The MPXpress is a passenger locomotive designed for commuter service. MPI offers this locomotive as customizable thus each order can have slight external and internal differences, such as different prime mover engine and traction motor models and make, head end power (HEP) generated by a separate engine or by the prime mover, and so forth. To date, MPI has offered three main variants: MP36PH-3S, MP36PH-3C, and MP40PH-3C.

The MPXpress line of locomotives were the first production passenger locomotives to meet EPA Tier 1 emissions regulations, as well as FRA safety regulations regarding crash-worthiness, fire and software safety. The line also meets APTA crash-worthiness standards.

Numerous public transit agencies in Canada and the United States have ordered MPXpress locomotives for their commuter rail services, such as Caltrain, FrontRunner, GO Transit, Metra, Metrolink, New Mexico Rail Runner Express, and West Coast Express.

Model Info: MP36PH-3C

This model has the same prime mover as the "-3S" model, the MPI 645F3B diesel engine, but with its HEP generated by a separate Caterpillar diesel engine, thus the "-3C" in its model name. In this arrangement, when providing HEP, the full 3600 hp from the prime mover is available for traction, and the prime mover is allowed to idle at a lower rpm.

MP36PH-3C has received several orders from commuter rail agencies in the United States and Canada, and is currently the top-selling commuter locomotive on the continent, by far. Caltrain's order was delivered in 2003 and Rail Runner's in 2006.

Photo courtesy of Rob Boes