OREANDA-NEWS. Bryansk Engineering Plant (BMZ, incorporated in JSC Transmashholding) sent TEM19 prototype locomotive with hot gas reciprocating engine to the Russian Institute of Research, Design and Technological Studies in Railway Rolling Stock (VNIKTI, Kolomna) for start-up testing.

Start-up tests under participation of BMZ specialists will provide for finalization and function audit as well as verification of conformity to stated specifications.

TEM19 locomotive is an innovation. Its most distinguishing feature is the hot gas reciprocating engine operated with liquefied natural gas. Use of this fuel allows to reduce both costs and harmful emissions significantly. Module configuration principle facilitates the locomotive maintenance and repairs. Application of rolling axle-bearings excludes the maintenance of wheel-and-motor blocks from the operational procedure. TEM19 is equipped with complex safety related systems.

Due to state-of-the-art noise insulation materials, the driver's working environment is improved; the general noise level goes down. The cab includes an internal environment system and elaborated ergonomics.

Early next year the locomotive is scheduled for certification tests. The conformity certificate allowing TEM19 to be operated on public tracks should be obtained in by the end of 2014.