Metra’s first rehabilitated locomotive. Photo: courtesy of Metra.
Metra, the operator of the Northeast Illinois commuter rail system, has announced the return to service of its first rebuilt locomotive. The locomotive is part of a $91 million re-manufacturing contract with Progress Rail Services Corp. signed in 2015 for Progress to rebuild 41 EMD F40PH-2 and F40PHM-2 locomotives to “like new” condition. The locomotives were originally built between 1989 and 1992.
“These locomotives represent our commitment to use our limited capital resources to rebuild our fleet of railcars and locomotives, which remain the oldest of any of our peer railroads,” stated Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “Our customers deserve a reliable fleet and this program, which restores locomotives to nearly new condition, is an essential part of our agency’s modernization plan.”
The rebuilt locomotives will be designated as F40PH-3s, and will feature: a new high-voltage cabinet with a microprocessor control system; re-manufactured engines upgraded to U.S. EPA Tier 0+ emissions standards; new and reconditioned accessories; car body corrosion repair and new paint; rebuilt electrical rotating equipment; rebuilt trucks with new wheels; and Positive Train Control (PTC) components. Locomotive 175 also features the railroad’s new paint scheme previously applied to F59PHs Nos. 97-99.
The work is being done at Progress’ Patterson, Ga., facility and is expected to extend the life of the locomotives by 10 to 13 years. After testing, Metra plans to assign this first F40PH-3 to service on the lines operated by the Union Pacific.
Metra has identified modernization of rolling stock as one of its highest capital priorities due to the age of its fleet, with 50 percent of it’s rolling stock in marginal or worn condition and 18 percent of railcars dating from the 1950s to the 1960s.
The work is a major part of a broader modernization plan to rebuild and replace nearly all the rolling stock that operates on Metra’s non-electric lines. Metra plans to have renovated about 70 cars in-house by the end of 2016, and will soon begin planning a $20 million expansion of their major rehab facility allowing the agency to increase its throughput of rehabilitated cars by 33 percent.