MPI MPXpress

Last updated
MPI MPXpress
Trainroadrunner.jpg
MP36PH-3C of New Mexico Rail Runner Express
Type and origin
Power type Diesel-electric
Builder MotivePower
Build date2003 (2003)–2023 (2023)
Total produced237
  • MP36PH-3S: 27
  • MP36PH-3C: 103
  • MP40PH-3C: 70
  • MP32PH-Q: 11
  • MP54AC: 26
Number rebuilt
  • MP36PH-3S: 27 (to MP36PH-3C)
  • MP40PH-3C: 1 (to MP54AC)
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 •  AAR B-B
 •  UIC Bo'Bo'
Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Wheel diameter3 ft 4 in (1,020 mm)
Minimum curve 248 ft (76,000 mm)
Wheelbase
  • 9 ft 0 in (2,740 mm) (original)
  • 9 ft 4 in (2,840 mm) (new)
Length68 ft (20.73 m)
Width10 ft 7.5 in (3,238 mm)
Height15 ft 6 in (4,720 mm)
Loco weight285,000 to 295,000 lb (129,000 to 134,000 kg)
Prime mover
Performance figures
Maximum speed
  • 82–102 mph (132–164 km/h) (MP36PH-3C, MP32PH-Q)
  • 93 mph (150 km/h) (MP40PH-3C)
  • 110 mph (180 km/h) (MP54AC)
Power output
  • 3,600 hp (2,700 kW) (MP36PH-3S, MP36PH-3C, MP32PH-Q)
  • 4,000 hp (3,000 kW) (MP40PH-3C)
  • 5,400 hp (4,000 kW) (MP54AC)
Tractive effort
  • 72,500–85,000 lbf (322–378 kN) (MP36PH-3C, MP36PH-3S)
  • 85,000 lbf (380 kN) (MP40PH-3C) [1]
  • 70,000 lbf (310 kN) (MP32PH-Q)
  • 82,900 lbf (369 kN) (MP54AC)
Career
Operators See list

The MPI MPXpress is a line of diesel-electric locomotives built by MotivePower (a subsidiary of Wabtec) for commuter rail service. There are five MPXpress models: MP36PH-3S, MP36PH-3C, MP40PH-3C, MP32PH-Q, and MP54AC.

Contents

MPXpress locomotives were built with a high percentage of re-manufactured parts including diesel engines, major electrical components, trucks, and frames. Cabs, fuel tanks, electronics, HEP package, and other replaceable parts such as wheels and couplers were new when delivered. The re-manufactured components kept the price of locomotives down while providing like-new components with full warranty protection. [2]

The new cabs made the MPXpress the first production passenger locomotive that met U.S. federal crashworthiness requirements.

The MPXpress line has also kept pace with increasingly stringent EPA locomotive emissions regulations, having provided the first—and in some cases, only—passenger locomotive for each of the four emission levels (tiers) that were specified by the EPA between 2002 and 2015.

The MPXpress is used by numerous public transit agencies in Canada and the United States; of them, GO Transit has the most, with 93 in their fleet.

As of 2023, Wabtec no longer lists the MPXpress in its locomotive portfolio. [3]

Models

MP36PH-3S

A Metra MP36PH-3S in Blue Island. Metra is the only railroad that ordered this model. Metra 408.jpg
A Metra MP36PH-3S in Blue Island. Metra is the only railroad that ordered this model.

The MP36PH-3S used a 16-cylinder EMD 645F3B diesel engine as its prime mover, capable of generating 3,600 hp. Head-end power (HEP) was generated by a static inverter that received its power through connections to the prime mover (hence the "S" (static) designation). Compared to a locomotive with a separate HEP generator, the prime mover had to constantly maintain a higher RPM in order to supply power to the passenger cars. The setup was simpler but lead to higher noise levels and higher fuel consumption.

When providing the maximum 500 kW HEP load, maximum traction power is reduced to 2,930 hp since HEP generation diverts some power from the prime mover. [4]

The MP36PH-3S was the first variety of MPXpress locomotive to be built and the launch customer was Metra, a commuter railroad in the Chicago area. Metra ordered 27 of these locomotives in 2001, which were built and delivered between 2003 and 2004. Fourteen were to replace the railroad's aged F40C fleet, while the rest were for fleet expansion. Until May of 2020, when the 3S variants were converted to 3C's, Metra was the only remaining operator of the MP36PH-3S variant of the MPXpress.

