More options for the Airport link in locomotive power….
Did the McGuinty government once again fail in directing Metrolinx?
Dual powered diesel-electric locomotive introduced into service at NJ Transit and implications for long range regional railroad planning in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
A combined diesel-electric locomotive has been introduced by Bombardier, for use in New Jersey and eventually Montreal.
STV provided design, inspection and test engineering support services for this initiative, which also extends north of the border to Canada where the same vehicles are being procured for Agence Métropolitaine de Transport in Montreal. The locomotives are being manufactured by Bombardier in Kassel, Germany.
The new locomotives also offer better acceleration and lower exhaust emissions than NJ Transit’s current diesel equipment. In diesel mode, the vehicles can reach 100 mph, and in electric mode, 125 mph. The switch from diesel to electric mode takes approximately 100 seconds.
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bombardier.ca info on the locomotive
Dual power for all lines
New Jersey and Montréal: Two metropolitan regions, similar challenges. Only a few electrified tracks for passenger transport are integrated in a well-utilised freight transportation network with diesel traction: a heterogeneous infrastructure that often forces passengers to change trains.
To overcome such system limits and to markedly increase travelling comfort, both NJT and the Canadian Agence Métropolitaine de Transport (AMT) utilise Bombardier’sALP-45DP. This modular locomotive combines the technology used in the bogies, the locomotive body and the propulsion of the ALP-46A. However, two further diesel engines are also integrated. Because the DP locomotive is used in push-pull operation with double-deck coaches, it also has a pantograph and driver’s cab.
To enable “one-seat rides” – in other words travelling without changing trains – and to take passengers to their destination quickly, the ALP-45DP can reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h in diesel operation and maximum 201 km/h in electric operation.
Perfectly adapted to the North American infrastructure, the 46 locomotives are ideal draught horses for passenger transport in the new world.
From ALP to TRAXX and back
The ALP platform benefits from Bombardier’s expertise in the development of European locomotive series and offers numerous advantages for operators. Resulting in substantial commonality savings thanks to the modular structure, while ensuring long-term spare parts availability at the same time.
The innovation transfer back into European development is also considerable. From theALP-45DP in particular, further vehicles can be derived for Europe, making new operating concepts conceivable and cost-effective rail transport extended. A further step towards environmentally-friendly logistics.
These locomotives are not a good choice for Toronto. First of all, you still need overhead wires and this is VERY expensive. Next, the locomotives themselves are EXTREMELY expensive. In fact, a commuter diesel locomotive and a straight electric locomotive can both be purchased for LESS than this Dual-mode locomotive.
AMT in Montreal bought these and CN refuses to allow them to operate on their tracks due to concerns over their safety due to a incident with one months ago. Maybe the ARL project can buy them from AMT cheap!