What year did these engines enter service? An extensive web search did not provide the answer.
Thanks,
Martin Baumann
Thanks,
Martin Baumann
Railroad Forums
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dt_rt40 wrote:<SNIP>So MARC will no longer be the country's fastest commuter rail station. Yesterday, 125 mph, today 100 mph, maybe when I get lucky and get that cushy tenured government IT job in my old age, they will have the real breakthrough and achieve a maximum of 80 mph. That will be good, I'm not sure I'll be able to handle the excitement of going faster than that when I'm an old man.Ditto. Couldn't have said it better myself
realtype wrote: D I think though that I read somewhere that they were going to issue an RFP for an 125mph diesel , and I doubt such a thing exists, so they'll probably end up exercising their options for the MP36s or maybe the newer model MBTA is getting.Please allow a brief "fair use" quote to dispel this notion:
Sacramento, Calif., and Columbus, Ind. (Dec. 3, 2013) - Today, Siemens Rail Systems and Cummins announced a partnership that will bring one of the most modern and efficient passenger rail, diesel electric locomotives in the world to the U.S. marketplace. Cummins QSK95 diesel engines will be used in Siemens’ diesel electric locomotives in the U.S., resulting in one of the most energy-efficient, lightweight, smart, diesel electric locomotives available today in North America.Illinois has already issued a notice of intent to award Siemens the contract for 35 of these diesels. Other states are involved as well, so perhaps this is where Maryland is looking.
Leveraging Siemens proven rail technology, these locomotives will be designed and built specifically for today’s new train passenger, providing a smoother, more reliable and more energy-efficient riding experience. The state-of-the-art locomotives will also deploy a new engine aftertreatment system that will deliver a cleaner ride with better air quality and reduced emission rates. Importantly, these smarter, lighter trains are being developed with passenger and crew safety top-of-mind.
“Today’s announcement acknowledges a new type of diesel-electric offering, one that is built with the passenger in mind,” explained Michael Cahill, president of Siemens Rail Systems in the U.S. “Our goal is to provide high ride-quality with smooth, safe and efficient performance - for both the locomotive engineers and the passengers - with cost savings for the operators and maintainers,” he continued.
“Our engines are the perfect answer for today’s diesel electric needs: they’re more efficient, lighter and cleaner than engines of this output in the past,” said Ed Pence, Vice President and General Manager – Cummins High-Horsepower Engine Business. “We believe that our high-speed QSK95 engines will not just bring cleaner operation, but will achieve higher performance and lower operating costs than any system utilizing traditional medium speed powered locomotives,” Pence further explained.
The diesel-electric locomotive is uniquely designed, based on Siemens’ global rail expertise with input from U.S. passenger rail operators. This new rail equipment can help operators achieve cost savings, while improving reliability and efficiency for its passenger rail service. The lighter weight of these locomotives ensures the ability to safely operate the locomotives at speeds of up to 125 mph more efficiently, requiring less maintenance.
To further boost American manufacturing through investment in rail, the locomotives will be built and assembled at Siemens’ solar-powered transportation manufacturing facility in Sacramento, California. Siemens has also established a robust and diverse base of U.S. rail suppliers representing all sizes of business across the country that can be leveraged as part of the development of future passenger rail locomotives.
Cummins diesel QSK95 engines will be made in Seymour, Indiana. The 95-liter prime mover is the most powerful high-speed 16-cylinder diesel to be installed in a locomotive generating more than 4000-hp (2983 kW). The first QSK95-powered freight locomotive, with Siemens AC traction equipment and traction control, will begin commercial service operation in a field test with the Indiana Rail Road Company (INRD) in mid-2014 as the first heavy-hauler repower QSK95 installation and is ready to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 4 ultra-low emissions regulations.
realtype wrote: This move looks even more boneheaded when you consider that there are two rare opportunities that would solve the electric locomotive problem:The HHP-8s may come cheap, but you get what you pay for. They are not reliable in any sort of extreme conditions. As for the ACS-64s, why purchase a few expensive, specialized electric motors that are confined to a specific piece of territory if a new high speed diesel that can go anywhere at anytime is forthcoming?
1. As you stated, get the HHP-8's from Amtrak for dirt cheap
2. Order the ACS-64 when Amtrak's order is complete and they've proven their worth