When the locomotives were first delivered, the onboard computer systems proved problematic. At one point in 2004, because Metra had so many MPXpress locomotives out of service, two F40Cs had to be placed back into service for a short time.

Conversion to MP36PH-3C specification

Starting in 2015, Metra began converting its MP36PH-3S locomotives to the MP36PH-3C specification by removing the static inverter and replacing it with a separate HEP generator. Metra's MP36PH-3C locomotives all have extended radiators to supply the extra cooling for the new Caterpillar generators. Locomotive No. 417 was the first one to be converted and was sent to MPI in Boise. The rest were rebuilt at Metra's 47th Street shops on the South Side of Chicago. As of 2020, all of the MP36PH-3S locomotives have been converted to the MP36PH-3C specification.

MP36PH-3C

An MP36PH-3C in Caltrain livery. Nine railroads operate this model, with Caltrain being the launch customer. Caltrain JPBX 927 at Palo Alto station.JPG
An MP36PH-3C in Caltrain livery. Nine railroads operate this model, with Caltrain being the launch customer.

The MP36PH-3C has the same EMD 645F3B prime mover as the MP36PH-3S model, but with a separate head-end power generator, a Caterpillar C-27.(3412 before 2005) [5]

The launch customer for the MP36PH-3C was Caltrain, a commuter railroad in the San Francisco Bay Area. Caltrain ordered 6 of these locomotives in 2003, which were built and delivered that same year. This locomotive has gone on to become the most popular MPXpress variant, with 100 delivered to nine different customers.

MP40PH-3C

An MP40PH-3C in the old GO Transit livery. GO Transit and Sounder Commuter Rail operate this model. GO locomotive 623 outside Union Station.jpg
An MP40PH-3C in the old GO Transit livery. GO Transit and Sounder Commuter Rail operate this model.

The MP40PH-3C introduced a new prime mover, the larger 16-cylinder EMD 710G3B series diesel engine, capable of generating 4,000 hp. The MP40PH-3C also uses an EMD alternator and traction motors.

The launch customer for the MP40PH-3C was GO Transit, a commuter railroad in the GTHA (Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area). The MP40PH-3C was developed in response to a bid request from GO Transit for locomotives capable of generating 4,000 hp, hauling 12 passenger cars and traveling at speeds up to 93 mph (150 km/h). MotivePower and GE Transportation responded to the request, with MotivePower being selected as the winning bidder. GO Transit placed an order for 27 locomotives in 2006, which were built and delivered between 2007 and 2008.

In 2011, MotivePower upgraded the MP40PH-3C to comply with the EPA's more stringent Tier 3 emissions standard, [6] [7] which was in effect between 2012 and 2014. Three locomotives meeting this standard were built, all delivered to Sounder commuter rail in the Seattle area. Ten additional locomotives for GO Transit are also Tier 3 compliant.

MP32PH-Q

An MPI MP32PH-Q locomotive in SunRail livery. Sunrail is the only operator of the MP32PH-Q. SunRail train leaving Winter Park Station.JPG
An MPI MP32PH-Q locomotive in SunRail livery. Sunrail is the only operator of the MP32PH-Q.

The MP32PH-Q was built from 2013 to 2014 for SunRail. They have similar specifications as new MPXpress locomotives, but are rebuilt and refurbished from units that had previously operated on MARC as GP40WH-2 locomotives. Inside the locomotive, the 3,000 hp EMD 16-645E3C prime mover has been rebuilt and electronics have been upgraded using the same equipment as other MPXpress locomotives, as well as a horsepower upgrade from 3,000 to 3,600. On the exterior, the MP32PH-Q retains the hood unit layout of the former GP40WH-2, but a new four-window MPXpress cab replaces the original cab. [6] [8]

MP54AC

An MPI MP54AC locomotive in the new GO Transit livery. GO Transit is currently the only operator of this model. Malton ON GOT-668 MPI-MP54AC 2022-02-01 (2).jpg
An MPI MP54AC locomotive in the new GO Transit livery. GO Transit is currently the only operator of this model.

