Two new locomotives, designated BRC 290 and 291, recently were added to the Belt fleet, replacing 580 and 581.

Chief Mechanical and Engineering Officer Adam Brock said taking delivery of these Tier 3 and environmentally friendly locomotives was a proud moment.

Along with having more horsepower and fresh aesthetics, Diesel Shop Manager Pat McCarron notes the new units have superior tractive effort, which was an important consideration as the Belt’s locomotives primarily perform yard work and low-speed service of industries. Reliability and longevity also were other significant factors.

With several of the Belt’s locomotives being of the eight-cylinder variety, McCarron specifically requested that Progress Rail make the new locomotives 12-cylinder. The latter style’s parts have proven easier to source.

Locomotive engineers and conductors operating via remote control won’t need additional training as the new units are handled in the same manner.

While automation is increasingly becoming more influential in manufacturing, McCarron said that locomotives are still primarily built without the technology. Given the complex wiring, he expects there will be some quirks to work out on the units, but adds it’s been good so far.

McCarron, who’s been involved in acquiring eight locomotives for the Belt, said entirely new locomotives are no longer produced. The frames for 290 and 291 are from retired locomotives.

“This has been a really cool process, and we hope to have more locomotives next year,” he said.