Written by: William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief The first high-performance Charger diesel-electric passenger locomotive has rolled off the line at the Siemens manufacturing plant in Sacramento, Calif., and will soon begin testing and qualifying. Charger locomotives are designed to operate at speeds up to 125 mph. They’re powered by a Cummins QSK95, a 16-cylinder, 95-liter-displacement engine rated at 4,400 hp. and manufactured in the U.S. at the company’s Seymour, Ind., plant. The QSK95, says Siemens, “is engineered with modern technologies and design features that ensure the highest performance, lowest fuel consumption, cleanest emissions, and lowest total cost of ownership of any locomotive engine.” It meets EPA Tier IV emission standards. At 4,400 hp (3,281 kW), the QSK95 “achieves the highest output of any 16-cylinder high-speed diesel, and is capable of a top speed of 125 mph (201 kph) as a prime-mover,” Cummins said. “Combining our latest-generation Modular Common Rail Fuel System (MCRS) with quad-turbocharging, the QSK95 delivers reduced noise, excellent response and ultra-low-emissions capability.” Siemens is manufacturing 69 Chargers for the Departments of Transportation in Illinois, California, Michigan, Missouri, Washington State and Maryland, and for Brightline, the privately owned and operated express passenger rail service to be offered by Florida East Coast Industries subsidiary All Aboard Florida that will connect Miami and Orlando. Siemens is also building Brightline passenger coaches in Sacramento. The first Charger, pictured here, is destined for Washington State. Continue reading...
