In August 2008, Bombardier Transportation signed an unique duo-contract for an unique product. New Jersey Transit (NJT) from the USA and the Agence Metropolitaine de Transport (AMT) both ordered Dual-Power locomotives, a new product from the Canadian-German manufacturer specially developed the meet the very special needs of both operators.
The Dual-Power locomotive is a fully fledged electric (4400 kW) and diesel locomotive (3100 kW engine output), combined in one driving unit, with only four axles. The total weight of one locomotive is 130 tonnes, resulting in a impressive 32,5 tonnes per axle. One can image the complexity of such a drive train, and still keep everything under the maximum axle weight.
AMT ordered twenty units in 2008, resulting in the AMT batch 1350-1369. Construction of the first machines started in 2010. At the Innotrans 2010 trade fair in Berlin, the first 1:1 model was presented. Not quiet finished, but it gave a good impression of the impressive scale of the Dual Power. The locomotive on display was the first unit for NJT, no. 4500, but in a special trade fair livery being a mix between the final NJT and AMT color schemes.
For AMT, locomotive no. 1350 was the first to cross the Atlantic arriving at the Port de Newark on 27.05.2011. After disembarking the machine, its was transported to rails by truck and a freight train transported in the Montreal, Canada.
AMT no. 1351 arrived from Kassel in Vienna on 05.08.2011, for testing under extreme weather conditions in the climate chambers of RTA Rail Tec Arsenal.
AMT 1350 Dual Power: news
2014-12-02
[CA] AMT starts services on its Mascouche line
update 2014|12|02
[CA] AMT starts services on its Mascouche line
The Agence métropolitaine de transport’s (AMT) new commuter train line, the Mascouche line, began service today (Railcolor: 01.12.2014).
(...) Thirty multi-level cars and five locomotives (Railcolor: five ALP45DP locomotives from the AMT batch are being used for this line) were also acquired for the Mascouche line. The multi-level cars are ultramodern and comfortable. Their unique design allows them to run along the entire AMT network; the cars have two levels, 142 ergonomic seats and a two-way communication system between customers and crew. Additionally, as part of a new approach, customer service agents will be aboard each of the departing trains on the Mascouche line to handle communication and answer customers’ questions. The Mascouche line can accommodate 5,500 passengers at rush hour, almost 30% of which currently use their cars.
Work on the Mascouche line began in October 2010. The project faced a number of technical challenges because part of the route runs along the median strip of highway 640. Plus, along its route, the train’s propulsion changes from diesel to electric to enter the Mont-Royal tunnel.
Most of the AMT Dual Power locomotives are still parked, since the derailment of the 1352 back in December 2011. Official investigation has proven this derailment was caused by the bad condition of the tracks, owned by Canadian National (CN). However, CN states it will not allow any Dual Power locomotives back on its tracks, until 'targeted improvements to track infrastructure' are completed. And CN already knows the track conditions are to blame for all problems for some time.
On the tracks of Canadian Pacific there are no problems. Four Dual Powers run on the Blainville-St. Jérôme line. - GM
2013-01-27
[CA] Results of investigation of derailment of AMT 1352
update 2013|01|27
[CA] Results of investigation of derailment of AMT 1352
On 09.12.2011, AMT Dual Power no. 1352 derailed in Montreal Central station, hauling a nine-car double deck passenger train with 1400 passengers. Unit 1353 ran at the rear of the train. The cause of the derailment has been investigated officially and the results have been presented on 24.01.2013. The weight of the ALP-45DP locomotive, resulting in heavy lateral forces at low speed, caused the old tracks to widen. This resulting in the locomotive slipping off the tracks.
The locomotives are currently banned from use on the CN lines through Central Station and cannot, for the moment, be put in use on their intended routes through the electrified Mount Royal Tunnel. AMT hires other locomotives for the time being, which you can imagine is an expensive alternative. - MC
2012-01-04
[USA] NJT 4501 training drivers
update 2012|01|04
[USA] NJT 4501 training drivers
While AMT already (tries) to use its Dual-Powers in revenue service, NJT is still busy with training. The pictures show unit 4501 during driver training in Hoboken Terminal. - MC/RP
2011-11-14
[DE] transport of the Dual-Powers - AMT 1356
update 2011|11|14
[DE] transport of the Dual-Powers - AMT 1356
Only three days after NJT's 4504, now a Dual Power for Montreal is taking a rest at Berkhof. - BM
2011-11-09
[DE] transport of the Dual-Powers - AMT 1355 and NJT 4504 [updated]
update 2011|11|09
[DE] transport of the Dual-Powers - AMT 1355 and NJT 4504 [updated]
Bombardier is currently delivering its Dual-Power locomotives to the North-American continent. The construction and delivery of the Canadian version for Montreal (AMT) is going a bit faster than the units for New Jersey Transit. The pictures show unit 1355 in the harbour of Hamburg, where it will embark for its trip to the USA. - EK
Coincidentally, unit 4504 for NJT was seen yesterday, at the A7 Autobahn in Germany. - BM
2011-08-07
[AT/CA] Dual Power no. 1351 for Montreal in Vienna
update 2011|08|07
[AT/CA] Dual Power no. 1351 for Montreal in Vienna
Since 05.08.2011, the second Dual Power for Montreal is in Vienna, to be tested under severe weather conditions. Transport was done by truck. In Vienna the massive locomotives was unified again with its massive bogies. - HP
2011-05-31
[USA/CA] Dual Powers invade North-America
update 2011|05|31
[USA/CA] Dual Powers invade North-America
First dual-power
The first massive Dual-Powers are invading North-America. The pictures show the 4500 for New Jersey Transit being prepared for test runs at the NJT Meadows Maintenance Complex. Then we have the 4500, in this video being unloaded in Porth Elizabeth. And, four days ago, also the first unit for Montreal arrived at its new home: check this link.
2008-08-20
[USA] NJT and ATM confirm order for 46 dual-modes
update 2008|08|20
[USA] NJT and ATM confirm order for 46 dual-modes
Click here for the link with extensive information and artist impressions.
Alstom
