MPI MPXpress

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.

Models

MP36PH-3S

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

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.

MP36PH-3C

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 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]

MP40PH-3C

A GO Transit MP40PH-3C. GO Transit is the only railroad thus far to order this model.

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 MPI 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. 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, thus meeting the new EPA Tier 4 emissions standards. It is currently unknown if the engine swap program will be expanded to include the rest of the GO fleet. ^[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]

Operators

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)

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "SunRail, Sound Transit order MotivePower locomotives". Trains Magazine. September 12, 2011. http://trn.trains.com/en/Railroad%20News/News%20Wire/2011/09/SunRail%20Sound%20Transit%20order%20MotivePower%20locomotives.aspx. Retrieved September 13, 2011. 
2. ^ http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/sb/ra0311/#/32
3. ^ http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/cummins-to-produce-tier-4-compliant-diesel-engine.html
4. ^ http://www.wabtec.com/upload/pressrelease/09.08.11%20-%20MPI%20Locomotive%20Orders.pdf

External links

• MPXpress Commuter Locomotive
• Specifications brochure