Another web site has found the specification sheets for the new bi-level cars to suplement Superliners. Unfortunately a link will not paste to this thread.
Looking to run up to 22 cars on Autotrain or any other train. AT with 35 auto carrriers. = 57 total cars. All new cars both direct and graduated release.
blue streak 1Another web site has found the specification sheets for the new bi-level cars to suplement Superliners. Unfortunately a link will not paste to this thread. Looking to run up to 22 cars on Autotrain or any other train. AT with 35 auto carrriers. = 57 total cars. All new cars both direct and graduated release.
On the whole Auto Train line of business. I think they would have more capacity with two departures a day each way and a slightly shorter train. I wonder why Amtrak has not thought of this earlier? Is the market really only limited to one train frequency a day in each direction?
Yes I understand they do not have enough cars right now but here is their chance to fix that issue with the money they have in their Treasury now.
Wondered how Amtrak planned to run 22 cars on Auto Train. The 17 - 18 cars presently seem to be HEP limited. At first wondered if Amtrak was going to the VIA method of HEP distribution. However, could find no specification. The VIA method is to use 2 locos with cars & locos wired so every other car is supplied alternately from 2nd loco. However, could not find that in any specs.
Further reading has all non-essential lighting to be supplied by a battery charger directly connected to battery. The 3 phase battery charger will be programed to disconnect from HEP if HEP load reachaes maximum allowed. Then reconnect when HEP load goes lower. Battery capacity will be 5 hours before draining completely. That is good in case of HEP failure. The battery is also connected to a few other item not recalled.
IMO "IF" Amtrak will be short sighted by not specifying the VIA system. The only restriction is that 2 locos cannot be used if any of the present Amtrak cars are in a train consist. VIA does that on some trains as their fleet is a mixed set up. Note; 2 locos do not have to be used as one loco can be set to supply both circuits. On 2 circuit train cars if one circuit fails enroute a cross connect relay in each car connects those cars not getting power to the good circuit. That ability is important for VIA in the winter but also for the Builder, Cal Z and other northern Amtrak routes.
blue streak 1Wondered how Amtrak planned to run 22 cars on Auto Train. The 17 - 18 cars presently seem to be HEP limited. At first wondered if Amtrak was going to the VIA method of HEP distribution. However, could find no specification. The VIA method is to use 2 locos with cars & locos wired so every other car is supplied alternately from 2nd loco. However, could not find that in any specs. Further reading has all non-essential lighting to be supplied by a battery charger directly connected to battery. The 3 phase battery charger will be programed to disconnect from HEP if HEP load reachaes maximum allowed. Then reconnect when HEP load goes lower. Battery capacity will be 5 hours before draining completely. That is good in case of HEP failure. The battery is also connected to a few other item not recalled. IMO "IF" Amtrak will be short sighted by not specifying the VIA system. The only restriction is that 2 locos cannot be used if any of the present Amtrak cars are in a train consist. VIA does that on some trains as their fleet is a mixed set up. Note; 2 locos do not have to be used as one loco can be set to supply both circuits. On 2 circuit train cars if one circuit fails enroute a cross connect relay in each car connects those cars not getting power to the good circuit. That ability is important for VIA in the winter but also for the Builder, Cal Z and other northern Amtrak routes.
Isn't Amtrak changing from incandescent and traditional florescent lighting to LED lighting which drops the power requirement necessary for lighting. Don't know what if any improvements have been made to reduce the power requirement for heating and cooling
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
BaltACD Isn't Amtrak changing from incandescent and traditional florescent lighting to LED lighting which drops the power requirement necessary for lighting. Don't know what if any improvements have been made to reduce the power requirement for heating and cooling
BaltACDIsn't Amtrak changing from incandescent and traditional florescent lighting to LED lighting which drops the power requirement necessary for lighting. Don't know what if any improvements have been made to reduce the power requirement for heating and cooling
Why not add solar panels as well? They already use them on hopper cars to power GPS systems for automated dumping.
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