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A prototype locomotive Union Pacific Railroad and Progress Rail Services are testing in intermediate line-haul service has surpassed the 500-hour mark. Yesterday, the companies announced the ultra-clean diesel PR30C-LoNOx locomotive reached the milestone during operational testing.

Powered by a 3516 3,005-horsepower Caterpillar engine, the locomotive features a state-of-the-art after-treatment system and provides more power than a typical 2,000-horsepower four-axle Genset switcher, according to the companies. UP plans to operate the prototypes in regional service in the Midwest and California.

The prototype, which meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 2 emission standards, routes exhaust through a diesel oxidation catalyst prior to entering the selective catalytic reduction chamber, where oxides of nitrogen emissions are reduced about 75 percent compared with locomotives that meet current emission standards, UP and Progress Rail said.

The companies plan to continue testing the unit in Texas and work toward the 1,000-hour service mark. The prototype is expected to enter revenue service in California in the fourth quarter.