Altoona Works BP4
Encyclopedia
The Altoona Works BP4 is a 1350 hp B-B battery-electric locomotive rebuilt by the Altoona Works
of the Norfolk Southern railroad. It is the result of a conversion of an existing EMD GP38
-type locomotive. This involves replacing the existing prime mover
with a set of 1080 12-volt lead-acid batteries, and associated control equipment.
Despite appearing somewhat similar to a conventional diesel electric locomotive, the BP4 has no diesel engine; battery charging is provided by pulling in an external power source. Battery life is extended by the use of regenerative braking, which returns power to the batteries. The BP4 is designed to operate 3 shifts on a single battery charge.
Only 1 BP4 has been constructed so far, Norfolk Southern #999, converted from GP38 #2911 (former Conrail #7732) .
This conversion significantly alters the external appearance of the locomotive, with the cab (which is actually brand new) being moved forward on the frame to make room for a large louvered battery box, which takes the place of the locomotive's long hood
. The fuel tank is similarly replaced with another battery box.
BP4 development was undertaken by Norfolk Southern, along with Brookville Equipment, Penn State University, the United States Department of Energy
, and the Federal Railroad Administration
. Testing of this new technology continues through the end of 2009 at Norfolk Southern's Rose Yard in Altoona, PA. If considered successful, there are plans to build more copies and perhaps apply the technology to helper and road locomotives of the future.
Altoona Works
Altoona Works is a large railroad industrial complex in Altoona, Pennsylvania. It was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad to supply the railroad with locomotives, railroad cars and related equipment. For many years it was the largest railroad shop complex in the world.-History:In 1849, PRR...
of the Norfolk Southern railroad. It is the result of a conversion of an existing EMD GP38
EMD GP38
An EMD GP38 is a 4-axle diesel locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division between January 1966 and December 1971. Power was provided by an EMD 645 16-cylinder engine which generated ....
-type locomotive. This involves replacing the existing prime mover
Prime mover (locomotive)
In engineering, a prime mover is an engine that converts fuel to useful work. In locomotives, the prime mover is thus the source of power for its propulsion. The term is generally used when discussing any locomotive powered by an internal combustion engine...
with a set of 1080 12-volt lead-acid batteries, and associated control equipment.
Despite appearing somewhat similar to a conventional diesel electric locomotive, the BP4 has no diesel engine; battery charging is provided by pulling in an external power source. Battery life is extended by the use of regenerative braking, which returns power to the batteries. The BP4 is designed to operate 3 shifts on a single battery charge.
Only 1 BP4 has been constructed so far, Norfolk Southern #999, converted from GP38 #2911 (former Conrail #7732) .
This conversion significantly alters the external appearance of the locomotive, with the cab (which is actually brand new) being moved forward on the frame to make room for a large louvered battery box, which takes the place of the locomotive's long hood
Long hood
The long hood of a hood unit-style diesel locomotive is, as the name implies, the longer of the two hoods on a locomotive.-Equipment:...
. The fuel tank is similarly replaced with another battery box.
BP4 development was undertaken by Norfolk Southern, along with Brookville Equipment, Penn State University, the United States Department of Energy
United States Department of Energy
The United States Department of Energy is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government concerned with the United States' policies regarding energy and safety in handling nuclear material...
, and the Federal Railroad Administration
Federal Railroad Administration
The Federal Railroad Administration is an agency in the United States Department of Transportation. The agency was created by the Department of Transportation Act of 1966...
. Testing of this new technology continues through the end of 2009 at Norfolk Southern's Rose Yard in Altoona, PA. If considered successful, there are plans to build more copies and perhaps apply the technology to helper and road locomotives of the future.