West Coast Express 906

2006 MPI MP36PH-3C

In service

2006–present

Manufacturer

Motive Power Industries

Model

MP36PH-3C

Fleet numbers

906

Owner

TransLink

Operator

Bombardier Transportation

Lines served

Specifications

Length

21.34 m

Height

4.70 m

Weight

131,500 kg

Top speed

177 km/h

Fuel capacity

8810 L

Traction motor

D87BTR

Traction alternator

AR15

Engine model

645F3B

Horsepower

3,600

Cylinders

16

West Coast Express 906 is a 2006 MPI MP36PH-3C locomotive owned by TransLink for use on the West Coast Express.

This locomotive, the only one of this model in the West Coast Express fleet, was the first locomotive ordered by TransLink for use on the West Coast Express, as well as the first locomotive ordered since service on the West Coast Express began in 1995. It was purchased as an additional unit to maintain capacity and prevent the requirement of VIA units for spares.

This is also the only MP36PH-3C unit in Canada.

Maintenance is done by Via Canada and operations by Bombardier Transportation.

History

The initial order for locomotives in 1994 was for six units, but was dropped to five after General Motors was chosen to manufacture the locomotives.^[1]

However, a mudslide in January 1999 resulted in damages to a locomotive and raised concerns on the lack of a spare in the fleet as the service often relied on Via Rail locomotives, which were often difficult to obtain because they are often parked in Ontario.^[2] In May 1999, an order was placed to purchase a spare locomotive valued at $1.2 million.^[3] However, by January 2000, TransLink was still looking into purchasing a spare locomotive and specifically a spare one.^[4] With the lack of a spare locomotive, TransLink has resorted to leasing CP Rail and Via Rail locomotives, which have resulted in passenger complaints, especially when a CP Rail locomotive was used as they were louder.^[4]

The procurement of a spare locomotive was raised again in May 2005 when the TransLink board voted on spending $5.12 million to buy the sixth locomotive.^[5] When the procurement of a sixth locomotive was raised, TransLink was leasing various Sound Transit locomotives on a month-to-month basis, which TransLink cited as a practice with increasing uncertainty that would lead to more delays and higher costs in the future.^[5] Furthermore, Sound Transit wanted their locomotive back.^[6] The procurement of a sixth locomotive was approved on May 24.^[6]

Details

Fleet number	Thumbnail	Year	Serial Number	Status/Disposal	Notes
906		2006			Spare locomotive and only MP36PH-3C in Canada

References

↑ Lee, J. (1995, September 29). Board railroads engine buy: BC Transit staff overruled on locomotive source, The Vancouver Sun, A1
↑ Simpson, S. (1999, January 15). Mudslide derails West Coast Express: Wednesday night's rain caused the Burnaby Mountain slide the train hit in the morning, The Vancouver Sun, A5.
↑ The Vancouver Sun (1999, May 19). West Coast Express adds 3 cars, engine: The new acquisitions will help meet demand at peak times, The Vancouver Sun, B1.
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 The Province (2000, January 28). Got a used locomotive?, The Province, A12.
↑ ^5.0 ^5.1 Easton, L. (2005, May 18). TransLink board will vote Friday on whether to add another West Coast Express train car to its commuter fleet, Coquitlam Now, 13.
↑ ^6.0 ^6.1 Claxton, M. (2005, May 24). TransLink says yes to buying new West Coast train, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows Times, 4.