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Metra purchasing EMD SD70MACH Remanufactured Locomotives


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 05 January 2018 - 07:32 PM

Metra news release:

 
Metra to buy locomotives

 

(January 4, 2018) - Metra has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to begin to replace its aging fleet of engines with new or remanufactured locomotives.

 

The locomotive RFP, which was issued last week, calls for a base order of at least 12 new or 15 remanufactured locomotives with options for up to 30 additional new locomotives or 27 additional remanufactured locomotives, for a total of up to 42 new or remanufactured locomotives. Metra is asking for proposals for both new and remanufactured engines because it wants to weigh the costs/benefits of both options.

 

Metra currently has about $125 million programmed for locomotive purchases over the next five years. The Metra Board of Directors has asked staff to consider financing alternatives, such as leasing, to maximize the efficient use of available capital resources.

 

Metra’s 2014 modernization plan called for the purchase of 367 railcars and 52 locomotives. That 10-year plan, however, counted on Metra receiving $1.3 billion in new funding, most likely from a new state bond program. That anticipated new funding did not come through, and until and unless it does, Metra is attempting to acquire as many cars and engines as possible with existing funding.

 

That existing funding, unfortunately, falls far short of Metra’s needs. The RTA estimates Metra needs to spend $1.2 billion a year for 10 years to achieve and maintain a state of good repair on its system, including buying new cars and engines but also replacing and upgrading its bridges, stations and other infrastructure. This year, Metra has one-sixth of that amount available.

 

“We are trying to do the best we can with available resources,” said Metra CEO/ Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “Clearly, however, we need more capital dollars to continue to invest in our system and upgrade our assets.”

 

Metra expects to award the contract for locomotives later in 2018, with delivery of the first locomotive in 2020. The new or remanufactured locomotives will allow Metra to begin to replace outdated diesel locomotives with modern, cleaner-burning engines, significantly improving air quality.

 

Metra issued an RFP for at least 25 new railcars in April 2017, and is currently evaluating responses, with a goal of approving a contract later this year. The scheduled delivery of the first cars will be part of the negotiations and dependent upon the manufacturer’s capacity to build. The last time Metra received new railcars for lines other than the Metra Electric was in 2006.

 

Metra has identified modernization of rolling stock as one of its highest capital priorities due to the age of its fleet (average age of 30 years) and the fact that the condition of cars and locomotives is so essential to providing high-quality, reliable and comfortable service.

 

 

 



#2 CNJRoss

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Posted 22 February 2018 - 08:56 AM

Metra news release:

 

Metra moves to buy newer engines  
 
 
(February 21, 2018) - The Metra Board of Directors today approved the purchase up to 21 used F59PHI locomotives for $1.3 million each, allowing Metra to quickly supplement its locomotive fleet (emphasis added) while continuing a longer-term procurement of additional, new or remanufactured locomotives.

 

The F59PHIs, which were built by the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors in 1998 and have been rehabbed within the last five years, have similar parts and operating characteristics to Metra’s existing fleet of EMD F40s, some of which are 35 years old and are in need of overhaul. That means they can be integrated into the Metra system quickly and without extensive and expensive training of maintenance and operating crews. The F59s would also increase reliability, reduce pollution and achieve fuel savings of about 10 percent to 25 percent over the older engines.

 

“Ideally Metra would have sufficient funding to replace older locomotives with new ones on a regular basis,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “However, Metra has been underfunded for years and we have to work with the funding we have available. We believe this purchase represents a great opportunity to make a big impact on our operations at a reasonable expense, and that’s why we are pursuing this purchase.”

 

It is rare for service-ready engines to be on the market. These 21 F59 locomotives were most recently used on the West Coast by Amtrak. The engines will become available this year as Amtrak switches to a new Siemens locomotive.

 

In late 2017, Metra issued a request for proposals (RFP) to begin to replace its aging fleet of engines with new or remanufactured locomotives. The RFP calls for a base order of at least 12 new or 15 remanufactured locomotives with options for up to 30 additional new locomotives or 27 additional remanufactured locomotives, for a total of up to 42 new or remanufactured locomotives. Metra is asking for proposals for both new and remanufactured engines because it wants to weigh the costs/benefits of both options.

 

Those new or remanufactured locomotives, however, would not be available until late 2020 at the earliest, while the used F59s will be available this year. The F59s would supplement the engines purchased under the RFP.

 

The F59 purchase will be funded with money already set aside for locomotive purchases or other capital needs and/or through financing.

