CSS&SB DP4 #1399 in traction orange BALR's radial truck-equipped DP4 #1486 in D&H lighting bolt paint

In 2022, as the CSS&SB/I&M electrification project (Niles to Ypsilanti) approached completion, ILW delivered some of class DP3’s smaller 4-axle siblings to the CSS to replace the class DL16c’s that had been working diesel-only spurs & the south end of the Kingsbury branch.

The eco-435/50e dual-power locomotive, like the diesel-only eco-435m, uses a Cummins QSK78 and an AC drivetrain to deliver ~3300HP to the rails (under electric it can produce 5000 HP, so these units are well suited for the sprint across Michigan.) This first batch came with reconditioned MLW ZWT trucks that ILW had been stockpiling for this kind of use (high horsepower on 4-axle units; anything that helps adhesion when the traction motors can deliver over 1000HP/axle is considered a good thing) but subsequent orders were delivered with radial trucks.

  • Copyright © 2024 by Jessica L. Parsons (orc@pell.portland.or.us) unless otherwise noted
    Tue Apr 11 14:11:48 PDT 2023