MPI MPXpress

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**MPI MPXpress**
Power type	Diesel-electric
Caltrain MP36PH-3C 927 pulling Bombardier BiLevel Coaches as Baby Bullet 366 at California Ave. stop in Palo Alto, California
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, 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.

1 Models

[edit] Models

[edit] MP36PH-3S

The 3S Model uses EMD 645 series diesel engine as its prime mover. Its HEP is generated from the prime mover thus the prime mover must maintain a higher rpm at all times in order to supply power to the passenger cars. The traction power is thereby lower due to the need to divert power for HEP generation.

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.

[edit] MP36PH-3C

Two Rail Runner MP36PH-3C Trainsets Sitting at Albuquerque Yard

This model has the same prime mover as the "-3S" model, the EMD 645 series diesel engine, but with its HEP generated by a separated smaller diesel engine. In this arrangement, 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, New Mexico Rail Runner, West Coast Express, 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 the only difference being its prime mover. The MP40PH-3C uses EMD 710 series diesel engine instead of the EMD 645 series, generating 4000hp instead of 3600hp.

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.