 

 

 



#3 CNJRoss

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Posted 22 February 2018 - 11:35 AM

Progressive Railroading 2/22/2018:

 
Metra to buy 21 used EMD locomotives

 



022218-F59PHI-locomotive.jpg
The locomotives previously were used on Amtrak's West Coast routes. Photo – Metra

 

Metra's board yesterday approved the purchase of up to 21 used F59PHI locomotives for $1.3 million apiece. 

Built by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division (EMD) in 1998, the units will enable the railroad to quickly supplement its locomotive fleet and continue a longer-term procurement for additional locomotives, Metra officials said in a press release.

 

SNIP

 

"Ideally, Metra would have sufficient funding to replace older locomotives with new ones on a regular basis," said Metra Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer James Derwinski. "However, Metra has been underfunded for years and we have to work with the funding we have available. We believe this purchase represents a great opportunity to make a big impact on our operations at a reasonable expense, and that’s why we are pursuing this purchase."

The 21 F59 locomotives most recently were used on Amtrak's West Coast lines. The engines will become available this year as Amtrak switches to new Siemens-built locomotives.

 

More here.



#4 KevinKorell

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Posted 24 February 2018 - 03:53 PM

Railway Age, 2/23/18:

 


 

 

Nice price: Metra to buy Amtrak locomotives

 

 

 

On Feb. 21 Metra directors authorized negotiations to purchase as many as 21 locomotives at a cost of $1.3 million each that were most recently used by Amtrak in California and other West Coast lines.

 

  Story is here.



Kevin Korell


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#5 CNJRoss

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Posted 27 February 2018 - 12:31 PM

Chicago Tribune, 2/26/18:
 

Metra is losing riders, but gaining locomotives

 

 

The number of passengers riding the commuter railroad is down 4.4 percent over the last four years, and 2.2 percent between 2016 and 2017, officials said at last week’s monthly board meeting.

 

Metra cited fare hikes, low gas costs and the popularity of telecommuting as possible factors behind the ridership decline from 83.4 million passengers in 2014 to 78.6 million last year.

 

The CTA and other transit companies nationwide also have seen ridership losses, which have been attributed to lower gas costs and competition from ride-share companies.

 

The commuter railroad also announced its buying up to 21 used diesel locomotives from Amtrak that will be newer, more fuel-efficient and less polluting than most of the commuter railroad’s aging fleet, Metra officials said.

 

Continue here.



#6 CNJRoss

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Posted 10 November 2018 - 10:08 AM

Metra On the Bi-Level" newsletter Nov 2018 (excerpt):

 

 

56dd9cb2-9b5f-48bb-a566-434dce567dee.jpg

F59PHIs Arrive Sweet Home Chicago
 
         Some new players are nearly ready to be added to Metra’s locomotive roster. The first of 21 F59PHI locomotives Metra purchased from Amtrak has been spruced up with a fresh paint job and Metra branding, an important step in getting it onto the rails and providing Metra customers with more reliable service.

 



#7 CNJRoss

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Posted 10 November 2018 - 10:10 AM

Metra news release:

 

Metra to buy three used locomotives  
(November 9, 2018) - The Metra Board of Directors today approved the purchase of three used F59PH locomotives for $2.5 million to help the railroad supplement its aging locomotive fleet while continuing a longer-term procurement of new or remanufactured locomotives.
 

The F59PHs, which Metra is purchasing from Progress Rail, were built by the Electro-Motive Division (EMD) of General Motors Corporation in 1988. Metra previously purchased three identical F59PH units from Rail World Locomotive Leasing in 2015. Before being shipped to Metra, Progress Rail will test, evaluate and make any necessary repairs to the three locomotives so that they are ready for commuter service upon delivery.

 

“Ideally, Metra would have sufficient funding to replace older locomotives with new ones on a regular basis,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “However, Metra has long been underfunded, forcing us to work with the funding we have available. We believe this purchase represents a great opportunity to further supplement our locomotive fleet and increase our spare ratio.”

 

In February, Metra also announced the purchase of 21 F59PHIs from Amtrak. These locomotives, which were built by the Electro-Motive Division of General Motors in 1998 and have been rehabbed within the last five years, began arriving on Metra property in October and are expected to be in service early in 2019.

 

The F59PHs are equipped with similar parts and operating characteristics to Metra’s existing fleet of EMD F40s, some of which are 40 years old. That means they can be integrated into the Metra system quickly and without extensive and expensive training of maintenance and operating crews. The F59PHs will also increase reliability, reduce pollution and be more fuel efficient when compared to the older engines. 

 

In late 2017, Metra issued a request for proposals (RFP) to begin to replace its aging fleet with new or remanufactured locomotives. The RFP calls for a base order of at least 12 new or 15 remanufactured locomotives with options for up to 30 additional new locomotives or 27 additional remanufactured locomotives, for a total of up to 42 new or remanufactured locomotives. Metra is asking for proposals for both new and remanufactured engines because it wants to weigh the costs/benefits of both options. Proposals are currently being evaluated.

