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[quote user="cdnreader"]The Bombardier locomotives were designed for commuter service which usually has a maximum speed of 70 mph or so.  Presumably Via would require locos that are capable of at least 110 mph for their dedicated tracks.  Can the Bombardier locos be upgraded to allow this?[/quote] Under catenary the Bombardier ALP-45DP is capable of 125 mph, with diesel power 100 mph. It already weighs 288,000 lbs.The Tier 4 equipment and eventually more powerful diesel engines will ad to this. The PRIIA specifications contain requirements for dual mode (3rd rail) locomotives. One of the interested railroads asked four manufacturers for their opinion. The result is collected here: <a href="http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/Dual_Mode_DC_3rd_Rail-Appendix_A_4-110_MPH_-_for_TSCapproval.docx">http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/Dual_Mode_DC_3rd_Rail-Appendix_A_4-110_MPH_-_for_TSCapproval.docx</a> And here are some discussion points: <a href="http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/305%20Exec/110_vs_125_Standardization_and_DEIS_Rev2.docx">http://www.highspeed-rail.org/Documents/305%20Exec/110_vs_125_Standardization_and_DEIS_Rev2.docx</a> The weight of the Siemens Charger would go up from 272,000 lbs to 291,500 lbs in a three feet longer locomotive. Bombardier say they would keep the 288,000 lbs but with the above speed limits and Tier 3. Progress Rail answered that the F125 Dual Power would weigh 282,000 lbs. That astonishes me as the F125 already weighs 280,000 lbs.  Here I trust Siemens more with their hugh experience building electric locomotives. GE/MPI proposed a six-axle locomotive weighing 326,000 lbs. The reason for me is that MPI is not able to provide a monocoque chassis. I don't know the allowed axle loads for the VIA locomotives but 36.44 tons for the DP Charger seem quite reasonable. Has it to be less, a smaller diesel engine might be the way to go with lower diesel modus speeds. Regards, Volker
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