Amtrak has issued a request for proposal ( RFP) for replacement of Amfleet-1s for use on the NEC routes. 75 train sets listed but no indication if that means all are the same length? This leaves the AM-2s out on a limb as their mileage on -2s is 60% or more of AM-1s. This is completely contrary to the 2012 Fleet strategy plan that noted that the higher mileage of -2s was wearing the -2s out faster. Not known is how much higher the difference is now this many years later?
Someone also pointed out that on the average the NEC corridor tracks are smoother than freight tracks that the LD trains run on wearing more on the -2s?.
Note that only 18 train sets plus spares would cover the LD single level trains if Cardinal went to daily.
https://media.amtrak.com/2019/01/amtrak-seeks-new-passenger-equipment-for-northeast-regional-and-state-corridor-service/
blue streak 1This leaves the AM-2s out on a limb as their mileage on -2s is 60% or more of AM-1s.
I don't think they are through ordering yet, this is just for the state corridors and NEC. I believe they might have a pending LD trainset replacement order pending at some future date. Also note in the press release it notes the order is a "base" order which implies they might increase the order. I am guessing a trainset is 5 cars and they deducted the cars that that Midwest HSR compact ordered already from the total they need.
It may be Amtrak is planning to take the lower mileage AM-1s and assign them to LD trains? Amtrak has been refurbishing AM-1s and no AM-2s. Then we would have the superfulous extra vestibule and smaller windows on LD trains.
It probably will not happen but semi-retired AM-1s would make a great surge fleet!
blue streak 1It may be Amtrak is planning to take the lower mileage AM-1s and assign them to LD trains? Amtrak has been refurbishing AM-1s and no AM-2s. Then we would have the superfulous extra vestibule and smaller windows on LD trains. It probably will not happen but semi-retired AM-1s would make a great surge fleet!
Well I think you also have the priority off a little, it is no longer based on mileage on the car but the general condition of the cars. Anderson has already made clear that after the AM-1 order the Superliners are next due to a frame problem which makes their replacement more urgent. Andersen stated that he understands the Superliner cars are younger than other cars in the fleet but the specific frame issue has bumped up their priority on the replacement list.
Can't remember back from Superliner Construction but I thought the frame or bogies were made in Germany or perhaps they were both made there because we lacked the technology for a 100 mph passenger car when the Superliners were built. Which is hard to believe given the builder was Pullman but I think that was the stated reason back then.
Also, side issue but they are raising the speed limit on the Chicago to St. Louis line for the Superliner Texas Eagle to 90 mph from 79 mph sometime this year if they have not done so already. It is only going to result in a 15 min run time improvement says Amtrak. Guess we will wait and see what the new timetable says if the newer speed is reflected there.
Also Kalmazoo to Dearborn speeds are to increase this year once they install and finish testing PTC. Amtrak stated some sections of Kalmazoo to Dearborn would be 110 mph capable but not all the sections.
The Superliner I cars built by P-S ride on Waggon-Union MD-76 trucks, which require more frequent overhauls than comparable domestic designs and are "notorious for their rough riding characteristics." The Bomardier-built, using P-S design Superliner IIs ride on GSI-G70 outboard bearing trucks, also found on the Horizon single-level cars. Both models have a maximum speed of 100 mph.
charlie hebdo The Superliner I cars built by P-S ride on Waggon-Union MD-76 trucks, which require more frequent overhauls than comparable domestic designs and are "notorious for their rough riding characteristics."
The Superliner I cars built by P-S ride on Waggon-Union MD-76 trucks, which require more frequent overhauls than comparable domestic designs and are "notorious for their rough riding characteristics."
Those Superliner 1 cars are murder riding on those sketchy CSX tracks when I took the Auto Train. I took a picture of the trucks and confirmed at least several were Superliner 1s. The interiors had that several-times-overhauled feel to them.
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