The MP54AC (also known as MP40PHTC-T4AC) [9] is the latest locomotive in the MPXpress family and the only model available for sale in the US. It is designed to both meet the EPA's stringent Tier 4 emissions standard and offer higher performance than the MP40PH-3C. The MP54AC is a genset locomotive, using a pair of Cummins QSK60 60-liter, 16-cylinder engines rated at 2,700 hp each (5,400 hp total) and during periods of low power demand, the locomotive can operate on just one engine to reduce noise pollution and boost fuel efficiency. The 5,400 total horsepower qualifies the MP54AC as the most powerful diesel-electric passenger locomotive in North America, both currently and historically.

Currently, the MP54AC can be built as new or by having existing MPXpress locomotives rebuilt to the standard. [10]

GO Transit was the launch customer for the MP54AC. The first prototype unit was built by converting a MP40PH-3C owned by GO Transit (unit 647). MotivePower removed the EMD prime mover and HEP motor and replaced them with the twin Cummins engines. Heavy modifications were made to the body to accommodate extra air intake and exhaust stacks. [11] [12] Unit 647 was delivered to GO Transit late 2015 and was seen under testing on December 12, 2015. [13]

Initially GO Transit had planned to convert a total of ten MP40PH-3Cs to the new MP54AC standard; it later ordered 16 additional newly built MP54AC locomotives [14] that would go toward replacing the aging F59PH locomotives that were currently in service. [15]

The MP54AC competes with other Tier 4 compliant locomotives, such as the Siemens Charger series and the EMD F125. Both the MP54AC and F125 have struggled to find customers, unlike the Charger series, which has sold more than 350 units including large orders from Amtrak and Via Rail. [16] [17]

Operators

RailroadModelQty.Notes
Caltrain MP36PH-3C6
FrontRunner MP36PH-3C18One unit sold to Northstar Line; two units sold to MBTA
GO Transit MP40PH-3C67One converted to an MP54AC
MP54AC16One converted from MP40PH-3C
MARC MP36PH-3C26
Metrolink MP36PH-3C15
MBTA Commuter Rail MP36PH-3C2Purchased from FrontRunner
Metra MP36PH-3S27Later converted to MP36PH-3C standard
New Mexico Rail Runner Express MP36PH-3C9
Northstar Line MP36PH-3C6Unit 512 purchased from FrontRunner
Sounder MP40PH-3C3Later rebuilt with lower-emission (Tier 3) engine.
SunRail MP32PH-Q11
Virginia Railway Express MP36PH-3C20
West Coast Express MP36PH-3C1
Total227

Internal layout

Cutaway drawing of New Mexico's RailRunner MPI MP36PH-3C. This layout varies for other locomotives. New Mexico RailRunner mp 36 cutaway png.png
Cutaway drawing of New Mexico's RailRunner MPI MP36PH-3C. This layout varies for other locomotives.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cowl unit</span> Locomotive body style

A cowl unit is a diesel locomotive with full-width, enclosing bodywork, similar in appearance to the cab unit-style of earlier locomotives, such as the EMD F-units of the 1940s and 1950s. The term cowl unit is of North American origin, although similarly-styled locomotives exist elsewhere.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EMD F40PH</span> North American diesel locomotive class

The EMD F40PH is a four-axle 3,000–3,200 hp (2.2–2.4 MW) B-B diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division in several variants from 1975 to 1992. Intended for use on Amtrak's short-haul passenger routes, it became the backbone of Amtrak's diesel fleet after the failure of the EMD SDP40F. The F40PH also found widespread use on commuter railroads in the United States and with VIA Rail in Canada. Additional F40PH variants were manufactured by Morrison-Knudsen and MotivePower between 1988 and 1998, mostly rebuilt from older locomotives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EMD SD70 series</span> Locomotive class

The EMD SD70 is a series of diesel-electric locomotives produced by the US company Electro-Motive Diesel in response to the GE Dash 9-44CW. This locomotive family is an extension and improvisation to the EMD SD60 series. Production commenced in late 1992 and since then over 5,700 units have been produced; most of these are the SD70M, SD70MAC, and SD70ACe models. While the majority of the production was ordered for use in North America, various models of the series have been used worldwide. All locomotives of this series are hood units with C-C trucks, except the SD70ACe-P4 and SD70MACH which have a B1-1B wheel configuration, and the SD70ACe-BB, which has a B+B-B+B wheel arrangement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EMD SD90MAC</span> Model of American diesel-electric locomotive

