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MotivePower/Wabtec Genset Switchers
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MotivePower is a subsidiary of Wabtec, and produces new and rebuilt locomotives at a plant in Boise, ID. In addition to their fledgling genset line, MPI produces new 3,600 and 4,000 hp commuter locomotives, and offers a line of rebuilt single engine locomotives using Detroit Diesel MTU engines. As of Sept. 2009, the company had only produced one genset - demonstrator MPEX 244 - with a second frame (tentatively referenced as MPEX 245) built but not completed. The one locomotive completed thus far was built on a new frame.

Model: MP21B
2,100 hp 3-engine genset locomotive, engines: 3 - Cummins QSK19 (700hp each) on 4 axles.

1GS7B
Roster:

Owner:

Unit
Number:

Donor
Unit:

Originally
Built:

Converted
At:

New Build
Date:

Serial
Number:


Used
At:



Notes:
MotivePower MPEX 244 None N/A MPI Boise May 2008 0107-01 Demonstration 1, A, B
MotivePower Test Bed MPEX 4133 Aug. 1967 MPI Boise Summer '07   In-plant testing 2, C

General Notes:
1. Builder's info checked by Ken Lanovich in Chicago. Order number 2020-1, weight 270,000 lbs. Additional data provided in plate photo by Mike Murray.
2. Test Bed unit only, not released for outside work. The test bed was used in-plant in Boise to test the genset unit design. From an article in the Dec. 2007 issue of Trains Magazine, and other sources. Formerly an NJT GP40FH-2, no. 4133. From various sources. Rebuilt as an MP20GP when testing was completed.

Notes:
A. Prototype unit under development in Boise, ID, from article in the Feb. 2007 issue of Railway Age and a mention in the Dec. 2007 issue of Trains Magazine. First spotted in Jan. 2008.
B. 2008 demonstrations include: Idaho, Northern & Pacific, Nampa, ID (July 2008); Canadian Pacific, Calgary, AB (July-Nov. 2008); enroute to Norfolk Southern in late Nov. 2008. 2009 demonstrations include NS, Roanoke, VA (Jan 2009); Florida East Coast, Jacksonville, FL (March 2009); Archer Daniels Midland, Decatur, IL (May 2009); Union Pacific, Roanoke, TX (June-July 2009).
C. Previous unit number reported by an anonymous source.

History:

Unit
Number
Core Unit
Number
Core Unit
Model
Build
Date
Builder's
Number
Frame
Number
Orig.
Number
2nd
Number
3rd
Number
4th
Number
5th
Number

Notes
Test Bed MPEX 4133 EMD GP40FH-2 Aug. 1967 33231 7987-18 NYC 3067 PC 3067 CR 3067 NJT 4133 NJT 1004 A, B

Notes:
A. Originally built as a GP40 by EMD. Rebuilt by MK as a GP40FH-2.Previous unit history from RRPicutureArchives and the Unofficial EMD Homepage.
B. NJT 4133 was rebuilt by MK in Boise, ID as a GP40FH-2, using the frame, cab, trucks, etc. from Conrail 3067, and the cowled long hood from EMD F45 BN 6607. This odd amalgam was retired by NJT and sent back to Boise to MK's modern incarnation, MPI-Wabtec. After brief testing, it was rebuilt into an MP20GP switching unit for NJT, number NJT 1004.

Model: MP14B
1,400 hp 2-engine genset locomotive, engines: 2 - Cummins QSK19 (700hp each) on 4 axles.

Roster: No Units Built

Photos: (Click to enlarge)

MPEX 244 MPEX 244 MPEX 244 MPEX 244 MPEX 244 MPEX 244
  MPEX 244 MPEX 244 MPEX 244 MPEX 244 MPEX 244
MPEX 4133 MPEX 4133 MPEX 4133 MPEX 4133    
MPEX 245 MPEX 245        

For corrections, questions or to contribute photos, please e-mail me at: potb101@aim.com. Thanks!

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