Next Locomotive For the T?

I remember reading something here that claimed the MBTA was planning on unifying under the GE GEVO platform of prime movers, while many other people are banking on Siemens Chargers (QSK95) what are your thoughts of what the MBTA could/should go with in the future with the Commuter Rail?

i'd bet money it'll be chargers

The T is getting Siemens Chargers: https://twitter.com/TrainsMagazlne/stat ... 1172082689

LOL, that parody twitter account attacks again ... https://twitter.com/TrainsMagazLne/

#fakenews

No new locomotive purchases for the commuter rail fleet. I will state, excellent photoshop

IIRC the HSP46 was the only GEVO-based passenger locomotive ever built for service in North America, and they can't make any more due to it only being Tier 3-compliant. By default, the T's next purchase will have to be something different.

The T has extended the service life of their F40 fleet by rebuilding them and with their HSPs being new it means they are not in as much of a power shortage as they were. They have some time, though not a lot, to make a decision on their next iteration of locomotives. There is a big push for electrification and MUs along with discussion about battery-electric and dual-mode locomotives.

Let's just put it this way. I would be very surprised if the T's next purchase was a pure diesel locomotive given the current path the MBTA has established for commuter rail service going forward.

I wouldn't, I don't see the MBTA going forward with the EMU proposal, especially with the huge cost it would come at, and the "big push" has really only been voiced by TransitMatters, which is nothing more than just an advocacy group. Dual-modes and battery electric locomotives definitely seem more plausible but I would still lean on pure Diesel.

The prior FMCB's decision to advance electrification is pointless without motive power of some kind that can take advantage of said wires.

With the overhaul of 39 locos (F40s + MP36s) and 40 new ones along with some limited life extension on select GP40s the T will have over 80 diesel locomotives available for the next 10-15 years without need for a new procurement. Starting a new procurement in the next 3-5 years toward some kind of electric-compatible vehicles is certainly plausible alongside some infrastructure upgrades funded by the IIJA which could be designed and constructed in a 10 year period, which would coincide with the delivery of new motive power.

Electric locomotives require new substations, new south-side service facilities, some additional catanery. And negotiation with Amtrak about use of their catenary.

Dual-mode and battery electric locomotives make no sense for the MBTA. Small batteries for regenerative breaking or power gaps (like bridges) would be useful.

About a month ago, the T put out an RFI for Battery Multiple Units the bid was opened on the 23rd of December.

The T looking to things like battery-electrics just further proves that the MBTA has no intention of electrifying the lines, and who could blame them? With the fiscal fallout the T looks to be speeding towards right now its probably way too expensive for their own good, which is why the MBTA will probably just look for cleaner Diesel Locomotives

BandA wrote: ↑Tue Jan 11, 2022 7:42 am Electric locomotives require new substations, new south-side service facilities, some additional catanery. And negotiation with Amtrak about use of their catenary.

Amtrak screwed over MARC with the prices they had to pay Amtrak to use their catenary, which is why they plan on replacing all their electrics with chargers, Amtrak will definitely pull the same thing off on the MBTA with the Providence Line

I'd like to remind you that the replacing-electrics-with-chargers statement is still hearsay and hasn't been backed up by any official source so far.

Wouldn't the rebuilt F40s satisfy this requirement? Are they Tier IV?