Railpower RP20BD

The RP20BD is a diesel-electric switcher locomotive built by Railpower Technologies. It is a "genset" locomotive, having three engine-generator sets.^[1]

Power typeDiesel-electric

Power typeDiesel-electric

DesignerRailPower Technologies

BuilderRailPower Technologies

Quick facts RP20BD, Type and origin ...

RP20BD
UPY #2661 at the Eureka Yard in Houston, Texas.
Type and origin Power type Diesel-electric Designer RailPower Technologies Builder RailPower Technologies Build date 2006– Total produced 107
Specifications Configuration: ​  • AAR B-B  • UIC Bo'Bo' Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Trucks Standard B-B Rebuilt Trucks Wheelbase 9'-00"in Length 61'-02"in Height 15'-04.5"in Loco weight 275,000 lbs Fuel type Diesel fuel Fuel capacity 3000 gallons Prime mover x3 Deutz TCD2015 V08 V8 Engines RPM range 1500-2100 rpm ​  • RPM idle 1500 rpm  • Maximum RPM 2100 rpm Engine type Four-stroke diesel engine Aspiration Turbocharger Displacement 15.9 liters (970 CUI) per engine (Roughly 47.7 liters or 2,910.83 CUI in total) Generator NEWAGE 752RDL Traction motors x4 General Electric 752AF Cylinders 8 Cylinder size 5.2 in × 5.7 in (130 mm × 140 mm) Transmission Diesel-electric Loco brake Air brake Train brakes Air brakes
Performance figures Maximum speed 112.654 km/h (70 mph) Power output 2,000 hp (1.49 MW) Tractive effort 47 lbf (0.21 kN)
Career Operators Union Pacific Railway, Norfolk Southern, CSX Transportation, R. J. Corman Railroad Group, Sierra Northern Railway, Modesto & Empire Traction Company, Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (and other properties under the name), Northwestern Pacific Railroad, Port of Montreal Nicknames Genset Locale United States Of America, Canada Delivered 2006-2013

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The engines are computer controlled, with the computer stopping and starting engines on a rotating basis, as required to produce the horsepower needed at any given moment.^[2]

RP20BDs are rebuilt from older locomotives such as the General Electric Dash 7 series and EMD General Purpose series.^[3]