MPI MPXpress
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 Caltrain MP36PH-3C 927 pulling Bombardier BiLevel Coaches as Baby Bullet 366 at California Ave. stop in Palo Alto, California |
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| Power type | Diesel-electric |
|---|---|
| Builder | Motive Power, Inc. |
| Build date | 2003-present |
| AAR wheel arr. | B-B |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8½ in (1435 mm) |
| Power output | 3600 hp (MP36PH-3S,3C) 4000 hp (MP40PH-3C) |
The MPXpress is a passenger locomotive designed for commuter service. MPI offers this locomotive as customizable thus each order can have slight external and internal differences, such as different prime mover engine and traction motor models and make, head end power (HEP) generated by a separate engine or by the prime mover, and etc. 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 emissions regulations, as well as FRA safety regulations regarding crash-worthiness, fire and software safety. The line also meets APTA crash-worthiness standards.
Numerous public transit agencies in Canada and the United States have ordered MPXpress locomotives for their commuter rail services, such as Caltrain, FrontRunner, GO Transit, Metra, Metrolink, New Mexico Rail Runner, and West Coast Express.
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[edit] Models
[edit] MP36PH-3S
The 3S model 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. 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 500Kw is 2900hp 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 for expansion. When the locomotives were first delivered, they developed software and computer problems, to the point that Metra had to put its F40C 611 and 614 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 train number board would be located on the front of the locomotive.
[edit] MP36PH-3C
This model has the same prime mover as the "-3S" model, the MPI 645F3B diesel engine, but with its HEP generated by a separate Caterpillar diesel engine, thus the "-3C" 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.
MP36PH-3C has received several orders from commuter rail agencies in the United States and Canada, which include Caltrain, FrontRunner, Northstar Commuter Rail, New Mexico Rail Runner, West Coast Express, MARC, and Metrolink. Caltrain's order was delivered in 2003 and Rail Runner's in 2006.
[edit] MP40PH-3C
This model is similar to the MP36PH-3C model 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, capable of hauling 14 bilevel coaches.
- 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 generator (really an alternator) and traction motors.
GO Transit ordered 27 locomotives of this model, which are expected to be delivered from 2007 through 2008 with an option to purchase 26 more locomotives in the future.
[edit] External links
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