6118 - Locomotive Suspension Tube Redesign
Call for Competition - Ref 6618 (Locomotive Suspension Tube Re-Design]
Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) are seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced companies to carry out a redesign of their 201 Locomotive Fleet Suspension Tube. IÉ operate a fleet of twenty two, 201 Class Locomotives (GM EMD JT42HCW). These locomotives have been in service since 1994. The GE traction motors installed on the fleet are secured to all 6 drive axles on each loco, via a suspension tube arrangement. The suspension tubes are manufactured from a selection of structural cast steel elements, welded together with a variety of sheet steel sections. At wheel-set overhaul (approx. every 24 months) the suspension tubes are stripped from their associated wheel-set and MPI inspected. These inspections can, on occasion, identify minor cracking in a number of locations about the suspension tube. This necessitates repair of the U-Tube which will then be returned to service following confirmation of critical dimensions. Due to the ongoing repair requirements, IÉ are seeking proposals for the redesign of the suspension tube with options to include manufacturing of the re-designed components forming part of the tender process.