EMD F125

The EMD F125 Spirit is a four-axle passenger diesel locomotive manufactured by EMD for the North American market. It is powered by a Caterpillar C175-20 V20 diesel engine rated at 4,700 hp (3,500 kW). The locomotive is capable of traveling at a maximum in-service speed of 125 mph (201 km/h) pulling consists of up to 10 cars. It is EMD's first new domestic passenger locomotive in 15 years, with the previous passenger locomotive being the EMD DE30AC and DM30AC built for the Long Island Rail Road.

EMD F125
SCAX 905, the first F125 delivered to Metrolink, unveiled at Los Angeles Union Station.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderElectro-Motive Diesel, Caterpillar, Inc., Progress Rail Services
Order numberMetrolink: 40
ModelF125
Build date2015-present
Specifications
Configuration:
​
 • AARB-B
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Wheel diameter40 in (1,016 mm) (New)
Minimum curve250 ft (76 m) radius/ 23°
WheelbaseLocomotive: 42 ft 4 in (12.90 m) (between truck centers)
Truck: 9 ft 7 in (2.92 m)
Length69 ft 0 in (21.03 m)
Width10 ft 0 in (3.05 m)
Height14 ft 6 1⁄2 in (4.432 m)
Axle load71,250 lb (32,318 kg)
Adhesive weight100%
Loco weight285,000 lb (129,274 kg) (Nominal)
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel capacity2,350 US gal (8,900 l; 1,960 imp gal)
Lubricant cap.180 US gal (680 l; 150 imp gal)
Coolant cap.291 US gal (1,100 l; 242 imp gal)
Sandbox cap.Four boxes
@ 6.25 cubic feet (177 liters) each
Prime moverCaterpillar C175-20
RPM range800-1800
Engine type45° V20, four stroke cycle
AspirationTurbocharged
Displacement105.8 liters (6,460 cu in)
AlternatorKato AK30-8
Traction motorsEMD AC Traction Motors,
model A2921-5
1,000 hp (750 kW) each
Cylinders20
Cylinder size5.29 liters (323 cu in)[1]
TransmissionAC-DC-AC
MU workingYes
Train heatingLocomotive supplied Head end power (inverters rated between 600-1000 kW)
Loco brakeDynamic / Regenerative / Electropneumatic / Blend Brake
Safety systemsCrash Energy Management (CEM) Technology
Positive Train Control (PTC)
Performance figures
Maximum speed125 mph (201 km/h) (Optional)
100 mph (160 km/h) (79:22 gear ratio)
Power outputAt Alternator: 4,560 hp (3,400 kW)
At Wheels: 4,000 hp (3,000 kW) max
Tractive effortStarting: 71,000 lbf (316 kN)
Continuous: 47,000 lbf (209 kN) @ 32 mph (51 km/h)
Factor of adh.4.014
Brakeforce47,200 lbf (210 kN) from 20 mph (32 km/h) to 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
Career
OperatorsMetrolink (Southern California)
Number in class40
Numbers903-942
Official nameEMD F125
NicknamesSpirit
Current ownerSCRRA
[2]

Features of the F125 include EPA Tier 4 emissions compliance (with exhaust after-treatment), AC traction systems, extended-range blend and dynamic brakes with HEP regeneration capabilities, advanced crash energy management (CEM) technology, and a streamlined body design, designed by Vossloh AG of Spain.[2] The locomotive is equipped with two Nathan-AirChime Ltd. K2 horns, with the primary horn mounted under the forward coupler, and the backup horn placed on top of the locomotive.

Operators

The Los Angeles commuter rail agency Metrolink is the launch customer for the EMD F125, with an order of 40 total. The cost of the base order of 10 units with an option of additional 10 was estimated at $150 million, with delivery commencing in 2016.[3][4] The base order was signed on May 31, 2013 for 10 locomotives with an option for additional 10, [5] which has since been exercised.[6] Additional orders were exercised as funding became available. They will replace the EMD F59PH and EMD F59PHI.

The first locomotive, SCAX 903, began testing in the first quarter of 2016. The bulk of the order was expected to be delivered by April 2017,[7][8] but as of June 2017, 13 locomotives have been delivered. The first one delivered, SCAX 905, was unveiled on July 18, 2016 at Los Angeles Union Station during a special event,[9] and had its first mainline run on June 10, 2017.

As of March 2018, major problems with the EMD locomotives had prevented their full acceptance by Metrolink and few locomotives were in full revenue service. Metrolink's problems with the F125 served as caution for other agencies, resulting in no significant additional contracts for the EMD F125. By contrast, the major competitive Tier 4 locomotive, the "Siemens Charger", landed major contracts such as Amtrak's acquisition in December 2018 of 75 Chargers for its long distance train routes.

As of June 2019, 22 F125s are on Metrolink property with all but two in service; the two units that are not in service were involved in a BNSF derailment and are currently awaiting repair. Their reliability is greatly improved since their introduction.

As of September 2019, the two derailed F125's were repaired and are now in service.

As of February 2020, almost all are in service with 903, 904, 906, 925, 941, and 942 awaiting delivery to Metrolink. Then on February 19th, 2020, 925, 941, and 906 were delivered to metrolink. It is possible that the other 3 (903, 904, and 942) will be delivered last on a future day.

See also

References
  1. "C175-20 Prime Mover Specifications". Caterpillar Inc. n.d.
  2. "Locomotive Capacities and Specifications". EMD. Retrieved June 16, 2017.
  3. Bowen, Douglas John (December 20, 2012). "EMD gets Metrolink Tier 4 locomotive order". Railway Age. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  4. "Metrolink to buy newest, cleanest locomotives" (Press release). Los Angeles: Metrolink. December 18, 2012. Archived from the original on December 21, 2012. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  5. "Metrolink orders EMD passenger locomotives". Railway Gazette International. June 1, 2013.
  6. "Metrolink receives critical funding commitments for low-emission Tier 4 locomotives" (Press release). Los Angeles: Metrolink. February 10, 2014.
  7. Jeon, Yena (January 24, 2014). "F125 Tier-4 EMD Status Report". Metrolink. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  8. "First Metrolink Tier 4 locomotive completed" (Press release). Los Angeles: Metrolink. January 29, 2016.
  9. Templeton, Dan (July 19, 2016). "Metrolink F125 locomotive unveiled in Los Angeles". International Railway Journal. Retrieved December 4, 2017.
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