MP36PH Locomotive Series: Train Talk Ep. 30

Welcome to another episode of Train Talk! In this video, we will take a look at the MP36PH passenger diesel locomotive as well as all of the other models in the Motive Power Inc. MPXpress locomotive series. We'll start off with a brief look at each of the locomotives in the series, including some technical specifications. Afterward, we'll move on to the history of MK Rail, Motive Power Inc., and the MPXpress series. The video concludes with a look into the future at what may be in store for the MPXpress series over the next few decades.
CoasterFan2105 is the home of all sorts of train and railroad related video content. Stop by every Friday at 9 AM Pacific time for an all new railroading adventure and be sure to check out all of my social media pages @coasterfan2105 for even more great railroad content. Thanks, and I'll see you down the line!

[@famous1803]

When I was younger I always thought that these were a special model for the F59PHI

[@Britishdumber]

Same!🤣

[@chasechildress2720]

The headlight beazels ar simulare.

[@studs00]

Doesn't metra use a paint job that amtrak uses.

[@himbourbanist]

me too! They have a really similar design and dimensions

[@ROTE]

The MP36 is a very successful commuter locomotive

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

They're now built at GEs plant in Ohio.

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

*Erie, PA.

[@theelginrailfan9489]

@@AVeryRandomPerson oh

[@Ferrocarril_Chicago]

You beat me to it! I actually had plans to eventually do a special talking about the MP36 but it looks like you beat me to it! Oh well, one less thing on my agenda now. LOL.

[@CoasterFan2105]

You should still do one! I’d be interested to see your take on it!

[@grassSherman]

sed

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

Metra only had MP36PH-3Ss until 2015

[@abelmosqueda8616]

Metra,railrunner,amtrak California and other names that have those locomotives

[@johannesjacobus6892]

amtrak california doesnt

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

@@johannesjacobus6892 Yeah, they kinda do. They bought JPBX's MP36s for them in 2002

[@johannesjacobus6892]

yeah but they dont use them

[@tom-and-mom]

MP36PH-3S: Static inverter MP36PH-3C: Caterpillar head end power

[@Maunico0809]

It’s like Mid-Day when you uploaded this because my Time zone is EST

[@greatsmokymtnsrailfan]

Same.

[@ROTE]

Same, I live in NY

[@mariosonicaviationrailroad6703]

I had a feeling you were gonna talk about these locomotives.

[@joegage120]

those mp54ac was quiet compare to all of them

[@minnesotarailfan12]

At 3:21, the place where that Northstar train is recorded is one of my favorite railfanning spots.

[@CoasterFan2105]

It’s a nice spot!

[@utaamtrak9584]

Frontrunner is my local train so it makes me so happy when you mention it!

[@himbourbanist]

I've heard good things about the Frontrunner service in the SLC region, would love to ride one day. I hope they end up electrifying and getting Stadler KISS EMUs someday like Caltrain did

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

Fun Fact: The MP36PH-3S is basically an F40 with a newer EMD 645.

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

Also, the MP36PH-3C is essentially an uprated F40PH-2C

[@dvnrhillary]

I never knew that.

[@im_inyourwalls]

And a streamlined nose and different cab...

[@tigolbitties8352]

It's literally a wolf in sheep's clothing, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

[@SamZarifYT]

So that’s why MBTA mp36ph’s on the mbta sound exactly like and look like F40PH-2c’s from the back!

[@kevp9601]

Thank You and Happy Summer, Mr. Mike Armstrong! :-D

[@kevp9601]

I Love those Trains!

[@BobNewbie]

kev p I hate how most ‘’Good‘’ KZbin videos almost always have that 1 dislike, LOL

[@average_joe8905]

Great video Mike! Love the MPI MPxpress series and Train Talk!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ChrisTrinhnumber1]

Very beautiful and educated video about MP36s.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks, Christopher!

[@ChrisTrinhnumber1]

CoasterFan2105 You’re welcome.

[@californiaporg]

This is one of my favorite locos.

[@lilcattythewildnorwester7786]

Very incredible & impressive Educational Episode in Maryland M.A.R.C Commuter Service Marc Has 26 of MPI MP36PH-3C Numbering # 10 to 35 For Penn Line ,Brunswick line, Perryville lines, & Camden Line

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks so much!

[@thetrainsport]

Great video Mike

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@WoozieGuy]

Mike, very good facts and the history explaining about the MP36PH locomotives and talking about their others as well, who knows what will replace these locomotives on all commuter lines across the country! Motive Power Inc. will continuously producing and re manufacturing old locomotives into new generations for the MP36PH into the future.

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

Metrolink needs to repaint the MP36s into Ribbons, and give them Caltrain P2s with bells 1 & 2.

