Locomotives

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With decades of experience in our industry, MCRS ensures our cold roll formed products are created in line with clients’ exacting expectations, as well as for the enhanced performance within locomotive applications.

We achieve this through a dedication towards perfecting our processes, starting from initial design consultations where our expert engineers seek to understand the difficulties experienced by clients, before resolving these during refined manufacturing operations.

This ethos has facilitated the growth of MCRS, and our increased ability to minister to the needs of the rail industry, amongst other sectors.

MCRS’ design and cold roll forming capabilities are further complemented by auxiliary on and off-line operations for the complete production of cold formed parts.

With up to 30 roll stands per line, MCRS is able to create truly bespoke cold roll formed sections, as dictated by our clients’ requirements, for locomotives. Our roll forming capabilities include:

Material thickness from 0.3mm to 6.0mm
Strip widths up to 450mm
In-line piercing facility
In-line roll logo marking
In-line inkjet marking

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    Locomotive & Rail Solutions

    MCRS further works with ferrous and non-ferrous, high strength, and coated metallic materials, carefully calculating material choice as dependent on product requirements. Initial design consultation processes enable us to familiarise ourselves with clients’ visions, before our engineers develop a product in accordance with this.

    Depending on the specifications of each unique product, lead times will vary. MCRS strives to work in consideration of clients’ project timescales where possible.

    FAQ's

    What’s the difference between a locomotive and a train?

    While trains and locomotives are often confused due to the close association between the two, there is an important difference between trains and locomotives.

    A train is a connected series of rail cars that run on tracks, typically made up of passenger or cargo carriages. A train can have more than one locomotive for pulling the carriages.

    By contrast, a locomotive refers to one or multiple engines for powering the wheels through friction (or compressed air), enabling the train to move.

    What are the different types of locomotives?

    The three most common types of locomotives used today are categorised as diesel, electric, or diesel-electric hybrid.

    Diesel locomotives use compressed air as the energy source to drive pistons as they move along the track. These pistons are connected to the locomotive's main wheels, which provide the pulling power for the train. The diesel engine then compresses this air into a small space before igniting it with fuel and letting it expand. These engines are typically used in short-distance pulls where electric engines cannot be utilised, such as on underground lines.

    In an electric locomotive, electricity from a source such as an overhead power line or a battery is the energy source. Large electric generators are used to provide high-voltage electrical currents that power traction motors which pull the train along. Electric engines can be used for pulling trains over short and long distances.

    A hybrid locomotive is a combination of diesel and electric engines.These trains use an internal combustion engine as well as electric motors. This allows for greater power output both from the motor and the engine while also using energy more efficiently through the hybrid engine.

    What is the lifespan of a locomotive?

    The average lifespan of a locomotive sits between 30 and 40 years. However, preventative maintenance and replacement of parts will need to be carried out regularly, to ensure the locomotive is as efficient as possible.