Buslist So are we saying METRA is poor?
I think that METRA is more thrifty than poor. Because the F40PHs are such a large part of their fleet it makes sense to keep some standardization while funding is focusing on things like PTC. They have recently acquired some F59PHs, so we'll see if they seek more similar power. It's also important to note that it is not the agency itself but the government that funds it that usually sponsors equipment acquisitions. As I understand it Illinois is having budgetary issues.
I should have specified that Caltrans was the ones with the rebuilt units. However, I think that Metrolinks's pending retirements are just as much politcal as anything else.
Metrolink does not have any rebuilt F59PHI's, those are owned by Caltrans and are currently assigned to the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins.
NorthWest Many poor commuter options have been rebuilding F40PHs ad infinitum and so a shot at newer power will be welcome, particularly since Tier IV has dramatically raised locomotive prices and most operators don't need 125 MPH capability (and probably want to keep to proven components).
Many poor commuter options have been rebuilding F40PHs ad infinitum and so a shot at newer power will be welcome, particularly since Tier IV has dramatically raised locomotive prices and most operators don't need 125 MPH capability (and probably want to keep to proven components).
So are we saying METRA is poor?
The ECO-repowered F59PHIs in California are far more reliable than the unrebuilt ones elsewhere, so a repeating of that process is one option. However, I suspect that we'll see a commuter operator pick up the best of them and the worst will go to scrap as happened with the F40PHs. Many poor commuter options have been rebuilding F40PHs ad infinitum and so a shot at newer power will be welcome, particularly since Tier IV has dramatically raised locomotive prices and most operators don't need 125 MPH capability (and probably want to keep to proven components).
Meanwhile we'll be stuck here with ugly SC-44s to go with the ODOT sets.
The locomotives to be replaced are being replaced for a reason. Does Amtrak really need more unreliable motive power?
Editor Emeritus, This Week at Amtrak
With new locomotives entering service on Metrolink, as well as Siemens power soon to arrive for the Cascades, would the units that will be surplused be available for Amtrak to acquier for systemwide use, thus easing motive power problems?
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