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One of the main competitors in the genset road switcher market, Railpower has so far (as of Aug. 2007) delivered the most units. They just completed a 98-unit order of their RP20BD model for Union Pacific, the largest genset order placed to date for any manufacturer. The RP20BD has three 667-hp Deutz diesel engines, for a total of 2,000 horsepower. Like other genset locomotives, the RP20BD achieves part of its fuel savings and efficiency by turning engines on as needed, and shutting them down when they aren't. By this method, Railpower claims the RP20 can achieve fuel savings of 20-35% over conventional models. Railpower recently announced its second genset model, the twin-engine RP14BD. So far, Norfolk Southern is the only buyer for this smaller 1,400 hp model. As with their order for two RP20BD's, the RP14's are being built from kits at Thoroughbred Mechanical Service (TMS) in Altoona, PA. In addition to the four axle road switcher models, two six-axle models have shown up in Railpower literature. The RP20CD shares the same three-engine, 2,000 configuration as the RP20BD, but on a six-axle platform, while the RP27CD adds a fourth Deutz diesel engine for a total horsepower of 2,667. An order for a six-axle locomotive kit for Norfolk Southern was revealed in Railpower's 2nd Quarter 2007 report, but the model was not specified. Railpower's locomotives are all built using the frames of retired locomotives as a starting point. Existing components are stripped off of the frame, trucks are rebuilt, and the new appliances are applied. In this way, Railpower is as much a recycler as a builder. Platforms for the RP20BD units include later EMD GP-series locomotives (GP35, GP38, etc.) and GE B-series units (B23-7, B30-7, etc.). The RP14BD is designed to use earlier EMD GP-series frames (GP9, etc) and larger SW-frames (SW1000, SW1500). The six axle platforms are designed for EMD's larger SD-series locomotive frames. Candidates for conversion include the SD38, SD40 and SD50 among others. In addition to their entries in the genset market, Railpower is well known for its "Green Goat" line of hybrid switching locomotives. Those locomotives, which use a battery pack for most of their power, are detailed on the companion to this site, http://www.trainweb.org/greengoats
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Model |
Owners |
Numbers |
Notes: | |
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BNSF Railway Norfolk Southern |
1210-1213 2120-2121 |
Norfolk Southern is the only buyer so far for the twin-engined RP14BD. Both of the locomtives were constructed on EMD SW1500 frames by TMS in Altoona, PA. In addition, four cabless RP14BD's are being constructed for BNSF using their GG20B green goats. | |
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Norfolk Southern Railpower Railpower Union Pacific Virginai Int't Tmnl |
100-101 5400, 5402-07 6 units Y2602-2699 2 units |
The current cornerstone of the Railpower line is the three-engined RP20BD, which features a trio of Deutz 667-hp engines for a total of 2,000 horsepower. The RP20BD is a four-axle road switcher most recognizable from other models by the six engine exhaust stacks on the top of the long hood. Six additional units are being converted at TMS using the original six GG20B Green Goats, RPRX 2401-2405 and UPY 2004. | |
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Norfolk Southern Railpower Union Pacific UP |
3830 RPRX 5600? Y896-899 2 units |
The RP20CD is a six-axle, three engine, 2,000 hp road switcher intended for an SD38, SD40 or similar locomotive. The first four are under construction at CAD for UP using retired SD40-2 frames. All appearances are that they should be similar to the RP20BD, but on longer frames. | |
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RP27CD |
None |
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Railpower's six axle catalog is rounded out by the RP27CD, which combines four Deutz engines with a six-axle SD40 or similar platform for a 2,667 hp road switcher. None of these models have been built to date. |
For corrections, questions or to contribute photos, please e-mail me at: potb101@aim.com. Thanks!
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