Amtrak Cab cars-Where'd they come from, and how well do they ride?

[stmtrolleyguy]

1) I was wondering where the Amtrak cab cars came from. It seems possible that they came from either the SPV's (sad replacements for Bud cars[V], failures as far as i've heard) or the old electric metrolines.

2) Also, how well do these cars ride? They appear to have heavier duty trucks

http://naphotos.nerail.org/showpic/?photo=2005051720263011448.jpg&bydate%3A6

(if they were once self-propelled, makes sense), but does it improve the ride? The amtubes feel every bump and switch they hit.[:D] How about the cab cars?

[Dutchrailnut]

The cab cars are Ex metroliner shells they ride very well despite all equipment that was removed.

[AntonioFP45]

Stmtrolleyguy,

Yep, they're the old Pennsy Metroliners. Since they were designed for 120 m.p.h operation Budd did a decent job on the trucks and suspension. Apparently even stripped of the motors and related equipment they still have good riding qualities.

I'm glad to see this post. I felt like I was the only one that noticed that the "Amcans" had (and still have) rough riding characteristics. I had been spoiled rotten by the riding quality of the old Heritage Fleet cars---even on CSX's rough track in the south. So when Amfleet II cars replaced them it seemed like my Amtrak trips were much "bouncier".

[daveklepper]

In addition to the original Metroliners, some Conecticut post Budsd-car diesel cars were made into cabcars.

[stmtrolleyguy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

Stmtrolleyguy,


I'm glad to see this post. I felt like I was the only one that noticed that the "Amcans" had (and still have) rough riding characteristics. I had been spoiled rotten by the riding quality of the old Heritage Fleet cars---even on CSX's rough track in the south. So when Amfleet II cars replaced them it seemed like my Amtrak trips were much "bouncier".

Once went Boston-Chicago on the Lake Shore. Returning to Boston, by the great lakes, a thunder storm came up. I noticed it because I head the noise but didn't feel the amtube go over the switch. (Thunder / Amtube + switch makes about the same nosie!) A T-strom over the lakes was pretty neat thought..................

[Anonymous]

Love those old heritage cars. Superliners just don't hack it for me but I guess they are pretty popular. My wife and I are on a quest to ride all of the Amtrak long hauls. Have about 6 to go, the Cardinal, City of New Orleans ,Cresent, Sunset Limited, Auto Train and California Zephyr. Some we have ridden are now gone like the Pioneer and Broadway Limited.