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New Mexico Rail Runner MP36PH-3C in New Mexico
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Type and origin | |
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Power type | Diesel-electric |
Builder | MotivePower |
Build date | 2003–present |
Total produced |
217 (+16 on order):
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Number rebuilt |
MP36PH-3S: 5 (to MP36PH-3C) |
Specifications | |
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Configuration: |
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• AAR | 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, MP36PH-3C) |
Performance figures | |
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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, MP36PH-3C) 4,000 hp (3,000 kW) (MP40PH-3C) 3,000 hp (2,200 kW) (MP32PH-Q) 5,400 hp (4,000 kW) (MP54AC) |
Tractive effort |
72,500–85,000 lbf (322–378 kN) (MP36PH-3C, MP36PH-3S) |
Career | |
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Operators | See list |
217 (+16 on order):
MP36PH-3S: 5 (to MP36PH-3C)
EMD 16-645F3B (MP36PH-3S, MP36PH-3C)
EMD 16-710G3B-T2 (MP40PH-3C)
EMD 16-645 (MP32PH-Q)
72,500–85,000 lbf (322–378 kN) (MP36PH-3C, MP36PH-3S)
85,000 lbf (380 kN) (MP40PH-3C)
70,000 lbf (310 kN) (MP32PH-Q)
MPXpress is a series of diesel-electric passenger train locomotives designed for commuter rail service. The locomotives are built by MotivePower, a subsidiary of Wabtec. To date, MPI has offered five main variants: MP36PH-3S, MP36PH-3C, MP40PH-3C, MP32PH-Q, and MP54AC. However, due to federal emissions standards, the MP54AC is the only locomotive currently for sale in the United States, as it is the only MPXpress locomotive that meets Tier IV standards.
The MPXpress line of locomotives were the first production passenger locomotives to meet FRA safety regulations regarding crashworthiness and fire safety. The line also meets APTA crashworthiness standards.
Production of the locomotives have kept pace with increasingly stringent emissions regulations from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Between 2002 and 2015, the EPA has issued four "tiers" of emissions standards and in each case the MPXpress was the first (and in some cases, only) passenger locomotive to meet the standard.
Numerous public transit agencies in Canada and the United States have ordered MPXpress locomotives for their commuter rail services. GO Transit is currently the largest client for MPI MPXpress locomotives, with 67 in their fleet and an additional 18 on order.
The MP36PH-3S uses a 16-cylinder EMD 645F3B diesel engine as its prime mover, capable of generating 3,600 hp. Head-end power (HEP) is generated by a static inverter that receives 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 must constantly maintain a higher RPM in order to supply power to the passenger cars. The setup is simpler but leads to higher noise levels and higher fuel consumption.