NSR Acquires Battery-Electric Switcher

The Federal Railroad Administration-compliant battery-electric unit (pictured) that OmniTrax subsidiary NSR purchased from AMPS Traction offers 1,700 gross horsepower and 80,000 pound tractive effort.

Newburgh and South Shore Railroad (NSR) has purchased an AMPS Traction GP9-based battery-electric switcher for service in Ohio, parent company OmniTRAX reported on March 2.

NSR in October 2021 was awarded a $1.89 million grant under the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Ohio Diesel Mitigation Trust Grant Program, to purchase the unit, which replaces a 1971diesel-powered switcher; the funds cover 75% of the cost. The short line was one of seven grantees selected for projects that reduce emissions from aging diesel vehicles and equipment.

Based in Cuyahoga County, NSR serves rail customers in the greater Cleveland area along its five-mile line; it interchanges with Class I’s CSX and Norfolk Southern.

The Federal Railroad Administration-compliant battery-electric unit that NSR purchased offers 1,700 gross horsepower and 80,000 pound tractive effort, according to OmniTRAX, and is projected to reduce the short line’s emissions by 77%, thereby removing 4.2 tons of nitrogen oxide from the atmosphere.

 “OmniTRAX is committed to operate safely and responsibly in the communities we serve, and AMPS Traction’s innovative technology is an important addition to our fleet and an important step for our industry,” OmniTRAX CEO Dean Piacente said. “We are thankful to [Ohio] Gov. [Mike] DeWine and Ohio EPA for their commitment to clean air and the grant program that has made this emission-saving equipment upgrade possible in our Ohio operations.”

AMPS Traction provides industrial battery conversions for rail applications, terminal tractors and other off-highway equipment, and offers general engineering support as well as complete vehicle manufacturing.