The EMD SD90MAC is a model of 6,000 hp (4,470 kW) C-C diesel-electric locomotive produced by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD). It is, with the SD80MAC, one of the largest single-engined locomotives produced by EMD, surpassed only by the dual-engined DDA40X.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GE Evolution Series</span> Series of diesel locomotive models

The Evolution Series is a line of diesel locomotives built by GE Transportation Systems, initially designed to meet the U.S. EPA's Tier 2 locomotive emissions standards that took effect in 2005. The line is the direct succesor to the GE Dash 9 Series. The first pre-production units were built in 2003. Evolution Series locomotives are equipped with either AC or DC traction motors, depending on the customer's preference. All are powered by the GE GEVO engine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EMD F59PH</span> North American diesel locomotive class

The EMD F59PH is a four-axle 3,000 hp (2 MW) B-B diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division from 1988 to 1994. A variant, the F59PHI, was produced from 1994 to 2001. The F59PH was originally built for GO Transit commuter operation in the Toronto region. Metrolink in Southern California also purchased a fleet for its 1992 launch. The streamlined F59PHI was designed for Amtrak California intercity service. A total of 72 F59PH and 83 F59PHI locomotives were built.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Head-end power</span> Electric power supply to trains by locomotives

In rail transport, head-end power (HEP), also known as electric train supply (ETS), is the electrical power distribution system on a passenger train. The power source, usually a locomotive at the front or 'head' of a train, provides the electricity used for heating, lighting, electrical and other 'hotel' needs. The maritime equivalent is hotel electric power. A successful attempt by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway in October 1881 to light the passenger cars on the London to Brighton route heralded the beginning of using electricity to light trains in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EMD F45</span>

The EMD F45 is a C-C cowled diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between 1968 and 1971. Power was provided by an EMD 645E3 20-cylinder engine which generated 3,600 hp (2,680 kW).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EMD F40C</span> North American diesel locomotive class

The EMD F40C is a 6-axle 3,200 horsepower (2.4 MW) diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division in 1974 for commuter service in Chicago. EMD only built 15 locomotives; the decline of the 6-axle design for passenger service led to the adoption of the 4-axle EMD F40PH as the standard passenger locomotive in the United States. Along with a small fleet of HEP-equipped EMD SD70MAC locomotives operating on the Alaska Railroad, the F40Cs were the last six-axle passenger locomotives in daily service in North America until the delivery of Metra's first SD70MACH in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GE U34CH</span> American passenger diesel locomotive

The U34CH was a 3,600 hp (2,700 kW) passenger diesel locomotive built by General Electric between 1970 and 1973. In total, 33 U34CH units were built; 32 were built for the New Jersey Department of Transportation and operated by the Erie Lackawanna Railway and, later, Conrail, with the last unit coming as a later rebuild of a GE U30C for the New York MTA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EMD GP40-based passenger locomotives</span>

The passenger locomotives derivatives of the General Motors EMD GP40 diesel-electric locomotive have been, and continue to be, used by multiple passenger railroads in North America. For passenger service, the locomotives required extra components for providing steam or head-end power (HEP) for heating, lighting and electricity in passenger cars. Most of these passenger locomotives were rebuilt from older freight locomotives, while some were built as brand new models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bombardier ALP-45DP</span> Model of electro-diesel locomotives built by Bombardier Transportation

The Bombardier ALP-45DP is a type of single cab dual-mode locomotive operated by New Jersey Transit and Exo. The locomotive was designed and originally built by Bombardier, which was bought by Alstom, which will complete the second order of locomotives.

GO Transit, the interregional public transit system in Southern Ontario, has a number of various road and rail vehicles. This includes 91 locomotives, 979 train coaches, and 752 buses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EMD GP22ECO</span>

The EMD GP22ECO is a 2,150 hp (1,600 kW) B-B diesel-electric locomotive rebuilt by Electro-Motive Diesel and Norfolk Southern's Juniata Shops. Initially EMD built two GP22ECO demonstrators, one based on a GP9 and one based on a GP40, but thus far all orders have been for conversions based on EMD GP40 and EMD GP40-2 series locomotives. The rebuild involves replacing the existing prime mover with an EPA Tier-II-compliant turbocharged V8 710G3A, with Electronic fuel injection. The prime mover is mated to an AR10 alternator for traction power, a CA6 alternator for control power, and a computerized control system. Applying this to a 6-axle locomotive results in a SD22ECO. Some 6-axle locomotives could alternately be converted into a SD32ECO, using a 3,150 hp (2,350 kW) V12 instead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MPI HSP46</span> Model of American diesel-electric locomotive

