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Wabtec subsidiary MotivePower International of Boise, ID is the latest entrant into the increasingly crowded ranks of genset locomotive makers. But they're no slouch in the locomotive business, or even in the low-emissions locomotive category. MPI's distinctive MP36PH-3C and MP40PH-3C locomotives are the only EPA Tier II-compliant passenger locomotives on the market right now, and either are presently or soon will be earning their keep in commuter service in Albuquerque, California, Chicago, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Toronto, and Vancouver, BC.

By way of predicessor Morrison Knudsen, MPI also boasts a credible track record in the low-emissions switcher category dating back over a decade to the natural gas-fueled MK1200G, all four examples of which still work in the Los Angeles, CA area. Also, MPI is in the middle of delivering an order for 16 single engine, low emissions locomotives (models MP20B and MP20C) for Pacific Harbor Line in LA. So their entry into the multi engine genset market isn't a complete surprise.

It's also no surprise that MotivePower's MP21B genset unit bears a striking resemblance to Railpower's RP20BD genset (and GG20B hybrid for that matter.) Some of the earliest Railpower units were built at MPI's facility in Boise, and the cab and hood design was borrowed from MPI. But that's where the similarities will end. The MP21B will use a trio of Cummins QSK-19 diesel engines for a total combined rating of 2,100 horsepower. The locomotives will also use MPI-Wabtec's Q-Tron QES III microprocessor-based control systems.

MPI's entry into the genset market was confirmed by an article in Railway Age in Feb. 2007, and reinforced by an article in the Dec. 2007 issue of Trains Magazine. Very few other details were released until MPI made a major change to its website in late summer.

For the project, a test-bed locomotive was built over the summer of 2007 using the frame and cab of a former NJT GP40FH-2. The unit made an appearance in-plant in grey paint with no indication of what the original number was. It also didn't have a long hood. It was only used for in-plant testing. The existence of this test bed was confirmed by the Dec. '07 Trains mention.

A prototype is being developed, and according to the Trains article and MPI's website, should be ready for testing by November 2007. Early indications are that the new model will feature an entirely new frame. MPI's specs show the engine as being 59'2" in length - the same length as an EMD GP38 or similar locomotive.

The MP21B line is expected to be ready for production by early 2008. MotivePower's documentation also mentions a twin-engine, 1,400 hp model (MP14B?) is under development.

MotivePower, Inc.

MotivePower, Inc.