What will Amtrak do with the older Acela sets when new ones arrive?

[D.Carleton]

CJtrainguy

The Swedish X2000 trains are currently undergoing full rebuilds, changing out most of the interiors and much of the technology to make them fit for another 20-25 years of service. The calculation was that a rebuild is 1/3 of the cost of a new train set. Plus passenger comfort increases and realiability/availability of the trainsets will increase.

Very gratified to hear that. When I rode back in 93' I knew this was exactly what Amtrak needed for the next generation of Metroliner. Claytor wanted X2000 and had he lived the story would be much different: we would not be talking about replacement already; when they wanted to expand each set by two coaches a few years ago it would have been justifiable; trans-Atlantic synergies would have made for a better product all around. There is no divine providence to make us do the right thing.

[blue streak 1]

It is tooo early to evenspeculate onwhat will happen with AX-1s.  Too many factors could change how Amtrak will Do with the units once AX-2s pass initial testing and break in problem corrections.

One way probably have AX-2s start south of NYP filling one NYP <> WASH round trip.  After 4 AX-1s are replaced maybe some AX_1s could be combined to provide for 2 power car retrenchments and more seats on other AX-1s trips?

Or immediately go for more Acela trips once 4 or more AX-2s proven?

What Acela ridership will be then is a wild card.  If ridership fall, remains same, AX-2s absorb traffic, Acela demand swings wildly,   Then if the train length problem at BOS is solved all these factors change.   If 39 train limit raised ?  If some regionals are converted to Acelas?  The many possibilities are mind numbing ? 

[D.Carleton]

blue streak 1

It is tooo early to evenspeculate onwhat will happen with AX-1s.

No need to speculate:

Amtrak Equipmet Asset Line Plan FY20-24 pg.8

Acela Express equipment (20 trainsets totalling 160 active units plus one inspection car), built 1999-2001 by Alstom & Bombardier; these trainsets will be retired following the delivery of Alstom Avelia Liberty trainsets currently on order.

[blue streak 1]

Actually how the AX-1s are utilized during transition from AX-1s to AX-2s will be subject to speculation. One factor is how the transition is handled depends on how reliable the =2s are when subject to the rouch  track on the NEC compared to the pure trackage of Europe