Locomotive propulsion system module for refurbishment of used locomotives

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a propulsion skid module useful for refurbishing locomotives. In one embodiment, the propulsion skid module includes a skid base serving as a support for an engine; said skid base comprising at least two support members and extending substantially the length of the module and at least one panel spanning said two support members; with the module further comprising an engine; a blower for delivery of air under pressure, a control device compartment, an auxiliary cab comprising power connectors, and an air compressor secured onto said skid base; and an air plenum defined in said base. Also disclosed herein are methods for refurbishing a locomotive.

1 . A propulsion skid module for installation onto a locomotive platform comprising at least one operator cab whose propulsion system components and cabs housing said propulsion system components have been removed but which locomotive platform has retained its existing traction motors, existing fuel tank, and existing brake system, said skid module comprising
 a skid base serving as a support for an engine; said skid base comprising at least two support members extending substantially the length of the module and at least one panel spanning between said two support members;   a blower for delivery of air under pressure secured to said base;   a control device compartment secured to said base;   an auxiliary cab secured to said base, said auxiliary cab comprising power connectors;   an air compressor secured onto said skid base; and   an air plenum defined in said base which extends a majority of a length of said base.   
   
   
       2 . The propulsion skid module of  claim 1 , wherein said locomotive platform comprises one operator cab positioned on one end of said locomotive platform, said operator cab being retained on said locomotive platform. 
   
   
       3 . The propulsion skid module of  claim 1 , wherein said locomotive platform comprises one operator cab positioned on one end of said locomotive platform which is removed and said skid module comprises at least one operator cab secured to said base. 
   
   
       4 . The propulsion skid module of  claim 1 , wherein said locomotive platform comprises a first operator cab positioned on a first end of said locomotive platform and second operator cab positioned on a second end of said locomotive platform, said first operator cab, second operator cab, or both being retained on said locomotive platform. 
   
   
       5 . The propulsion skid module of  claim 1 , wherein said locomotive platform comprises a first operator cab positioned on a first end of said locomotive platform and second operator cab positioned on a second end of said locomotive platform, said first and second operator cabs are removed from said locomotive platform, and said skid module comprises at least one operator cab secured to said base.