Hybrid locomotive ALP 45 DP for New Jersey

The ALP 45 DP hybrid locomotive for New Jersey Transit (NJT) and for the Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) [Metropolitan transportation agency] in Montreal, Canada will be tested using PROSE measuring wheelset technology. The measuring wheelsets have been successfully approved by the final customers in Berlin. Bombardier will deliver a total of 46 locomotives from the newly developed ALP 45 DP range to NJT and AMT. This locomotive is equipped with two diesel engines and one completely electrical drive and can be used either as an electric locomotive or as a diesel-electric locomotive. Thus, the diesel-powered and diesel-electric locomotive can travel along routes in rural areas as well as through tunnelled sections not suitable for use by diesel locomotives such as in Grand Central Station in New York.
The four-axled locomotive has a total mass of 128 tonnes and an axle load of 32 tonnes and can handle speeds of 200km/h. Both bogies are equipped with completely sprung hollow shaft motor in order to keep the applied load of the locomotive and the track at a good level. This basic information clearly shows that a test which involves measuring the wheel-rail force is essential. For this, the locomotive will be equipped with measuring wheelsets from PROSE and will be tested by Bombardier in the USA on the routes for which it is to be used. The testing laboratory of PROSE AG is charged with making running dynamics measurements and will carry out load spectra measurements at a later date for another locomotive whilst it is being used for its typical function.
In our measuring wheelsets factory in Berlin, representatives of the final customers accepted the measuring wheelsets. The basic function of the measuring wheelsets and the calibration procedure and methods used for quality management were explained to the final client. The client was therefore able to be won over by our competence in measuring wheelsets.
After the wheelsets were successfully accepted, they were immediately be sent to Siegen where they were assembled by Bombardier in the measuring bogie. Tests are due to take place in New Jersey in the middle of April.