[@CoasterFan2105]

My guess is that they will begin going through overhauls some time within the next couple of years.

[@Handlesarestoopid]

How funny, you posted a video on the day my trip started and this one on my last day

[@CoasterFan2105]

That's pretty cool! Friday is always a great day to start a trip

[@tom-and-mom]

Current roster of MPXpress locomotives today: MP36PH-3S (Metra) MP36PH-3C (Virginia Railway Express, MBTA, Metrolink, Front Runner, MARC, Cal Train, West Coast Express, New Mexico Rail Runner Express, and Northstar) MP40PH-3C (Sound Transit and GO Transit) MP54AC (GO Transit, aka MP40PHTC-T4AC) MP32PH-Q (Sun Rail, rebuilt from MARC EMD GP40WH-2s)

[@TranscontinentalRailfan]

Awesome video, Mike. I sure learned something new today. I always enjoy seeing MP36PH-3C locomotives on my local commuter railroad, VRE.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! I really like the MP series too. The VRE ones have a neat paint scheme.

[@gingerdrizz]

Holy shoot I’ve been waiting for something on these engines! Great job Mike!

[@12thmanrailfans26]

I wondered for a long while until one of your older videos, thanks!

[@jaronkinser5151]

could you do a video more about uta frontrunner train, if so that would be great! also cool video!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks, Jaron! I’d like to do a 4K update video for the Frontrunner, so hopefully in the not too distant future!

[@jaronkinser5151]

@@CoasterFan2105 great!

[@larailfan1714]

First! Because your name Is Coasterfan 2105 and the real Coaster 2105 has a new creepy horn, you should add the new creepy horn to the intro!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Hahaha maybe so!

[@RailfanAndy]

BRUH

[@felixthetrainfan4819]

Nice video ;) I'm so glad to see some MP36PHs :D

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! I knew that there were a lot of requests for this one, so I'm happy I was finally able to get it done!

[@MetxsightseerRailfan]

Will you record at Tinley Park IL to record Metra?

[@CoasterFan2105]

I’ll take a look at it next time I’m in Chicago!

[@F59PHItrainfreak]

I have been waiting a while for this!! Thanks Mike!

[@phillipsakalik4877]

Great video as always! I’d really like to see more train talk vids on locomotives!

[@YukariAkiyama]

Aww man, I’m late D: Can you make a train talk episode about train bells?

[@CoasterFan2105]

It’s never too late! And I’d like to do one on bells at some point!

[@mbtaghost2583]

Oh pls that would be awesome

[@TripleMofficial15]

yay! this is one of my favorite MPI locomotives!

[@kevp9601]

You Put The "M" In Magnificent, You Son of a Gun. :-D

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks, Kev!

[@randomthings7035]

I love the MP36PH

[@catnipleaf8680]

A few ideas for future Train Talk episodes: -Metrolink Commuter Rail -EMD SD40 series -EMD SD70 series -Siemens Charger -Odd/Unique steam locomotive designs (such as Duplexes, Triplexes, Camelbacks, Cab-forwards, Steam Turbines, etc)

[@ROTE]

These are good ones. Although the SC-44 is still new so he probably wouldn’t do that one

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

I have a SCAX Train Talk script for him to use

[@timoestreich]

Lots of good info! Great job 👍

[@himbourbanist]

the GP32 with the open walkways is so weird looking but definitely cool - I wish more passenger locos had the open air walkways just to spice it up hahah

[@tom-and-mom]

10:54 looks like a green tiger throwing one of its locomotives back to MotivePower! Sound Transit: OK! Bye!

[@TheVideoSteve]

Nice information and good shots.. Keep up the good work.

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

Actually, 2 out of the 3 round trips a day to Gilroy are Baby Bullets, but Baby Bullet stops end at Tamien.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Ah, cool. Didn't know that. When the service first debuted, the Baby Bullets only went as far south as San Jose (Tamien). All the trains that went to Gilroy were locals or limited stop runs.

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

@CoasterFan2105 Well, the modified schedule now adds back in a local train to Gilroy, Train 123, replacing Limited 221.

[@TaylorMMontgomery]

I think it's important to note that Wabtec and GE Transportation merged.

[@bipbipletucha]

Such a pretty design

[@peterkoster9390]

My favorite!

[@tom-and-mom]

What was the first GO Transit MP40PH-3C that was rebuilt into an MP54AC?

[@massrailvideos]

MBTA also has mp-36s

[@ROTE]

Yes

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

From FrontRunner

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yup!

[@lifestyle.frontrunner]

​@@AVeryRandomPerson From me yes. I absolutely felt different. Just because I was still thinking I am always thinking I'm still not painted.

