ACS-64s in transit, tests, & deliveries

[JC UPTON]

We just met C-Z 6 (27) just west of Colfax Ca.  No ACS-64  on this one.  From C Z 5 due into EMY today (4/27)

[JC UPTON]

We just met C-Z 6 (27) just west of Colfax Ca.  No ACS-64  on this one.  From C Z 5 due into EMY today (4/27)

[JC UPTON]

While waiting in SAC on CZ5 @ 14:55 4/27 saw #643 pull thru & park just west of the station; have pic's of it connected behind #200 another (#unkwn)

[Buslist]

blue streak 1

Unconfirmed report 642 east bound on # 6/25  ( Saturday ) also reported with no paint job.  Speculation abounds. if not painted what paint it will be ia anyone's guess.

 

. Photos show that it is painted but is sans logo and and missing the blue across the ends, should be in Chicago now.

[blue streak 1]

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Unconfirmed report 642 east bound on # 6/25  ( Saturday ) also reported with no paint job.  Speculation abounds. if not painted what paint it will be ia anyone's guess.

 

Here is youtube of 642 with just its base coat of paint without any stripes.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rU1ykjG05Y

 

Rumors have it going to beech grove for special painting. You observers need to see if it is on today's Hoosier or tomorrow's Cardinal

 

 

[blue streak 1]

Unconfirmed report  #643 was sent to California state RR museum today for display tomorrow for some special event.  Reported will return to Siemens later.

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

642 spotted this morning (04/28) in Chicago Union Station coach yard.

[JC UPTON]

JC UPTON

While waiting in SAC on CZ5 @ 14:55 4/27 saw #643 pull thru & park just west of the station; have pic's of it connected behind #200 another (#unkwn)

 

I should have said: "have pic's of #643 pullrd behind #200 & another P42DC (# unknown)"

[blue streak 1]

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Unconfirmed report  #643 was sent to California state RR museum today for display tomorrow for some special event.  Reported will return to Siemens later.

 

Unconfirmed report 643 is on Cal Z # 6 / 09 May in Iowa somewhere

 

[blue streak 1]

youtube of 643 enroute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9IenxgZFsA

 

 

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

643 was sighted this morning (05/12, 6:15AM) in the Chicago Union Station coach yard.

[NorthWest]

Really good photoshopped 'what if?' pictures at the bottom.

http://www.hebners.net/amtrak/amtACS64.html

[NorthWest]

The Veterans ACS-64 has been released from Beech Grove, but I can't find a good picture yet.

[NorthWest]

https://www.heritageunits.com/Locomotive/Photo/14158

[blue streak 1]

Unconfirmed report that 644 & 645 are eastbound on Cal Z #6 that left Emeryville Saurday May 23. Arrrive DEN Sunday evening and CHI Monday afternoon. 

[blue streak 1]

Video of 644 & 645 on Cal Z chasing a BNSF coal train.

http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/55208-acs-64-heads-up/page-73

 

 

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

644 and 645 were both spotted this morning (5/26, 6:10 AM) at Chicago Union Station coach yard.

[NorthWest]

SEPTA is buying some!

http://www.philly.com/philly/business/transportation/20150528_SEPTA_plans_to_spend__154_million_on_new_locomotives.html

[blue streak 1]

NorthWest

SEPTA is buying some!

http://www.philly.com/philly/business/transportation/20150528_SEPTA_plans_to_spend__154_million_on_new_locomotives.html

 

This is good for many reasons.

1.  SEPTA can buy exactly same options lowering its costs.

2.  Amtrak can give these the HSR tests to trouble shoot any problems.

3.  This must mean the Wayne junction substation upgrades to its electrical system will be complete by delivery.

4.  If Amtrak needs more units or some replacements then the assembly line can add extra units to production.

5.  With this many units on order and option appears SEPTA is moving toward more loco hauled trains.

6.  SEPTA may have Bear / Wilmington do heavy overhauls.

7.  May move MARC closer to buying some and maybe even MBTA ?

8.  Amtrak may have anticipated this and is reason the AEM-DCs being scrapped and -ACs  kept  and maybe leased to MARC and SEPTA.  Certainly  makes AEM-7s more of an orphan at MARC.

 

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

The order isn't too surprising for SEPTA.  I don't think that it's leading to a phase-out of MU trains as much as an expansion of service.

I doubt that MARC or MBTA would buy them.  MARC appears to be headed to a diesel-only operation and they would be oddballs on MBTA, suitable for only one line.

[blue streak 1]

CSSHEGEWISCH

I doubt that MARC or MBTA would buy them.  MARC appears to be headed to a diesel-only operation and they would be oddballs on MBTA, suitable for only one line.

 

MARC uses the HHPs I believe and they are needed for their 125 MPH operation WASH - BAL - Perryville.  Otherwise Amtrak may limit the number of MARC trains operating on that route.  The diesels cannot make that speed or pull as many MARC cars.  So MARC can either spend some dollars for new electric motors or a lot more dollars making the route 3 and 4 tracks.  MARC already takes delays often whenever Amtrak is slightly off schedule.

The eventual proposed Acela and regional schedules over that route will put more pressure on MARC.  As well Amtrak is boostig the electrical capacity through out the NYP - WASH section to support more electric train service..

As far as MBTA goes its BOS - PVD does not have as many Amtrak trains so maybe 125 MPH motors will not be needed.  However the new route proposed to the fall river area is supposed to be electric as well so maybe some motor pulled long trains.  

 

[blue streak 1]

Veterns unit 642 at Paoli waiting for septa to clear so it can enter outside track.  Note the low spot that 642 sinks just past far switch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMvQExtKBhU

646 & 647 unconfirmed report to be leaving Siemens plant today.

 

[blue streak 1]

642 test train.  Notice how much the variable tension CAT bounces before and after the motor passes.  Now that is an indication how much the constant tension CAT is needed on the routes.  Every time there is an interruption in power it has potential to fry the electronics. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxoNeKaOnts

 

 

[blue streak 1]

Unconfirmed 647 on #6 / 10- June.  #646 on #6 / 11 June. Waiting for picture confirmation. 

[blue streak 1]

UP 7106 leading train #6 and ACS-64   # 646

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq_H6m2iCvg

 

 

[CSSHEGEWISCH]

646 spotted this morning (05/15) at Chicago Union Station coach yard.

[NorthWest]

Preliminary SEPTA rendering:

http://septa.org/rebuilding/img/vehicles/2015-06-multi-level-car.jpg

[blue streak 1]

642 first revenue run 7/02/2015

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJlVMDhtOg0

Any one know why no delivery since June 15th ?  Maybe fixing some problem found duriing NEC testing ?

 

[blue streak 1]

Unconfirmed that 648 & 649 may be picked up from Siemens Thursday July 10th.

[blue streak 1]

blue streak 1

Unconfirmed that 648 & 649 may be picked up from Siemens Thursday July 10th.

 

Well that report was in error and now an unconfirmed report that an ACS-64 headed to Oakland.  Maybe on Train #6 tomorrow ?