advertisement

---

Earlier this week, Union Pacific Railroad took delivery of the first of four generator-set (GenSet) switchers on tap for J. R. Davis Rail Yard in Roseville, Calif. The other three units will be delivered in the coming months.

The GenSet switcher is powered by three 667-horsepower ultra-low-emission diesel engines that meet the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Tier 3 emission standards. The locomotive is designed to reduce emissions of nitrous oxides by 80 percent and particulate matter by 90 percent, and cut fuel usage up to 30 percent compared with a conventional switcher.

The new GenSets — which will feature six traction motors — were partially funded with Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment program funds through the cooperation of the Sacramento Metro Air Pollution Control District, Placer County APCD, ARB and other agencies. UP began to test prototype GenSets in 2002 and now uses 159 units in California and Texas.

Meanwhile, CSX Transportation on Tuesday plans to unveil low-emission GenSet locomotives at Dearborn Yard in Dearborn, Mich.

The GenSets are designed to reduce nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions by about 80 percent, and cut carbon dioxide emissions about 50 percent compared with a conventional switcher.  The Class I is acquiring the locomotives through a partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation and Southeast Michigan Council of Governments.