The MPI HSP46 is a four-axle AC-traction diesel-electric locomotive for commuter trains, designed and assembled by MotivePower. It meets EPA Tier 3 emissions standards. The launch customer is the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), whose first unit entered revenue service in April 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MPI MP33C</span>

The MPI MP33C is a model of diesel-electric freight locomotives designed and built by MotivePower in Boise, Idaho, USA. To date all orders have been for Australian operators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EMD F125</span> Diesel-electric passenger locomotive model

The EMD F125 "Spirit" is a four-axle passenger diesel locomotive manufactured by Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) for the North American market since 2015. It is powered by a Caterpillar C175-20 V20 diesel engine rated at 4,700 hp (3,500 kW). The locomotive is capable of traveling at a maximum in-service speed of 125 mph (201 km/h) pulling consists of up to 10 cars. It was EMD's first new passenger locomotive for the North American market in 15 years, with the most recent predecessor passenger locomotive being the EMD DE30AC and DM30AC built for the Long Island Rail Road. So far, Metrolink is the only customer of the F125.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siemens Charger</span> North American diesel-electric passenger locomotive

The Siemens Charger is a family of diesel-electric/dual-mode passenger locomotives designed and manufactured by Siemens Mobility for the North American market.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GO Transit rail services</span> Services provided by GO Transit

GO Transit rail services are provided throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) and the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The GO Transit rail fleet consists of 90 MPI MP40 locomotives and 979 Bombardier BiLevel Coaches. In 2023, the system had a ridership of 40,807,100 passengers per year. GO Transit started on May 23, 1967, running single-deck trains powered by diesel locomotives in push-pull configuration on a single rail line along Lake Ontario's shoreline. When GO trains began operation, they ran on tracks mostly owned the two major freight railways of Canada: Canadian National (CN) and CPKC. Over time, GO Transit have acquired tracks, ensuring GO Transit has control over track maintenance and expansion. Metrolinx currently owns 80% of the GO's rail corridors.

MotivePower, Inc. (MPI) is an American manufacturer of diesel-electric locomotives. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wabtec, and traces its history back to the MK Rail division of Morrison-Knudsen.

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. ↑ "Metrolink Rail Fleet Management Report" (PDF). Metrolink . 2020. p. 32. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Locomotive Equipment". Wabtec . Retrieved 2023-04-17.
  4. ↑ "Locomotives". LTK Engineering Services. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
  5. ↑ Lex, Robert (29 September 2013). "Northstar Commuter Rail MP36PH-3C Parts". Parts List for MPXpress Locomotives.
  6. 1 2 "SunRail, Sound Transit order MotivePower locomotives". Trains . September 12, 2011. Archived from the original on September 20, 2012. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
  7. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 15, 2012. Retrieved November 3, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. ↑ Murdock, Ken (April 2014). "Winter Park's Station Dedication" (PDF). The Flatwheel. 3–5. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 8, 2014.
  9. ↑ "MotivePower Tier 4 diesel delivered to Go Transit". International Railway Journal. 16 March 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  10. ↑ "MP54 AC Commuter Locomotive | Wabtec Corporation". www.wabtec.com. Retrieved 2016-11-28.
  11. ↑ "MP54 AC COMMUTER LOCOMOTIVE". Wabtec Corporation. Retrieved 2015-12-16.
  12. ↑ "MP54AC" (PDF). Wabtec. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 17, 2015.
  13. ↑ "First MP54AC testing on GO Transit". Railway Age. 14 December 2015. Retrieved 2015-12-16.
  14. ↑ "Prototype MP54AC delivered to Metrolinx, GO Transit". Railway Age. 2 March 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  15. ↑ "GO's MPI Series (MP40PH-3C and MP54AC) Locomotives (2007- ) – Transit Toronto – Content".
  16. ↑ "Amtrak to Improve National Network with New Locomotives" (Press release). Amtrak. December 21, 2018. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved October 19, 2020.
  17. ↑ "Siemens Canada secures major order with VIA Rail Canada for new fleet of passenger trains" (Press release). Siemens Mobility. December 12, 2018.
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