Amtrak's material handling cars...

[Anonymous]

Is there anyone out there that might be able to tell me at what part of a Superliner passenger train Amtrak pulls their (MHCs) material handling and Express cars now a days. I model it once in a while, and have found plenty of on-line pictures of the cars themselves, but I can't seem to locate any pictures of a train pulling these particular cars. Some say it's up front between the engine and baggage car and some say it's at the tail end of the train...

trainluver1

[Roadtrp]

I would say either one is prototypical. This site shows about an equal number of consists with the MHC's at the beginning and at the end of the train.

http://adsl-69-213-240-177.dsl.dytnoh.ameritech.net/amtrak/amtMHC.html

[cnw4001]

Put them on the front or the back. Either will be correct.

[Anonymous]

The photos I've seen tend to show a 1700-series baggage car at the front and the MHCs/Express Boxcars behind - however, I know that in earlier days they did run an MHC (often a "US Mail" branded one) at the head end (MHCs are through-wired for HEP unlike Express Boxcars). At a guess, I'd run MHCs at the front in the F40PH era and a 1700-series baggage at the front in the more recent era. Having said that, Amtrak don't seem too bothered, so if you run "what looks right" then you'll probably find a photo showing the same consist. At a guess, the majority of MHCs and Express Boxcars will be behind the Superliners to make it easier to uncouple them and move them to the unloading area (no need to uncouple train locos with associated loss of HEP). Hope this is of help!

[ckape]

Well, according to Walthers, the express boxcars aren't fitted with the equipment to pass through HEP to the cars, so they'd always have to go at the end of the train:
http://walthers.com/exec/productinfo/932-26045

[Anonymous]

My next question is; Does the above apply to all Amtrak trains across the country, or just those in the NEC ?...

trainluver1

[cacole]

I've seen materials handling cars on both ends of Amtrak running along the Sunset Route through Southern Arizona.

[Anonymous]

MHC's can go on either end, but from what i have seen, they usually go on the front. the express boxcars, reefers, and roadrailers have to go on the end.

[West Coast S]

Only three MHCs remain in service to date on the NEC , Amtrak removed from service and retired them on 02/11/03. Its anyone's game as far as placement, front or rear.