LRC (train)

LRC-2 and LRC-3 locomotives
LRC No. 6917 at Newtonville, Ontario
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel–electric
BuilderBombardier Transportation
Order numberM6109, M6125
Serial numberM6109-01 to M6109-21, M6125-01 to M6125-10
Build date1980–1984
Total producedLRC-2: 21,
LRC-3: 10
Specifications
Configuration:
 • AARB-B
 • UICBo′Bo′
Gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Minimum curve23 Degrees
Length63 ft 8 in (19.41 m)
Width10 ft 5+58 in (3.19 m)
Height12 ft 9+14 in (3.89 m)
Loco weight250,000–256,000 lb (113,000–116,000 kg)
Fuel typeDiesel fuel
Fuel capacity1,665 US gallons (6,300 L)
Lubricant cap.281 US gallons (1,060 L)
Coolant cap.331 US gallons (1,250 L)
Sandbox cap.22 cubic feet (620 L)
Prime moverALCO designed 16-251F
Built by MLW / BT in Montreal
RPM range350-1,025 rpm
Engine typeFour-stroke diesel
AspirationTurbocharged
AlternatorGTA-17PF2 (traction), GY-68PA1 (aux), 2 Stamford C534B (HEP)
GeneratorGE 581
Traction motorsGE 752 (4)
Cylinders16
Cylinder size9 in × 10.5 in (230 mm × 270 mm)
TransmissionDiesel–electric
MU workingYes
Train heatingHEP 480 Volt 60 Hertz AC
Loco brakeAir, Dynamic
Train brakesAir
CouplersType H (APTA)
Performance figures
Maximum speed95 mph (153 km/h)
Power output3,700–2,700 hp (2.76–2.01 MW) for traction, remainder for locomotive auxiliaries and HEP
Career
OperatorsVia Rail, Amtrak
NumbersVIA 6900–6920 (LRC-2), 6921–6930 (LRC-3), Amtrak 38-39
LocaleNorth America
DeliveredJune 1st, 1981
Retired2001
PreservedVia 6917 and Via 6921 (both in operating condition)
RestoredVia 6917: May 2014
Current ownerVia 6917: Toronto Railway Historical Society, VIA 6921: Exporail
DispositionMost scrapped, two preserved, some for sale

The LRC (a bilingual initialism: in English: Light, Rapid, Comfortable; in French: Léger, Rapide, et Confortable) is a series of lightweight diesel-powered passenger trains that were used on short- to medium-distance inter-city service in the Canadian Provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

LRC was designed to run with locomotives, or power cars, at both ends and provide 125 mph (201 km/h) service on non-upgraded railway routes. To accomplish this, the LRC passenger cars feature active-tilt technology to reduce the forces on the passengers when a train travels at high speeds through curves. LRCs have reached speeds as high as 130 mph (210 km/h) on test runs.

On its only regular service route, on the Quebec City–Windsor Corridor, where concerns, signalling issues and conflicts with slower-moving freight trains limit this to 100 mph (160 km/h) or less. For service at these speeds, a single power car was used. Special signage allowed the LRC to run at higher speeds than normal traffic across a great portion of the Corridor when the tilt system was enabled.

The LRC locomotives and passenger cars are compatible with conventional equipment. While the last LRC locomotive was removed from service on 12 December 2001, the passenger cars are still in widespread use and form the backbone of Via Rail's services, albeit with the tilt system disabled. The same basic car forms the basis of the Acela in the U.S.[citation needed]