The locomotive uses two single Cummins QSX15-L3-600 gensets “to minimize fuel usage and significantly reduce emissions while maintaining the performance of a traditional switching locomotive,” said Railserve. “The DUAL LEAF is programmed to operate with only one genset under lighter loads, further reducing both fuel use and emissions. It is Federal Railroad Administration-compliant and has a 10% lower decibel output than conventional locomotives. It was created specifically for commercial yard switching, and maximizes traction at speeds up to 30 mph.”
BRT is using the new DUAL LEAF for switching work at Yaphank. The company’s roster of clients has grown from a single stone aggregate client to include flour and dense weight material for all Home Depot stores on Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. Most recently, it received steel for Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.
“We continue to look for ways to enhance BRT’s environmental benefits,” stated Brookhaven Rail President Jim Newell. “The genset locomotive reduces NOx emissions and particulate matter 84%, and meets EPA emissions standards for Tier III diesel engines. In addition, it reduces fuel consumption 45% to 60% over a conventional locomotive. BRT has become an essential transportation asset in moving commerce onto and off Long Island over the past year. It takes in approximately 200 cars per month—some from as far away as Washington State—as part of the transportation system that keeps Long Island’s commerce moving forward. This translates into some 800 trucks coming off bridges and roadways, and significantly reduces the impact of those trucks on road and bridge maintenance and air emissions.
“With BRT, Long Island companies now have increased access to world markets through BRT's connection to the national rail network. The ability to use BRT to ship and store commodities in refrigerated, climate-controlled and dry warehousing translates to lower costs, more flexible local service, and a greatly expanded market reach. In addition, BRT’s rail transportation shipping and warehousing services are keeping transportation costs competitive while significantly protecting Long Island's environment. The environmental benefits of rail are significant as one railcar can carry the equivalent of four truckloads, and railroads consume almost one-third less fuel than trucks per ton-mile moved. With the addition of this new locomotive, we are enhancing the environmental benefits of rail freight transportation.”