"More pizzazz" for Metra: Wabtec's MP36PH-3S for Chicago's Metra commuter rail system is an aesthetic and technological departure from the existing fleet - MP36PH-3S diesel-electric locomotives - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Railway Age, Sept, 2002 by William C. Vantuono

Metra, Chicago's commuter rail system, will soon begin taking delivery of 26 MP36PH-3S diesel-electric locomotives from the MotivePower Division of Wabtec. The 3,600-hp units are totally new and feature a streamlined carbody designed by Wabtec, as well as a striking new livery. "Metra wanted something with more pizzazz than the existing fleet," says MotivePower Vice President and General Manager Mark Warner.

The MP36PH-3S will be the first delivered locomotive to meet APTA PRESS (Passenger Rail Equipment Safety Standards) crashworthiness standards, which exceed FRA CFR 238 Tier I requirements: 800,000-pound under-frame buff strength, 200,000-pound anticlimber, 1-million-pound collision posts (two 500,000-pound posts), 300,000-pound corner posts, and full rollover support that prevents the cab from crushing. The high-visibility cab, which was designed with input from Metra locomotive engineers, features a console-style operator's position. A step-well on the rear provides for safe, easy crew access.

On the carbody, a recessed roof area conceals cooling fans and other equipment. The locomotive's nose and cab roof are streamlined composite caps over a steel primary structure. Full side skirts complete the streamlining. The paint scheme, which starts as a light blue near the nose and increases to a deep blue on the tail, is highlighted by red striping that wraps over the roof, black and white trim, and red and white safety striping on the nose. It's a radical departure from Metra's standard, plain blue scheme.

The MP36PH3S is capable of hauling eight bilevel gallery coaches. One major improvement MotivePower made is to the prime-mover-driven HEP system, which features a static inverter that provides a full 500kW of output while the locomotive is idling.

The prototype unit, which is now testing at TTCI, is expected to arrive on Metra rails for testing and acceptance in late October/early November. Revenue service is anticipated for late January 2003.

MP36PH-3S vital statistics


Length over coupler pulling faces                              70 feet
Height over cab and carbody                          15 feet, 6 inches
Width over cab handrails                         10 feet, 7-1/2 inches
Bolster centers                                      43 feet, 3 inches
Weight on rails (loaded)                                295,000 pounds
Starting tractive effort                            75,000 foot-pounds
Continuous tractive effort                 65,230 foot-pounds@18.2 mph
Maximum speed                                                   88 mph
Curve negotiation, light                       248 feet (23.1 degrees)
Curve negotiation w/85-foot car                315 feet (18.2 degrees)
Prime mover                              Engine Systems Co. 16-645F3B,
                                                          turbocharged
Maximum engine speed                                           954 rpm
Idle speed                                                     270 rpm
Low idle speed                                                 200 rpm
Engine control system                              Wabtec Q-Tron QES-3
EPA emission compliance                                         Tier 1
Main generator (traction/companion                        MA15JBC/CA5A
 alternators)
Traction motors                          Motor Coils Mfg. D87BTR, d.c.
Trucks                                  MPI 2237, outside swing hanger
Wheelbase                                             9 feet, 4 inches
Wheel diameter                                               42 inches
Braking system                      Wabtec EPIC II blended air/dynamic
Fuel capacity                                            2,500 gallons
Lube oil capacity                                          395 gallons
Cooling system capacity                                    310 gallons
Sand capacity, front/rear                             14/20 cubic feet
HEP                                 Prime-mover-driven HA6 alternator,
                                                       static inverter
HEP output                                                       500kW
Auxiliary generator                                             A-8589