MPI
The MPI MP36PH-3S is a diesel-electric passenger locomotive built by MotivePower for commuter rail service. The MP36PH-3S uses a 16-cylinder EMD 645 F3B diesel engine generating 3,600 hp. The MP36PH-3S generates head-end power via a static inverter connected to the prime mover.[1]
Plate 01Railfanning 297 - MPI MP36PH-3S Metra 412 Leading, 07/10/26
Plate 02Metra MPI MP36PH-3S Locomotive into Chicago Union Station, 1/27/2025
Plate 03MPI MP36PH-3S & Metra train 2242 at Bensenville, Illinois on June 2, 2025
Plate 04Inbound Metra MP36PH 3S # 411 through Galewood
Plate 05Metra MP36PH-3S
Plate 06Railfanning 223 - MPI MP36PH-3S Metra 416 Leading, 02/21/26
Produced
2003–2020
Power
3,600 hp (2,700 kW)[1]
The MPI MP36PH-3S is a diesel-electric passenger locomotive in the MPXpress family. It was built by MotivePower for commuter rail service and uses a 16-cylinder EMD 645 F3B diesel engine as its prime mover.[1]
It was the first MPXpress variety to be built. Metra was the launch customer and the only railroad to order this model.[1]
For the MP36PH-3S, head-end power is produced by a static inverter that receives power through connections to the prime mover. When supplying the maximum passenger load, some of the engine output is diverted to head-end power, reducing traction power.[1]
The MP36PH-3S has later been converted to MP36PH-3C specification by replacing the static inverter with a separate head-end power generator.[1]
In the MPXpress family, the MP36PH-3S was intended to supply head-end power for passenger cars while hauling commuter trains. The model was used by Metra to replace older passenger locomotives and to expand fleet capacity.[1]
Metra ordered these locomotives for service in the Chicago area, and the model was used there before conversion to MP36PH-3C specification.[1]
Documented failure modes, common issues, and field considerations.
Built and delivered between 2003 and 2004.
Metra's MP36PH-3S locomotives were built and delivered between 2003 and 2004.
Metra began converting its MP36PH-3S locomotives to MP36PH-3C specification starting in 2015.
Starting in 2015, Metra began converting its MP36PH-3S locomotives to the MP36PH-3C specification by removing the static inverter and replacing it with a separate HEP generator.
By 2020, all MP36PH-3S locomotives had been converted to MP36PH-3C specification.
As of 2020, all MP36PH-3S locomotives had been converted to MP36PH-3C specification.
As of 2020, all of the MP36PH-3S locomotives have been converted to the MP36PH-3C specification.
All 27 MP36PH-3S locomotives converted to MP36PH-3C specification by May 2020.
All MP36PH-3S locomotives were converted to MP36PH-3C specification by May 2020.
| Designation | Generation | Vintage | Changes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP36PH-3C | — | 2003 | MP36PH-3S units were converted to MP36PH-3C specification by removing the static inverter and replacing it with a separate HEP generator. | en.wikipedia.org[1] |
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It is a diesel-electric passenger locomotive in the MPI MPXpress line.[1][2]
It used a 16-cylinder EMD 645 F3B diesel engine as its prime mover.[1][2]
Head-end power was generated by a static inverter that received its power through connections to the prime mover.[1][2]
Starting in 2015, Metra began converting them to MP36PH-3C specification by removing the static inverter and replacing it with a separate HEP generator.[2]
The following facts about the MP36PH-3S are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.
The control-system platform and OS era of the MP36PH-3S are not on record.
Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records
The process node or technology generation of the MP36PH-3S is not on record.
Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report
No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the MP36PH-3S are on record.
Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer
No publicly hosted manuals, SOPs, or datasheets for the MP36PH-3S are on record.
Answerable by: university cleanroom staff or an OEM application specialist
Last updated Sep 27, 2026.