP36.
• the use of an EMD alternator and traction motors.

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. In February 2010, yet another order was signed for 10 additional units. It was announced on November 1, 2011 that GO Transit would be swapping out the EMD prime movers of 11 MP40s for the new Cummins QSK95. However, later on it was decided that two QSK60s would be installed in lieu of the QSK95. This eventually became the MP54AC. The original plan was to convert an additional 10 locomotives. However, this plan has since been dropped and GO has opted to purchase 16 new locomotives instead.^[5]

Both GO Transit and Sound Transit operate this model. GO's latest units (657-666) and Sound Transit units are Tier 3-compliant.^[6][7]

MP32PH-Q

An MPI MP32PH-Q locomotive in SunRail livery.

The MP32PH-Q was built for SunRail to similar specifications as new MPXpress locomotives, but are refurbished from units that had previously operated on MARC as GP40WH-2 locomotives. Inside the locomotive, the engines have been rebuilt and electronics have been upgraded using the same equipment as other MPXpress locomotives. On the outside the MP32PH-Q retains the hood unit layout of the GP40WH-2, but with a new MPXpress cab.^[6][8]

MP54AC

GO Transit was the launch customer for the MP54AC, a higher performance AC traction locomotive that could meet Tier 4 standards in the United States and compete with the EMD F125 and Siemens Charger. To make the prototype, MPI used an existing MP40PH-3C from GO Transit (Unit 647), and replaced the EMD engine with a pair of Cummins 16-cylinder QSK60 engines rated at 2,700 hp each (5,400 hp total), making it the most powerful diesel passenger locomotive in North America. Heavy modifications were made to the body to accommodate extra air intake and exhaust stacks.^[9][10] Unit 647 was delivered to GO Transit late 2015 and was seen under testing on December 12, 2015.^[11]

Operators

System	Locale	Model	Inventory
Metra	Chicago, Illinois	MP36PH-3S	27
Caltrain	San Francisco, California	MP36PH-3C	6
FrontRunner	Salt Lake City, Utah		15
MARC	Washington, D.C./Maryland/West Virginia		26
MBTA	Boston, MA		2
Metrolink	Los Angeles, California		15
New Mexico Rail Runner Express	Albuquerque, New Mexico		9
Northstar Line	Minneapolis, Minnesota		6
Virginia Railway Express	Washington, D.C./Virginia		20
West Coast Express	Vancouver, British Columbia		1
GO Transit	Toronto, Ontario	MP40PH-3C	66
		MP54AC	1 (16)
Sounder Commuter Rail	Seattle, Washington	MP40PH-3C	3
SunRail	Greater Orlando, Florida	MP32PH-Q	10

Internal Layout

This is a freehand (no trace utilities) cutaway drawing of New Mexico's RailRunner Motive Power MP36PH-3C. This drawing was created using over 100 personal photographs a person took outside and inside this locomotive.

References

1. "LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY: Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) Technical Feasibility Analysis" (PDF). LTK Engineering Services. May 4, 2009. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
2. "Locomotives". LTK Engineering Services. Archived from the original on September 7, 2014.
3. "Metra Proposed 2013 Program and Budget". Metra. November 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 7, 2014.
4. Lex, Robert (29 September 2013). "Northstar Commuter Rail MP36PH-3C Parts". Parts List for MPXpress locomotives.
5. Cummins to produce Tier 4 compliant diesel engine - Railway Gazette
6. "SunRail, Sound Transit order MotivePower locomotives". Trains. September 12, 2011. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
7. http://www.wabtec.com/upload/pressrelease/09.08.11%20-%20MPI%20Locomotive%20Orders.pdf
8. Murdock, Ken (April 2014). "Winter Park’s Station Dedication". The Flatwheel 3–5. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 7, 2014.
9. "MP54 AC COMMUTER LOCOMOTIVE". Wabtec Corporation. Retrieved 2015-12-16.
10. https://web.archive.org/web/20151217161709/https://www.wabtec.com/uploads/MP54_QuickSpec_B.pdf
11. "First MP54AC testing on GO Transit". Railway Age. Retrieved 2015-12-16.

External links

• MP54AC Brochure and Spec Sheet
• MPXpress Commuter Locomotives Brochure and Spec Sheet
• MBTA MP36PH-3C Operator's Manual
• MP40PH-3C Tractive Effort and Dynamic Brake effort curve; Page 3