HSR - Operating equipment

[blue streak 1]

Now that the HSR routes have been announced there may be a solution for both the NEC and the new routes. Since rolling stock will be a large expense maybe new rolling stock for the ACCELAs can be ordered that will meet clearance problems so all the tilt restrictions that are now in place for the MN NH - New Rochelle seqment and other locations can be eliminated.

the present ACELLAs could be dolled out to the proposed electrified sections in the present probable grants. Of course the seating configuration would need changing. I know Fl especially would want new equipment but they should not look a gift hourse in the mouth. Another location for the present equipment is the PHL - Harrisburg route as the grants will eliminate the last of any grade crossings. That 100 miles could be used as a HSR express service with maybe one stop for a 1hr transit time. Maybe extend a couple on to Wash or NYP.

Maybe Harrisburg - NYP 2:15 and to Wash 3:00. Main problem is the business class and first class only on those train sets. Wonder what the PHL through ridership from Harrisburg is now? Or maybe two together Harrisburg - PHL (Platforms not as much a problem and split at PHL with one section going north and the other south.

[aegrotatio]

 I'd like to point out Amtrak's recent study (posted elsewhere here) that states that "next-generation" high-speed equipment may exist that can achieve higher speeds on existing track.

OH, wait, are they talking about what had already been achieved with Turboliner or Turbotrain or Turbowhatever, or Amtrak Cascades Pendolino?  I'm intrigued!!

[oltmannd]

The Amtrak report defines equipment lifespan a couple of ways. One is the physical lifespan and the other is commercial. They came up with some numbers for these by type of equipment, but I didn't see any rationale behind these numbers. It seemed to be what the author' "felt". They generally did not want to see any equipment running anywhere by anyone once it hit it's physical lifespan. They said they would rather see the retired equipment go to scrap than be sold off - with the exception of a few pieces for museums. They didn't want to be stuck running their former equipment should some state pick it up. What nonsense! The more I think about this, the less sense it makes. This would preclude a private car owner from picking up an old Superliner or Amfleet car. This would preclude a commuter agency from rebuilding the cars for commuter service - where Amtrak would never see them again! This would reduce the net income from retiring the fleet - with the difference to be made up from our pockets!

[blue streak 1]

oltmannd

They said they would rather see the retired equipment go to scrap than be sold off - with the exception of a few pieces for museums. They didn't want to be stuck running their former equipment should some state pick it up.

Don: I have no idea what AMTRAK's thinking on this is but one operating metric I think AMTRAK would want to see with any old equipment sold and refurbished is:The MTBF (mean time between failures) rate of old equipment is less than the median failure rate of the then current AMTRAK fleet. 

 

[DMUinCT]

ACELA  ---  Use in non-corridor service ???

Seating: all seats face forward UNLESS there is a Table between the seats.   Also remember, the Acela is built without vestibule steps, high platforms only.   The Acela is a "Train Set" example, all doors must be closed and locked before traction power can be applied to the locomotive. if a "bypass door" switch is needed to be used  by the Engineer, the Conductor and Dispatcher must approve.

"For safety reasons, the only allowable configuration for facing seats on HST's (High Speed Trains) is when a table is located between facing seats.  -----   To ensure the safety of our guests, and compliance with the previously memtioned Federal regulations, each seat must face a seat back or table.  Please monitor your train to ensure that proper seat configuration exists. Thank You."