Fort Lewis
Low-Emitting Locomotives Replace Old Diesels
Fort Lewis recently received two clean, new generation "ultra-low-emitting locomotives" manufactured by the National Railway Equipment Company (NREC). The "N-Viromotive" locomotives cost $1.5 million each and will replace the current Fort Lewis fleet of two older diesels and one electric model. "Instead of one large, conventional power plant, the locomotives feature three computer-controlled engines. As the engine senses it needs more power, another one will kick on, and if you need more power, a third one will kick on," said Pat McMullin, a Fort Lewis locomotive engineer.
NREC was also able to increase the fuel economy of the new locomotives by substituting composite materials for steel in their construction. "In terms of ... fuel economy, each one of those can pull twice as much freight as (the older locomotives). Sixty-five percent less fuel and I can move twice as much freight down the rail. These things really do have the grunt to move the freight we need them to move," said Russ Baggerly, Chief of the Installation Transportation Division. According to Baggerly, the new locomotives are undergoing "maintenance and acceptance trials" before being placed into service midyear 2009.
- Mission Increase military readiness by decreasing transportation lead times and increasing the rail capacity.
- Community Cleaner air, less fuel consumption and less smoke for the surrounding community.
- Environment The new locomotives will reduce rail emissions, including nitrous gas and particulates, by nearly 80 percent.
The new locomotives will continue to use diesel fuel, but in a far more efficient manner. Preliminary data demonstrates that the new locomotives will quadruple Fort Lewis' rail capacity once fully implemented due to their state of the art control systems, the materials from which they are constructed, and its innovative adhesion capability. The Low-Emitting Locomotives should also provide Fort Lewis with an overall reduction in rail-related fuel usage by 65 percent when compared to the older units.
Installation Transportation Division, Fort Lewis, Washington Phone: (253) 967-0171
Visit the NREC's N-ViroMotive™ locomotives website.