MT. VERNON, Ill. — In a two week test of an N-ViroMotive “GenSet locomotive” from National Railway Equipment Co., Indiana Rail Road Co. experienced significant fuel savings, low emissions and excellent tractive effort in normal switch operations, officials said.
During the October test, Indiana Rail Road found that the single N-ViroMotive 2100 HP GenSet locomotive performed the same work as two SW 1500 locomotives in an MU consist, totaling 3000 HP. Fuel savings during the test were measured at 67 percent.
“We were pleasantly surprised that this extremely fuel efficient locomotive also pulls as well as our two existing units, which total much more horsepower,” said Indiana Rail Road’s Dick Finley, chief mechanical officer. “We also liked the lower noise and emission levels.”
“Just as the (Indiana Rail Road) has shown, we are having outstanding success with our fuel-efficient N-ViroMotive road switcher locomotives in tests all over North America,” noted James M. Wurtz, Jr., National Railway Equipment Co.’s vice president marketing and sales.
In addition to the tractive effort and fuel savings, Wurtz further pointed out that the N-ViroMotive locomotives are:
- Reducing more than 80 percent in nitrous oxide and particulate matter emissions
- Reducing maintenance requirements by 50 percent or more with micro-processor electronic controls and modularized mechanical platforms
- Easily achieving the most stringent noise level regulations for off-road equipment
The Indiana Rail Road Co. is a 500-mile regional freight railroad, hauling some 170,000 carloads of freight – more than 15 million tons of goods annually. The railroad carries traffic between Chicago, Louisville, Indianapolis and Newton, Ill., with connections to major western and southern carriers. Indiana Rail Road was founded in 1986 and maintains headquarters in Indianapolis.
Headquartered in Mt. Vernon, Ill., National Railway Equipment Co. is a U.S. owned and operated business entity established in 1984. It is a leading locomotive designer, developer and manufacturer of the industry’s first Ultra Low Emitting GenSet Locomotives. National Railway Equipment Co. has locomotive, diesel engine, electronic controls and related mechanical and electrical parts manufacturing facilities in 14 locations throughout the United States and Canada.
— Business Wire