[@291281]

¡ Increíble video ! CoasterFan2105 Saludos desde Madrid

[@CoasterFan2105]

Muchas gracias y saludos!

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

Metra bought them to replace the aging F40Cs

[@ROTE]

In my opinion the F40Cs did not look so good to me

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

@@ROTE they look similar to Amtraks problematic EMD SDP40F locos to me

[@pauloconnor943]

You make the best vids!

[@tom-and-mom]

What does the Q in the MP32PH-Q model number stand for?

[@tom-and-mom]

Caterpillar: Rooooow! I’m the CAT! CAT: Wo! You look mean to me! I’m like that too! Caterpillar! What? We’re the same, CAT! Rooooow! CAT: Rooooooooow! We’re happy to spit out lots of metal balls, right?! Caterpillar: Roooooooow! Rooow! Rooow! Rooooooooow! Let’s go! CAT: You face me, and I face you. Then we’ll face the background. Caterpillar: Let’s go! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! CAT: Putcawputcawputcawputcawputcawputcawputcawputcaw! Caterpillar: Now, look at our faces! CAT: GO! Watch out for our metal balls! Caterpillar and CAT: Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcaw! Putcawputcawputcawputcawputcaw! Pppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppputcaw! Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut…CAW! Cha! Caterpillar and CAT: Yay! We won! CAT: We did great on shooting the metal balls! Caterpillar: Me too, CAT! What did that boy do? CAT: He dodged everything! Cool! Caterpillar: I know! Seems like we didn’t kill him! Yay! CAT: Cool! I like it! They are now built at the GE plant in Chicago… :( Caterpillar: Oh no no no no! Erie, Pennsylvania! GE is the tractive locomotive manufacturer based out of Erie, Pennsylvania, right? CAT: Yes, these tractive locos are built here at GE Transportation in Erie, right? Caterpillar: Yup, but fan locomotives of MPI are now built here, right? CAT: Yep, sad to see the Boise shops go. It’s actually the only MPI plant that’s there, right? Caterpillar: Yeah, we’ll miss MPI so much. CAT: Yep, it’s real. I know, but MPI is now part of GE Transportation, who only builds MPI locomotives in Erie, Pennsylvania. Caterpillar: Why? CAT: Because Erie, Pennsylvania, is very close to us. We live in Massachusetts. Caterpillar: That’s right, CAT! We did great, although we are yellow cats or tigers! Cool? CAT: Of course! See ya next time! Caterpillar: Bye!

[@nhbrail]

Mbta also received two mp36ph locos from UTA front runner a while back.

[@CentiCORF]

Does the MP36 RPM go off based on the Individual Notches applied or does it go to full notch when the driver applies like on notch of throttle here's what I mean: Notch 1: Full RPM Notch 1:

[@PC10.8]

Awesome video man! Very informative. Can you please tell me in which video I can find the footage at 3:54 ?

[@RailBrothersProductions]

Yes finally someone makes a video on this locomotive love the thumbnail

[@triplehproductions5214]

Hey Coaster! Nice video! Have you heard about Coaster Commuter Rail adding the new chargers to their fleet?

[@CoasterFan2105]

Hey! Yes, I did hear about that. The first 2 locomotives just arrived last week

[@triplehproductions5214]

@@CoasterFan2105 What do you plan on for the future? Look forward to more awesome content!

[@jacksonskyline]

First! I set an alarm for 9 am Pacific!

[@ROTE]

STOP SAYING FIRST!!!!

[@railfangarrett6313]

It does not matter if your first to watch

[@AVeryRandomPerson]

Your not first

[@frankierailfan4014]

I am from Idaho, that is so cool that they are built here

[@tom-and-mom]

What is the prime mover for the MP36PH-3C?

[@mattsworld2162]

very cool

[@tractorsmachinesro1405]

Great video ....I like it!!!!.....All the best from Romania

[@mikiwikistown4100]

You know I love very much your videos you are my best youtuber you are very good nice work mega like 👍👍👍👍

[@Railboy2010]

The mp54 is the largest passenger locomotive in general but is dual engined which means the largest diesel passenger single engine locomotive is the p42dc

[@tom-and-mom]

What does the Q stand for in MP32PH-Q?

[@SteamboatWilley]

Wabtec also own Brush Traction, LH Group and Hunslet Engine Co. in the UK, so it would be interesting to see if Motive Power and Brush end up collaborating on loco design, perhaps producing a UK version of one of Motive Power's designs.

[@WesternOhioInterurbanHistory]

You should do an episode on interurbans and streetcars, like traction in general.

[@dominicc1981]

Great video

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@dominicc1981]

I wish I could meet you in person

[@tom-and-mom]

Is the MP36PH-3C equipped with a static inverter?

