Transportation Industry
"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
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