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| Re: Amtrak , Siemens it is, 70 new electrics (995191) | |||
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Re: Amtrak , Siemens it is, 70 new electrics |
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Posted by Jersey Mike on Fri Oct 29 07:47:14 2010, in response to Amtrak , Siemens it is, 70 new electrics, posted by Dutchrailnut on Thu Oct 28 21:52:29 2010. I guess its understandable that Amtrak must replace rolling when the political winds allow them funding to do so, but there were years left in those AEM'7s and the combination of AESA, EMD and Budd resulted in an engine that is reliable, rugged and just won't quit. Hell I think they even look good and the compact size makes the performance all the more impressive. If it weren't for their unreliable budgeting process I'll bet Amtrak could have held onto at least the AC's for a total of 40 or 50 years like the GG-1's before them, but instead they caught NJT syndrome, ie replacing equipment just because someone drops off a catalog.The more important question is what sort of shape will Amtrak's AEM's and HHP-8s be left in when they are retired and who might be able to use them. With both NJT and Amtrak shedding electric locomotives well before their time I almost feel that we need to electrify more lines to be able to properly utilize our existing investment in rolling stock. I am sure parts from the DC's will go to SEPTA and MARC to keep their classic AEM-7's rolling for the full 40, but will MARC seize the initiative and take over enough units to dump diesel operation from the NEC entirely? How many electrics would the MBTA need to dump diesels from the Providence Line? In both those cases if Amtrak is over charging for electric power could someone from the Obama Administration give Amtrak a little dope slap telling them to stop? |
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