CP and CN explore switch from diesel

[SD70Dude]

The last locomotives CP built in their own shops were the 9100-series SD9043MACs.   Didn't turn out so well.  

Anyway, they probably don't have the capability or manpower to do such a project completely in-house anymore, and they certainly won't have anyone with experience around hydrogen fuel cells.

[tree68]

adkrr64

I doubt CP has the manufacturing facilities to build their own locomotives, especially in volume. If they develop some unique intellectual property during the project and patent it, they can license it to the manufacturers.

Agreed.  That was kinda my point - develop the technology in house.  These days I doubt any railroad has the ability to build in quantity.

[MidlandMike]

The loco manufactures are already invested in diesel engine production.  What is their incentive to experiment with radical change that might not pan out?

[matthewsaggie]

Alco, Baldwin and Lima all said the same thing a few years ago. Where are they now?

[MidlandMike]

matthewsaggie

Alco, Baldwin and Lima all said the same thing a few years ago. Where are they now?

 

Probably regretting that they made the diesels that no one wanted.

GM experimented with electric locos, and maybe today would have tried again, however, they sold the locomotive business to another diesel manufacturer.

[tree68]

MidlandMike

The loco manufactures are already invested in diesel engine production.  What is their incentive to experiment with radical change that might not pan out?

I would opine that it's outside forces that would drive this move.  "Green" stockholders and all.  If they show they're making an effort, it'll keep such folks happy, for a while anyhow.

And you never know, they might hit on a workable solution.

[Overmod]

adkrr64

I doubt CP has the manufacturing facilities to build their own locomotives, especially in volume. If they develop some unique intellectual property during the project and patent it, they can license it to the manufacturers.

The actual "locomotive" is little more than systems integration; the important concerns are all in the supply and distribution architecture.

Story in Newswire that they have decided on Ballard fuel cells.

[Erik_Mag]

Story in Newswire mentioned that there would only be 1200kW worth of fuels cells installed, with batteries to provide higher short term power. This is similar to the way most fuel cell cars work, the fuel cell stack is sized for supplying cruise power and batteries for acceleration.

In 2014, I got a ride in a fuel cell powered Toyota Rav4... Seemed to respond pretty much like a battery electric. Downside was that there were 3 or 4 hydrogen stations in SoCal, with one being at UC Irvine.

[SD70Dude]

Interesting paint scheme on the artist's rendering of CP's hydrogen locomotive:

https://sustainability.cpr.ca/about/highlight-stories/cps-hydrogen-powered-locomotive-pilot-project/

[kgbw49]

Is that a Dash 8-40CM cab with Draper Taper?

[tree68]

kgbw49

Is that a Dash 8-40CM cab with Draper Taper?

Sure looks like it.

 

[cx500]

It looks like the cab the base locomotive had when it was still an SD40-2F (CP9024).   It had a wide body and the EMD three window cab.  But I think we may be looking at an artist's impression and the future release could vary.

John

[YoHo1975]

Since this thread was made, EMD and Chevron have announced a Joint venture to convert the 710 to Hydrogen. That would not appear to be the same solution as CP is looking at. I wonder just how much leverage CP would have if EMD manages to get a solution they find viable.

[Leo_Ames]

Edit: Was responding to a post from December. Noticed the time stamp and several further pages of conversation after I hit reply.

So please disregard.