F59PHI
| EMD F59PHI | |
|---|---|
| Amtrak/NCDOT RNCX EMD F59PHI #1797, "City of Asheville", leading the Piedmont north out of Charlotte, North Carolina on February 20, 2003 | |
| Power type | Diesel-electric |
| Builder | GM Electro-Motive Division (EMD) General Motors Diesel (GMD) |
| Build date | September 1994 to present day |
| AAR wheel arr. | B-B |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Length | 58 ft 7 in (17.86 m) |
| Prime mover | EMD 12-710E3 |
| Cylinders | V12 |
| Top speed | 110 mph (177 km/h) |
| Power output | 3,200 hp (2.4 MW) |
| Tractive effort | Starting: 290 kN (65,195 lbf), Continuous: 170 kN (38,218 lbf) @ 16 mph |
| Locale | North America |
The Electro-Motive Diesels F59PHI diesel-electric locomotive is a common locomotive on passenger trains in North America, built by then General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD), which is now Electro-Motive Diesel owned by Caterpillar.
First built in 1994, the locomotive is a 3,200 hp (2.4 MW) B-B diesel-electric locomotive intended for service on North American mainlines. This locomotive is equipped with a turbocharged EMD 12-710E3,a 12 cylinder, 2 stroke water cooled "Vee" diesel engine (prime mover). The main (traction) alternator converts mechanical energy from the prime mover into electrical energy that is distributed through a high voltage cabinet and rectifier to direct current traction motors. Each of the four traction motors is directly geared to a pair of driving wheels. The gear ratio of the traction motors (model D87BTR) to wheel axle determines the maximum operating speed of the locomotive; a standard F59PHI has a gear ratio of 56:21 which provides a top speed of 110 mph (176 km/h).
The F59PHI has a fully enclosed carbody which provides protected walkways for easy access to the engine room and trailing units. This arrangement allows routine maintenance while the locomotive is in service. The noteworthy aspect of this locomotive's exterior is the use of composites to present a streamlined appearance.
To supply electrical power for passenger service, the F59PHI is equipped with a secondary electrical generator referred to as the Head End Power (HEP) unit. The head-end generator generates AC power at 480 V AC, 750 amps or about 500 kW to provide power to the passenger carriages for lighting, electric heating, and air conditioning. The head-end generator is powered by a second diesel engine dedicated to it. With this arrangement, the prime mover is not burdened by head-end power generation and consequently is used solely for supplying tractive efforts.
Examples of the F59PHI are currently operated by these companies:
- AMT (Montreal)
- Amtrak (Amtrak Cascades, all Amtrak California routes, Coast Starlight, and Piedmont)
- Metrolink (Southern California)
- North County Transit District (with the San Diego Coaster)
- Sound Transit (Sounder Commuter Rail)
- Trinity Railway Express
- West Coast Express
Read more about this topic: EMD F59PH