Re: New Amtrak engine in Oakland
Author: SP5103
Date: 06-03-2010 - 23:13
Amtrak 578 and CEFX 1510 are NOT "Gen-sets" - notice there is only one exhaust stack. These look to be the MK1500 that became the EMD/MPI GP15D that has a single CAT 3512 engine at 1500 hp. CEFX also has a bunch of GP20D units (1516 engine), some now on CORP.
Amtrak 590 would be a "gen-set" or Cummins powered multi-engine-switcher. The multi-engine design seems to have emerged as the most favorable design at the moment on the basis of fuel efficiency and emission discharges.
I imagine Amtrak is under pressure to put an enviromently "friendlier" loco in California. Another issue is that the FRA heavily frowns on Amtrak using a "passenger" unit without switching steps (P40/42 or F59PHI) assigned a switch engine. There was another new Amtrak unit at MPI in Boise this week - maybe the 591? looks like the full three engine version? The demostrator was also there.