Power type Diesel-Electric Build date 2012-2013 | Builder MotivePower, Inc. Total produced 28 | |
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Gauge 4 ft 8 ⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Trucks Kawasaki R156 Fabricated Frame | ||
The MPI MP8AC-3 is a light-weight Diesel locomotive built by the MotivePower division of Wabtec. It was designed from scratch as a work train engine for the New York City Subway system, where it is designated the R156.
The R156 is designed to navigate the clearances and tight turns of the NYC subway, with weight constrained to 112,000 pounds (51,000 kg) so it can operate on elevated portions of the system. It joins a fleet of 62 diesel-electric work locomotives on the system. Third rail power is not used because the third rail is normally turned off at work sites for safety reasons. Instead, the R156 is powered by a 6-cylinder, 800 horsepower Cummins QSK 23 diesel engine. A separate, smaller John Deere Diesel drives a generator to provide auxiliary power, and to heat the main engine and keep batteries charged when the main engine is not running. Trucks are supplied by Kawasaki, which provides the same wheel and traction sets for new R160 subway cars. The traction motors are Siemens' SITRAC AC motors. The R156 locomotives have provisions for the future installation of communications-based train control (CBTC) equipment. The R156s will have CBTC equipment installed by June 2017.
The MTA ordered 28 units in 2006. After some difficulty with the initial prototype, the first unit, numbered OL912, was delivered on May 1, 2012.