[WhoozOn1st]

First three of 26 already on property, expected to begin Penn Line service about May 18.

MARC says new locomotives will boost capacity and reliability

[Ryan]

MARC 11 was at WAS for the first time (that I've seen at least) yesterday - these new MP's are some pretty sweet looking locomotives.

This post has been edited by HokieNav: 07 May 2009 - 06:10 AM

[WhoozOn1st]

Metrolink is in the middle of receiving an order of this type locomotive (MP 36 or variant thereof, I believe). I haven't personally seen any in service, just at the shops. Metra has 'em, and I think Toronto and the NM Rail Runner as well. Thanks for the MARC pic, HokieNav.

[DET63]

Wikipedia article on MP36s and their siblings, the MP40s.

[AlanB]

Those attending the NTD events yesterday in DC got to see one of the new locos up close as it was on display. I haven't yet looked to see how my pictures came out, but assuming that it's decent, I'll put up a shot later today.

[WhoozOn1st]

MARC's new engines are not yet in regular service, according to the Baltimore Sun.

New MARC locomotives still on hold

"Safety testing for first 3 is 'rigorous,' spokeswoman says"

[WhoozOn1st]

The new MARC MP36PH-3C units are STILL not in revenue service, commuters are not pleased, and now the Maryland Transit Administration is saying what the holdup is:

Testing safety dispute idles MARC's new locomotives
"State, builder disagree on what is needed for U.S. approval to operate"

"...the dispute centers around a testing regimen known as FMECA - Failure Modes, Effects, Criticality Analysis. ...[T]he MTA's independent safety office - with the backing of Administrator Paul J. Wiedefeld - contends that additional tests are required to secure Federal Railroad Administration approval to put the locomotives into service, while the manufacturer, MotivePower, believes the tests that have been done are sufficient."

This post has been edited by WhoozOn1st: 18 August 2009 - 01:09 AM

[jis]

Unfortunately MPI has not proved to be one of the most reliable locomotive manufacturers.

[Acela150]

But you must admit they do sell their product well.

Stephen

[Ryan]

jis, on Tue, Aug 18, 2009, 09:24 AM, said:

Unfortunately MPI has not proved to be one of the most reliable locomotive manufacturers.

Coupled with MARC not proving to be the most reliable transit managers.

[amtrakwolverine]

but once they actully due get the locos running correctly there more reliable then the p-42dc

[Green Maned Lion]

amtrakwolverine, on Sun, Sep 6, 2009, 03:08 PM, said:

but once they actully due get the locos running correctly there more reliable then the p-42dc

...

You must be joking. Given the degree of maintenence Amtrak showers on the P42DC, or complete lack thereof, they are exceptionally reliable.

[ALC_Rail_Writer]

amtrakwolverine, on Sun, Sep 6, 2009, 03:08 PM, said:

but once they actully due get the locos running correctly there more reliable then the p-42dc

You base that on what, exactly?

I'm not saying they won't in a sense, however the P42 has proven itself whereas these units have yet to prove they do more than look neat. And if I know anything about getting into a contract with people, its when they can't seem to get their s*** together-- it probably means they don't have a good product, and its clear that nobody (MARC included) can get the ducks in a row with these units.

[MattW]

Ok, then can anyone show where METRA, RailRunner, FrontRunner, Metrolink or one of the other MP36 operators has had substantial troubles with the locomotives? Not only do they look great, but I haven't seen any major problems so far with them...

[ALC_Rail_Writer]

Not saying they won't do badly for a simple commuter engine, what I am saying is that comparing these to a P42 is like comparing an F15 to a Cessna... (exaggeration noted).

In other words, you won't be seeing these things pulling the EB anytime soon...

[ALC_Rail_Writer]

I just watched the Dirty Jobs episode where Mike Rowe did a day at MPI in Boise, claimed the locomotives he was working on were "destined to pull passenger trains in Maryland"...

[amtrakwolverine]

well then compare them to the p-32acdm or the p-40dc that metro north and new haven run.

This post has been edited by amtrakwolverine: 07 September 2009 - 07:27 PM

[ALC_Rail_Writer]

Just because you use a P40 for commuter operations doesn't mean it was designed for commuter operations. The P40 can pull the SWC or make a corridor run. Same with the P42... The P42 is a remarkable engine because it can be used virtually anywhere in the country reliably, and for about any passenger run.

Part of it is apples to oranges.

[MattW]

Ah yes, the Dirty Jobs episode! I loved it! I'd guess the locomotives soon to be built on the frames he was working on were for MARC as the locomotive he was seen driving was for Minneapolis's Northstar.

[zoltan]

I shall be disappointed if these replace the locomotives currently running on the Brunswick and Camden lines before Christmas, when I hope to be around there - does anyone see a likelihood of this?