Trains.com

Did Auto Train try to retire P32-BWH engines?

2238 views
5 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    September 2008
  • 1,112 posts
Did Auto Train try to retire P32-BWH engines?
Posted by aegrotatio on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 10:04 PM

I was poking around in the Amtrak Unlimited forum and there was some talk that Auto Train crews told David Gunn that P32-BWH and Dash 8 engines were unsafe and were tearing up the yards.

Post in question is here: http://bit.ly/17T0Bvo

What was so bad about them?  On my recent Auto Train trips after 2010, the P32-BWH "road engine" as they called it was switching cars in Lorton and another one was even pulling our train north from Florida.

We even got to watch the engineer start one up while waiting in Lorton.  My kids were so excited to see how complex these things are to operate.

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2016
  • From: Burbank IL (near Clearing)
  • 13,540 posts
Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Thursday, March 5, 2015 7:09 AM

There are some B32's (500 series) assigned to Chicago as heavy switchers and presumably as protection power.  There doesn't appear to be any problem unless they have desktop controls, which are not designed for switching.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
  • Member since
    May 2013
  • 3,231 posts
Posted by NorthWest on Thursday, March 5, 2015 8:16 AM

As noted in the thread, their slow loading compared to EMDs does affect performance. They do have desktop controls, which are difficult to switch with. Their rumored retirement seems to pop up every six months, but because of their utility and Amtrak's occasional shortages in road power, they'll be around for a while. They can switch and haul road trains, something no other Amtrak locomotive can do. They aren't great at either role, but can do the job.

  • Member since
    August 2013
  • 3,006 posts
Posted by ACY Tom on Thursday, March 5, 2015 9:50 AM

This picks up on a 12 year old AU discussion.  I can't speak authoritatively about these engines' performance.  They have been among the locomotives used as switching power at both Lorton and Sanford.  When they have been used as road power, I am not sure whether they were truly needed for that, or whether they were simply being moved from one terminal to the other.  I have been told that concern has been expressed about clearances in the tunnel between Washington Union Station and Alexandria.  It is occasionally necessary for the Lorton switcher to make a move through that tunnel to move equipment for various reasons.  I was told that the wide radiator presents some kind of issue.  It would be best for somebody else to confirm or refute this.  I have been away from the Auto Train operation for over 8 months, so I can't address the current situation.

Tom

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Thursday, March 5, 2015 12:52 PM

NorthWest

Their rumored retirement seems to pop up every six months, but because of their utility and Amtrak's occasional shortages in road power, they'll be around for a while.

 
Rumors appear premature. They are going to be around for a long time.  Source ?
This report ( pages 18 - 34 ) indicates no new switchers being in service until 2019 and new diesels ( assume road power  ) until 2024.  As well Amtrak has reduced its available road power by ~ 20 locos as of end of 2014 as compared to 2013.  This poster cannot imagine that Amtrak will not be required to rebuild some of the road power stored unserviceable at beech grove.
Where will they get the money ?  Have no clue.
 
  • Member since
    September 2008
  • 1,112 posts
Posted by aegrotatio on Thursday, March 5, 2015 9:31 PM

Interesting.  I didn't know there was a controversy.  I like how they call it the "road engine."

 

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy