GE has announced at Innotrans that they plan to build two new types of prime mover for 'shunters [and] light weight locomotives'. If you had any doubt about 1800rpm engines coming to stay, here's a new hat in the ring, now with the added twist that no maintenance checking is required for two 92-day inspection intervals (GE mentions only '184 days' but it's pretty clear where that number comes from)
You can request a fact sheet on the engine here, if you don't want to wait for the mainstream press or Newswire coverage. (Be aware they will request some information for 'marketing' purposes; I did not link directly to the PDF download in case GE would object to bypassing this.)
I have to wonder out loud if this is a derivation of a Jenbacher.
Editor Emeritus, This Week at Amtrak
Here is a link to an article containing a photo: https://dieselgasturbine.com/ge-transportation-announces-new-high-speed-diesel-engine-program/
With 2,500 bhp and 3,350 bhp the engines are relatively low rated.Regards, Volker
I would assume that this engine line is aimed at the foreign and export markets but it would be interesting to see if GE proposes to market it for domestic use in switchers and suburban passenger locomotives.
Currently the engines are not aimed at the home market. From the GE data sheet: The design will meet the emission standards for both the European Union’s Stage III A/B and the International Union of Railways’ UIC Stage I/II.The data sheet doesn't describe the necessary measures for emission standard compliance.
Kazakhstan Temir Zholy is the first customer. They will get 300 switchers ordered in early 2018 with the new engine.Regards, Volker
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.