 

Those new or remanufactured locomotives, however, would not be available until late 2020 at the earliest, while the used F59PHs will be available this year. The F59PHs would supplement the engines purchased under the RFP.

 

The F59PH purchase will be funded with money already set aside for locomotive purchases.

 



#8 CNJRoss

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Posted 08 December 2018 - 07:42 AM

WBBM-TV Chicago, IL 12/6/18:
 

New Pre-Owned Metra Locomotives Contribute to Pollution; CEO Says New Locomotives Too Expensive

 

 

CHICAGO (CBS) – Metra says it’s adding to its aging fleet, but the previously Amtrak-owned locomotives that Metra bought this year are ranked the lowest of the low by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

 

Metra bought nearly two dozen used locomotives because new trains cost too much, the new CEO says.

 

SNIP

 

The rail operators make no secret some of its trains are tired, but 21 replacements Metra just purchased are hardly a breath of fresh air.

“There’s a reason why the railroads that are selling those are selling them,” said Rick Harnish of the Midwest High Speed Rail Association. “Think about all the schools where these trains pass by every day.”

 

Harnish says a healthier option is available. New locomotives must pass emissions standards considered Tier 4 by the EPA. But nearly 88 percent of Metra’s current fleet is Tier 0 or 0-Plus.

 

More here.



#9 CNJRoss

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Posted 19 January 2019 - 07:09 AM

YouTube:

Painting F59PHI Locomotives | Metra

 

Published on Jan 16, 2019

 

In February of 2018, Metra's Board of Directors approved the purchase of 21 F59PHI locomotives from Amtrak. Six of the locomotives were delivered the following October. This time-lapse shows the process of sanding down, painting, applying decals and clear coating the locomotives to get ready for revenue service.

 

The initial six locomotives received an express paint job instead of the full Metra fade motif in order to get them into service as quickly as possible.

 

Read more about these locomotives on Metra's blog, The Signal: https://bit.ly/2AdBLav

 

 



#10 CNJRoss

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Posted 20 February 2019 - 10:08 PM

Metra news release:

 
Metra Board approves locomotive purchase

 

(February 20, 2019) - The Metra Board of Directors today approved a $70.9 million contract to purchase 15 remanufactured locomotives to begin to replace Metra’s aging fleet. The contract with Progress Rail Locomotives of La Grange includes options to buy up to 27 additional locomotives, if funding is available.

 

“Our goals with this locomotive purchase are to increase reliability and improve the state of good repair on our system,” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “These like-new locomotives will be replacing some of the oldest locomotives in our fleet, and we would expect to see a significant increase in reliability as these newer locomotives are introduced.” 

 

Progress Rail will take existing EMD SD70MAC freight locomotives and upgrade and configure them for passenger use. All components will either be refurbished, upgraded or new. The newly remanufactured locomotives will be designated as SD70MACH locomotives. 

 

About 70 percent of Metra’s current fleet of 147 locomotives are rated in marginal or poor condition. The introduction this year of 24 used but new-to-Metra locomotives that were purchased from Amtrak will reduce that percentage to about 45 percent, and the addition of the remanufactured freight locomotives will reduce that percentage to 14 percent by 2023. Newer locomotives not only will increase reliability, but they will reduce operating costs, since the older locomotives are increasingly expensive to maintain and operate.

 

Metra’s RFP allowed companies to provide proposals for either new or remanufactured locomotives. Metra chose remanufactured locomotives primarily because it can buy more of them than new locomotives. A greater number of newer locomotives means Metra can replace a greater number of older locomotives and operate a greater number of trains with more reliable locomotives.

 

One big improvement will be in the traction motors, which deliver the power generated by the diesel engine to the wheels. The remanufactured locomotives will have AC traction motors, which are far more durable and reliable than the DC traction motors in Metra’s older locomotives. For example, Metra currently needs to replace about 160 DC traction motors annually. On Metra Electric cars, the oldest of which have had AC traction motors for 12 years, Metra has not had to change a single traction motor.

 

The remanufactured locomotives have a similar design to Metra’s F59 locomotives so Metra will be able to use the same parts inventory and won’t need different training and maintenance programs. There will be a 34 percent increase in horsepower. Another major upgrade is a microprocessor-controlled brake system.

 

The remanufactured locomotives will meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 3 emissions standards. Replacing 42 of Metra’s current locomotives that are rated Tier 0+ with 42 Tier 3 locomotives will eliminate 61 tons of nitrous oxide emissions annually – the equivalent to taking 6,600 cars off the road.

 






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