Hello Chicago! Hello!
Link about 19 hour Amtrak from Pontiac to Chicago run didn't copy properly.
My rule of thumb is to leave the train for alternate transportation if over two hours late. I understand with Amtrak controlling the exits and where the train is halted plays a role here though. No excuse for Amtraks behavior here and they should have towed the train to the next station and allowed detraining after the first multi-hour delay.
I still wonder at the evil geniuses who invented a HEP system that can't connect to additional locomotives, or shore power, or an APU. It's on the same level as the Seldom Powered Vehicle relying on that single Lister-Petter with inadequate cooling for... everything but propulsion.
Even a decent battery system for emergency lights and bathroom ventilation is not a difficult thing either to devise or maintain.
OvermodI still wonder at the evil geniuses who invented a HEP system that can't connect to additional locomotives, or shore power, or an APU. It's on the same level as the Seldom Powered Vehicle relying on that single Lister-Petter with inadequate cooling for... everything but propulsion. Even a decent battery system for emergency lights and bathroom ventilation is not a difficult thing either to devise or maintain.
Murphy is on the Amtrak payroll as well as all other human undertakings. Murphy's laws apply.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Overmod I still wonder at the evil geniuses who invented a HEP system that can't connect to additional locomotives, or shore power, or an APU.
I still wonder at the evil geniuses who invented a HEP system that can't connect to additional locomotives, or shore power, or an APU.
It probably is because of a slowly evolving system. Now VIA installing HEP much later avoided the liminations with its split system. VIA runs 2 parallel systems that cross over every car and loco. It actually allows 2 locos to split power alternately to each car. Also allows twice as many passengr cars on a single train as 2 different locos provide power to alternating cars. So if one source stops power to say the odd number cars then the even cars still get power.
It is more complicated because each car has capability to switch to a good source with a cross tie relay that can be automatic or manual to prevent over loading one HEP source. Amtrak placing all HEP together has disadvantages which may have shown up on the Michigan fiasco.
On VIA circuit "A" goes right front to left rear and circuit "B" goes left front to right rear. Probably it is circuit A that provides power to that car. Note next car gets its power circuit A from car ahead's circuit B. Locos also have same cross over circuits and can provide power A or B or both. 2 circuits
EMD E8s had TWO prime movers and TWO steam generators for heat.
nyc#25EMD E8s had TWO prime movers and TWO steam generators for heat.
On the other hand, back in the day the E8s were providing steam heat, they were NOT providing electrical power. Amtrak has only recently banned the system that was used: axle-driven generators on the individual cars, charging batteries. The logic behind the decision was that a number of potential failures of the drive could lock up wheels or drop heavy parts across the railhead, leading to derailments. One can imagine the cost of all that equipment and all its weight (and all the battery and universal-joint maintenance, etc.) for all the A/C and lighting load on Superliners or even Amfleet cars.
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