[@unionpacificfan9456]

GREAT VIDEO!!!!!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!!!

[@massrailvideos]

I love MP-36s

[@Brianrockrailfan]

would you talk about dmu trains if you have not oready

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yes, I definitely want to do a DMU/EMU video!

[@conorontherails]

do you think that you could do a separate episode dedicated to the p42/p32dm-ac? that would be awesome!!

[@trainfan504]

Great vid can the next episode be Caltrain?

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! Probably not the next video, but hopefully when I get more clips of Caltrain.

[@trainfan504]

Ok thanks

[@theunitedstates5217]

It kinda looks like F59PHI but with 4 windows, and more streamlined.

[@PG13hockeyman]

Guess who’s back. Back again.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Welcome back!

[@PG13hockeyman]

CoasterFan2105 what’s up

[@chasechildress2720]

The new start up commuter service , buys 11 locomotives😂

[@palingoebel4361]

Fun fact, when I was at a Joliet Slammers ball game, I saw a Metra one.

[@mbtaghost2583]

Ummm what about Mbta MP36 those still run they only have two witch is rare to see those bois number 010-011

[@CoasterFan2105]

I didn't go through the list of every commuter RR that bought them, I just mentioned that a total of 9 different ones purchased MP36s over the years and listed a few of the RRs with the largest fleets. But yes, MBTA does indeed have two of them, originally from Frontrunner.

[@mbtaghost2583]

Oh

[@yourlocalbaltimorerailfan.6756]

Speaking of Morrison Knudsen.. why not have another train talk about the MK5000C?

[@Sarah-nl2rk]

Can you talk about Tri-Rail engines next? Its ok if you can’t.

[@CoasterFan2105]

My plan is to do a “Types of Passenger Locomotives” video like I did on the freight ones and I will most definitely include the Trirail locomotives in that one.

[@Sarah-nl2rk]

Thanks 🙏

[@CoasterFan2105]

@@Sarah-nl2rk No problem!

[@Zackman217]

I always thought the MP36PH series was built by EMD. I’ve seen a couple of these locomotives on Metrolink routes and I’m surprised that not one of these locomotives are being operated by Amtrak. If they were they be on Amtrak commuter routes like the Pacific Surfliner or the San Joaquin express. Do you think on the next train talk can you talk about the new Charger Locomotives? Thanks and have a great day.

[@tom-and-mom]

CoasterFan2105, do a train talk video about the GP40-based passenger locomotives, please!

[@tom-and-mom]

How many MARC GP40WH-2s were rebuilt into MP32PH-Qs?

[@taslimchoudhary1253]

Excellent Video 🌹🌹🇮🇳🌹🌹

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@willberestartingthischanne9984]

Mike My Favorite MP36PH Locomotive Is The Metra

[@CanalConcourse1196]

Hi Love your videos

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@CanalConcourse1196]

Your welcome mate

[@tom-and-mom]

What diesels are the MP32PH-Q locomotives built from?

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

GP40 locomotives

[@lehl_railfan5325]

Great video Mike! Do you know what the Q means in MP32PH-Q ?

[@hmitchell8618]

You should do a train talk on all of the GP40 Passengers locomotives.

[@tom-and-mom]

Are Sunrail's diesels ex-MARC?

[@tom-and-mom]

What GO Transit locomotives replaced the F59PH fleet?

[@nixxk._]

When the first Alc-42 enters service or testing u should do the charger family!

[@willberestartingthischanne9984]

Mike What Is Your Favorite MP36PH Locomotive?

[@CoasterFan2105]

Hmmm, I like all of them honestly. Maybe Metra because the gyralights on the nose are pretty neat.

[@roxleyldc]

Mike, excellent video! Who makes the new engines being used on the MBTA Purple Line?

[@roxleyldc]

In and around Boston MA

[@dfwrproductions]

For the next train talk you should do the SD70ACe or the RDC Cab Car trains

[@YAEEofficialhehe]

My favorite locomotives are the F59PHI and all the MPXpress trains shown in 1:22

[@YAEEofficialhehe]

My favorite locomotives are the F59PHI and MP36PH

[@coleallen3895]

I know of a good successor: the MP60ACI - a battery powered 6000hp MPXpress locomotive with two prime movers rated at 3000 hp and these could run off of renewable diesel

[@overcastrails5587]

Can you do a video on how the prime movers are classified.? Also what does the 645, 710 etc. mean? Is that the cubic inch measurement of the engine?

[@RosLounge]

Neat video. All the MPI Express locomotives are amazing. Ever wondered what the “Q” in the MP32PH-Q means?

[@JKJTransit]

Q-Tron control system.