MotivePower/Wabtec Genset Switchers

MotivePower is a subsidiary of Wabtec, and produces new and rebuilt locomotives at a plant in Boise, ID. In addition to their fledgling genset line, MPI produces new 3,600 and 4,000 hp commuter locomotives, and offers a line of rebuilt single engine locomotives using Detroit Diesel MTU engines. As of Sept. 2009, the company had only produced one genset - demonstrator MPEX 244 - with a second frame (tentatively referenced as MPEX 245) built but not completed. The one locomotive completed thus far was built on a new frame.

Model: MP21B
2,100 hp 3-engine genset locomotive, engines: 3 - Cummins QSK19 (700hp each) on 4 axles.

Roster: Owner:	Unit Number:	Donor Unit:	Originally Built:	Converted At:	New Build Date:	Serial Number:	Used At:	Notes:
MotivePower	MPEX 244	None	N/A	MPI Boise	May 2008	0107-01	Demonstration	1, A, B
MotivePower	Test Bed	MPEX 4133	Aug. 1967	MPI Boise	Summer '07		In-plant testing	2, C

General Notes:
1. Builder's info checked by Ken Lanovich in Chicago. Order number 2020-1, weight 270,000 lbs. Additional data provided in plate photo by Mike Murray.
2. Test Bed unit only, not released for outside work. The test bed was used in-plant in Boise to test the genset unit design. From an article in the Dec. 2007 issue of Trains Magazine, and other sources. Formerly an NJT GP40FH-2, no. 4133. From various sources. Rebuilt as an MP20GP when testing was completed.

Notes:
A. Prototype unit under development in Boise, ID, from article in the Feb. 2007 issue of Railway Age and a mention in the Dec. 2007 issue of Trains Magazine. First spotted in Jan. 2008.
B. 2008 demonstrations include: Idaho, Northern & Pacific, Nampa, ID (July 2008); Canadian Pacific, Calgary, AB (July-Nov. 2008); enroute to Norfolk Southern in late Nov. 2008. 2009 demonstrations include NS, Roanoke, VA (Jan 2009); Florida East Coast, Jacksonville, FL (March 2009); Archer Daniels Midland, Decatur, IL (May 2009); Union Pacific, Roanoke, TX (June-July 2009).
C. Previous unit number reported by an anonymous source.

History:

Unit Number	Core Unit Number	Core Unit Model	Build Date	Builder's Number	Frame Number	Orig. Number	2nd Number	3rd Number	4th Number	5th Number	Notes
Test Bed	MPEX 4133	EMD GP40FH-2	Aug. 1967	33231	7987-18	NYC 3067	PC 3067	CR 3067	NJT 4133	NJT 1004	A, B

Notes:
A. Originally built as a GP40 by EMD. Rebuilt by MK as a GP40FH-2.Previous unit history from RRPicutureArchives and the Unofficial EMD Homepage.
B. NJT 4133 was rebuilt by MK in Boise, ID as a GP40FH-2, using the frame, cab, trucks, etc. from Conrail 3067, and the cowled long hood from EMD F45 BN 6607. This odd amalgam was retired by NJT and sent back to Boise to MK's modern incarnation, MPI-Wabtec. After brief testing, it was rebuilt into an MP20GP switching unit for NJT, number NJT 1004.