Until further notice LAX Metrolink not going to use new cab cars for push control BNSF locos on other end

[MikeF90]

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1.  BNSF loco's max speed and will it be increased ?

I believe freight locos are governed for max speed between 60 to 70 MPH, schedules will take a minor hit due to lower speed gearing.

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2.  BNSF locos used for extra power and acceleration or will they be just dead in tow ?

Sounds like a push pull operation, one engine at each end. I don't think they can MU them right now, so the trailing unit would just idle - right?

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3.  ATS equipped or will it needed to be installed ?

Metrolink seems to be ready for PTC activation on Jan 1. Higher speeds are no longer used anyway on the ATS equipped former AT&SF south of Santa Ana - 79 MPH max.

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4.  With business downturn for freight expect surplus readily available.

Maybe, or maybe not. Metrolink would not do well to accept their 'junkers' that would be first into the dead line.

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5. Failure of metrolink loco would not stop train but HEP might be off.

Same as now, big problem unless you have a third engine MU'ed.

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6.  Might make changing number of cars in a consist easier ?

Huh? Desired number of revenue cars should remain the same.

Agree that this is a short term measure. MLNK is hyper-politically sensitive but cash poor and won't want the higher fuel bill forever.

[NorthWest]

Overspeed on most freight locomotives is in the low 70s. The locomotives will not need to have ATS installed as they will have PTC installed.

This can't be cost effective and probably will be short until the plow problem is resovled.

[blue streak 1]

Will be using leased locos from BNSF attached to push control end.  Brings up all sorts of interesting questions.

1.  BNSF loco's max speed and will it be increased ?

2.  BNSF locos used for extra power and acceleration or will they be just dead in tow ?

3.  ATS equipped or will it needed to be installed ?

4.  With business downturn for freight expect surplus readily available.

5. Failure of metrolink loco would not stop train but HEP might be off.

6.  Might make changing number of cars in a consist easier ?

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-metrolink-safety-20150903-story.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lanowblog+%28L.A.+Now%29

 

  EDIT  Metrolink news release that states among other things it will improve reliability that they have had with locos.  So guess BNSF locos will run on line.

http://metrolinktrains.com/news/news_item/news_id/1004.html