The artices on the first ACS-64 service on the Keystone route mentioned that when all 70 units are in service the regenerative braking will save 3B KWHs. Although that number may be high let us take a look at it.
1. Home rates are ~ 10 cents a KWH or savings of $300M. Way too high.
2. Long term industrial rates are about $5 cents per KWH for a savings of $150M.
3. Unconfirmed reports say at present Amtrak pays about $ 4+ cents per KWH. So a possible savings of ~ $120M ? That number would mean the new ACS-64s pay for themselves of capital costs in 5 years ?
4. That will definitely make the regionals operating costs less ? As well some savings to LD operations on NEC.
624 was in Chicago yesterday (10/8) ready to head east.
CSSHEGEWISCH 623 was in Chicago yesterday (10/7) ready to head east on the Capitol Ltd.
623 was in Chicago yesterday (10/7) ready to head east on the Capitol Ltd.
Saw video of ACS-64 motor 624 eastbound on Cal Z train # 6 / 05 October.
edit: Is it our imagination but is the NEC having fewer delays due to Motor failures ? Have enough motors now to not send problem childs out until properly fixed ? Reported almost all HHP-8s parked out of service ?
Unconfirmed report ACS-64 motor #623 is east bound on Cal Z train # 6 / 4 October .
Siemens is activating a 15 year service contract for the ACS-64 fleet. Wonder what the MTBF specification will be ? This might give nudge to one or more MARC, SEPTA, NJ Transit, or MBTA to try them as well ? Any one know if this is part of the purchase price. One might suspect as much ?
http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/mechanical/locomotives/acs-64-technical-support-agreement-under-way.html
deleted
unconfirmed report 622 being readied at Oakland
622 now reported on train 6 of September 23
blue streak 1 Unconfirmed report that only 5 HHP-8s are still in service ?. Appears as a major failure of a HHP happens it is taken out of service to provide parts for last ones running ? Still no indication that the HHPs will be renumbered for accounting purposes ? This will give approximately 66 motors available for service if 15 ACS-64s are in full service ? Before any ACS delivered ~ 62 motors were in service ?
Unconfirmed report that only 5 HHP-8s are still in service ?. Appears as a major failure of a HHP happens it is taken out of service to provide parts for last ones running ? Still no indication that the HHPs will be renumbered for accounting purposes ?
This will give approximately 66 motors available for service if 15 ACS-64s are in full service ? Before any ACS delivered ~ 62 motors were in service ?
ACS #621 reported east bound on Cal Z #6 / 5 September. Any confirmation and / or pictures ?
That seems to make about 2-1/4 deliveries a month or one every 12 days ? Note: Not enough enroutes to really build an average.
ACS #620 reported east bound on CZ #6 / 30 August
The 618 went east on # 6 on Saturday, 2nd of August.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/57584342@N03/with/14643243957/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/57584342@N03/14643243957/
618 is reported to be scheduled to ferry east on train 6 Wednesday July 30th.
For those who know mechanical details of ACS-64s. When Amtrak is ferrying these units cross country do the units use some HEP to keep things warm or cool ? Am thinking of the possibilities when units are coming east thru Chicago during a very cold winter blast ?
# 617 reported on Train 6 leaving Emeryville today. 199 leadingo
blue streak 1 #616 reported being prepared for shipment east ?
#616 reported being prepared for shipment east ?
I rode behind 951 on regional 171 on April 30 - same day the CSX wall in Baltimore collapsed. Rode from Boston to New York hearing some interesting griping on the radio. Rode behind 953 on 20 same day New York Washington. At WUS 951 was already dead-in-tow behind a diesel switcher.
Please take the following as very suspect.
7 scrapped AEM7s -- Many for years
Retired 901 & 951
925 showed active but was previously reported retired. ( maybe reactivated ? )
EDIT now 7 of 15 HHP8s all listed as retired probably due to major failure ?
Thanks for keeping us updated. I suspect the retired AEM-7 is 925, which hit a truck in late June. I know of an AEM-7 going to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, but is there a plan to save an HHP-8? I'm just glad I got to see them.
615 reported in bound to WASH on Train #30 today.
615 may be east bound on train #6 Thursday June 26th
# 614 reported on Monday's Capitol. Arrive WASH Tuesday.
Maybe we shoud wait for some definite information. There could have been may reasons for an inspector to have gotten it right. A few -- traction motor hang up although highly unlikely on both units. Air hose connections
incorrect labeling. Have seen old units that may have had MR hose connections in various configurations, piping swapped; connected wrong in Chicago;
At this time as said unconfirmed let us wait.
v
Deggesty Balt, are you going to apply? Could this have been sticking brakes? If so, why were they sticking? Why would anyone with a modicum of knowledge as to what would heat the wheels have said, "OK, keep going"?
Balt, are you going to apply?
Could this have been sticking brakes? If so, why were they sticking? Why would anyone with a modicum of knowledge as to what would heat the wheels have said, "OK, keep going"?
I already have a job! Thank you very much!
My observations of the current crop of 'new' operating employees makes me think they were hired from the 'mechanically declined' pool. In generations gone by, new hires in many cases were looking for a way to get off the family farm; however, being raised on the farm they were forced to learn basic mechanics. Today's new hires barely know which end of a wrench to use, let alone which direction to turn what they have the wrench attached to.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
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