Ariticle from Railfan stating ALCs are starting service on Builders. Details lacking but seems likely that it will be 2 P-42s and one ALC. That will give Amtrak an AC traction loco in the snow if that is the lineup? Although would like to see ALC on point would rather have P-42 to lead to prevent damage when first grade crossing incident occurs.
Amtrak’s New Chargers Will Debut on ‘Empire Builder’ - Railfan & Railroad Magazine
Unconfirmed reports that #8 led by 302 hit a pickup. Anyone confirm? Just the reason wish that ALCs not lead.
I think it's true that the Builder #8 hit a vehicle. Saw photo on Facebook. 302 in the lead.
Still in training.
Transitdocs shows yesterday's # 8 only as far as Ephrata WA, and 7 hours late. The debut of the ALC-42s on the Builder is proving to be seemingly cursed. Really bad luck. Amtrak officials must be pulling their hair out, if they have any left.
From what I understand of the ALC's, much greater HEP capacity than the similar SIEMENS locomotives bought for Midwest Service. So apparently Amtrak learned it's lesson with current HEP limits. Also read that the HEP is far more efficient on the Siemens locos as it uses more modern circuitry AND that the engineer can redirect energy from the dynamic braking grids to the HEP......which is pretty cool for mountain crossings.
blue streak 1Just the reason wish that ALCs not lead.
huh?
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
zugmann blue streak 1 Just the reason wish that ALCs not lead. huh?
blue streak 1 Just the reason wish that ALCs not lead. huh?
ALCs will need to lead to get all the bugs worked out.
And if the ALCs have better crash protection - then they should lead.
It's like keeping your brand new umbrella in the closet so it doesn't get wet.
Additionally, doesn't Amtrak carry insurance on its locomotives and cars under a general or global type policy?
blue streak 1 zugmann blue streak 1 Just the reason wish that ALCs not lead. huh? Why subject ALCs to the many grade crossing incidents when the older P-42s are going to be retired? Would rather have P-42s be damaged beyond repair. Do we really want ALCs sidelined for major damage or having to be retired? IMO the only reason to have an ALC lead is that it is more efficient providing HEP than a P-42 running at 900RPM. But if engineer would just place the ALC providing HEP even it is not lead loco then not a problem.
Wouldn't it be better to improve grade crossings that kill people than worry about the noses of lcomotives? Misplaced values.
zugmann ALCs will need to lead to get all the bugs worked out. And if the ALCs have better crash protection - then they should lead. It's like keeping your brand new umbrella in the closet so it doesn't get wet.
Nevermind. Just carry on.
Improve grade cossings? That would cost money! I know the county I live in is not very interested. It took years to get a few rural crossings upgraded, and there are several more in need of work on the 2 busier lines that run through this area. Another question: what will it take to convince people not to cross in front of trains?
RKFarms Another question: what will it take to convince people not to cross in front of trains?
Another question: what will it take to convince people not to cross in front of trains?
Maybe red light cameras with big fines and high publicity of those fines. Apparently Brightline is installing cameras and turning over results to law enforcement. Enforement means no get out of jail free sentences.
No municiple court, state court only!
EDIT: Have to wonder how Brightline will have enough serviceable locos if this accident rate continues with full Orlando service?
blue streak 1 RKFarms Another question: what will it take to convince people not to cross in front of trains? Maybe red light cameras with big fines and high publicity of those fines. Apparently Brightline is installing cameras and turning over results to law enforcement. Enforement means no get out of jail free sentences. No municiple court, state court only! EDIT: Have to wonder how Brightline will have enough serviceable locos if this accident rate continues with full Orlando service?
With any kind of 'luck' maybe FEC trains can act as 'sweepers'. I have to presume that on the 'new built' tracks there will be no road crossings.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
blue streak 1EDIT: Have to wonder how Brightline will have enough serviceable locos if this accident rate continues with full Orlando service?
Editor Emeritus, This Week at Amtrak
charlie hebdoWouldn't it be better to improve grade crossings that kill people than worry about the noses of lcomotives? Misplaced values.
D.Carleton charlie hebdo Wouldn't it be better to improve grade crossings that kill people than worry about the noses of lcomotives? Misplaced values. The railroad owns the tracks, the crossings are (usually) owned by the municipality where they are located. Improvements would have to come from a municipality source. That means taxes. Citizens do not like taxes. Consequently the loss of a few lawbreakers is acceptable.
charlie hebdo Wouldn't it be better to improve grade crossings that kill people than worry about the noses of lcomotives? Misplaced values.
The railroad owns the tracks, the crossings are (usually) owned by the municipality where they are located. Improvements would have to come from a municipality source. That means taxes. Citizens do not like taxes. Consequently the loss of a few lawbreakers is acceptable.
It depends. Some crossings are state or federal highways, with better revenue streams. And there is a federal program for upgrading crossings.
Additionally, a collision with a large truck, even one with flammable content would change matters. Ditto a collision involving a passenger train with loss of life or with a school bus as on Metra UP NW a few years ago.
charlie hebdo D.Carleton charlie hebdo Wouldn't it be better to improve grade crossings that kill people than worry about the noses of lcomotives? Misplaced values. The railroad owns the tracks, the crossings are (usually) owned by the municipality where they are located. Improvements would have to come from a municipality source. That means taxes. Citizens do not like taxes. Consequently the loss of a few lawbreakers is acceptable. It depends. Some crossings are state or federal highways, with better revenue streams. And there is a federal program for upgrading crossings. Additionally, a collision with a large truck, even one with flammable content would change matters. Ditto a collision involving a passenger train with loss of life or with a school bus as on Metra UP NW a few years ago.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1993-03-18-9301310424-story.html#:~:text=FORT%20LAUDERDALE%20%2D%2D%20A%20Miami,fireballs%20that%20killed%20six%20people.&text=All%20121%20people%20on%20the%20train%20survived%2C%20although%20six%20were%20injured.
What a collision. Thankfully no one on the train injured seriously? Hope the Hess corp is going to be sued off their profit for the year. Was this driver cited for other infractions of this nature? Maybe these tanker trucking firms will quit hiring fly by night truckers.. It is time for the FHSA to start regulating these hazarodous materiaals drivers more!
Although this collision happened a long time ago it should be cited in the latest south Florida investigation of the many Brightine collisions!
Rumor is that Builder either 7/20 or 8/20 had 2 ALCs fail nearGrand forks??
blue streak 1https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1993-03-18-9301310424-story.html#:~:text=FORT%20LAUDERDALE%20%2D%2D%20A%20Miami,fireballs%20that%20killed%20six%20people.&text=All%20121%20people%20on%20the%20train%20survived%2C%20although%20six%20were%20injured. Although this collision happened a long time ago it should be cited in the latest south Florida investigation of the many Brightine collisions!
BTW, does anyone have color pictures from this accident? All I have are the B&W pics from the NTSB report.
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