No you are talking about a structural element of the locomotive. With passenger locomotives being constructed with monocoque bodies (like airplanes) to keep weight down, but also needing to meet collision standards, it is very hard to introduce curved styling structures. Even the skin of the bodies provide structural support. It was possible in the era of the F59PHI to build a passenger locomotive with a standard frame body, and just put a Fiberglass curved nose on the front, but with the newer, tougher standards I don't think it is possible anymore, look at how brutally heavy the MP36PH is. That is way too heavy for speeds at 110 mph. One of the design considerations of Amtrak's Genesis locomotives were the cost and ease of repairs after grade crossing collisions. Styling and a need to conserve weight are significant cost factors in why the MPI commuter locomotives cost way more than a freight locomotive.
An extra half-million just to make it look like an E unit? Come on. it can't cost THAT much! We're just talking about an exterior skin!
Willing to pay an extra $500 thousand or so for a passenger locomotive. And then half again more each time it is in a grade crossing accident?
Hello everybody,
when I look at he classic design of the E and F series diesel engines I have to wonder if it is possible to apply these classic locomotive lines to todays passenger engines. Basically take the car body of one of these older beauties and put it over a modern MP 40 type of drive train. That would be a stunning modern locomotive. Just look at Volkswagen, they brought back the beetle.
What do you think?
Frank
"If you need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm."
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