The new MBTA Commuter Rail locomotive arrived in Denver this week before heading to The Hub.
According to John Arico, the train is “Very different from anything we have and I really like the cab,” he said in a post on Railroad.net. “It was tagged, drained stacks sealed, so it’s not quite ready to be more than a display unit for sometime.
Arico’s comment was posted at 3:51 a.m., Friday morning.
See Train Being Delivered (Straight Fire 45 Seconds In)
In 2010, the MassDOT Board of Directors approved the purchase of an additional 20 new diesel-electric locomotives from Motive Power, Inc. out of Boise, Idaho for $114 million. At the time, they were slated to replace the 20 oldest units in the fleet.
On top of seven additional units added in 2012, last June, it was reported that the MBTA signed contract with MotivePower 13 additional, “next-generation HSP 46 passenger locomotives to be delivered in 2014,” bringing the overall total to 40. The recent contract is valued at $70 million.
“The new HSP46 design provides dramatically improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and lower life-cycle costs compared to MBTA’s existing locomotives,” Wabtec Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Albert J. Neupaver told RailwayAge.
The MBTA could save approximately $78,000 annually per locomotive, with new engines said to burn 36,500 few gallons of fuel each year.
The paint scheme (scene above) was voted on by the public in 2012.
MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo — who had previously tweeted the picture of the locomotive — told BostInno over email that the MBTA is excited about its arrival.
“It will now be subjected to rigorous testing and inspections before it is introduced to passenger service next year,” said Pesaturo.
Image from imgur.com
