Next-generation Genset locomotives roll out at Chicago’s Proviso Rail Yard

January 2, 2013

OMAHA, NE — Union Pacific Railroad unveiled in December one of the seven next-generation Genset diesel locomotives being used in a rail yard in the Chicago area. UP developed the environmentally friendly locomotives to reduce air emissions in cooperation with federal, state and local environmental agencies.

Union Pacific’s 2,000-horsepower locomotives at Proviso Rail Yard in Northlake, IL, are powered by three 667-horsepower ultra-low-emission EPA off-road Tier 3-certified diesel engines. – Courtesy Union Pacific Railroad

The Genset switcher reduces emissions of oxides of nitrogen by 80 percent and particulate matter by 90 percent, while using 37 percent less fuel compared to older switching locomotives, the company says. The 2,000-horsepower locomotives at Proviso Rail Yard in Northlake, IL, are powered by three 667-horsepower ultra-low-emission EPA off-road Tier 3-certified diesel engines.

The Gensets are equipped with six traction motors instead of four found on a traditional rail-yard locomotive. The two additional motors provide increased pushing power for “hump” service.

At low throttle settings, only one of the engines operates. When additional power is needed, the second and third diesel engines automatically start and quickly go online. When the Genset is not in use, all diesel engines automatically shut down.

Because the motors are independently powered and controlled, Gensets can pull more cars at low speeds than other yard locomotives, UP says.

UP began studies of the prototype Genset switcher locomotive in 2002 and now has 172 working in California, Texas and Chicago. Several other U.S. and Canadian railroads employ Gensets. UP introduced its Genset switchers at its Roseville, CA, rail yard in May 2008.

“We continue to voluntarily research and develop new technologies to reduce locomotive emissions, and this latest version of the Union Pacific Genset locomotive is another end product of that hard work,” said Bob Turner, UP senior vice president/corporate relations. “Union Pacific is committed to preserving our environment by reducing emissions to help improve air quality and conserve fuel.”

Spring is when large-scale model railroaders with their green thumbs plant and prune colorful foliage grown nearly to scale. In some areas, maintaining outdoor layouts is quite challenging because of changing weather. Nancy Norris, an author who builds garden railroads professionally, says some plant varieties have become more difficult to grow in certain Hardiness Zones. In some cases it means garden railroaders having to put more emphasis on growing native plants rather than relying on varieties more susceptible to extreme conditions. She recommends new gardeners consult with their local nurseries for the best choices for an outdoor layout. Norris also has a few recommendations of her own.

Sweeping tariffs imposed on goods imported into the United States are stirring model railroad manufacturers. As a result, model railroading and other hobbies will cost more. In February the U.S. applied a 10 percent tariff on goods imported from China, and the tax has since escalated. Suppliers – including Athearn, InterMountain Railway Co., Broadway Limited, Rapido Trains and ScaleTrains – have been putting dealers and customers on notice that prices will increase tariffs are implemented.

The first rule of railroading is “expect movement on any track at any time in any direction.” This may seem like an overabundance of caution, but railroading is a dangerous sport. Always expect a train when you’re around the tracks. The second rule of railroading is that there is an exception to every rule. The North American freight car fleet in 2023 consisted of 2.03 million rail cars, according to Railinc’s Umler Equipment Index. Rail car fleet management — how empty cars get dispatched to move to their next loading point — is an ever-moving process and often requires fleet car managers to be nimble.

Next-generation Genset locomotives roll out at Chicago’s Proviso Rail Yard

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