Acela 21 (Avelia Liberty) development, testing and deployment (2025)

[Acela150]

Been a while since I've seen that on this forum

Paying homage to our good friend Thirdrail7!

 

[JuniusLivonius]

About 7 days ago, I believe this was the one parked in Ivy City Yard now heading to Philly according to the title:

Amtrak Avelia Liberty making the way to Philly

A trainset just when past me in Syracuse, NY.

Was a bit surprised as that not normal color of the upstate service trains.

Yesterday there was an Acela 2 delivery down the Hudson line.

This Tweet/video caught it near the factory in Swain, New York:

xcancel: https://xcancel.com/john_kucko/status/1894916222325850183
Twitter:
Direct video link: https://video.twimg.com/amplify_vid...vid/avc1/1280x720/bu2LmfyauJV-wm_0.mp4?tag=14
The Future is Now: Another @Amtrak “Next Generation” train set—assembled at Alstom in Hornell, NY—is completed and soon to be ready for use on the Northeast Corridor hopefully this spring. Caught it near Swain, NY today. These sleek new sets are capable of speeds of 160 MPH.



Passing by Philipse Manor (Sleepy Hollow, NY)

MTA Metro-North Railroad/Siemens SC42-DM & Amtrak Acela 2


Passing by Riverdale (Bronx, NY)

Amtrak Avelia Liberty Delivery Passes By Riverdale And More Rarities


Additionally, I believe there had been (as of about one month ago) an Acela 2 parked away from the others at Penn Coach Yard, Philadelphia. It is now moved or gone although I missed the chance to get a picture.


Finally, there have been some extras roaming around the NEC possibly between County/Lincoln and Ham. On Tuesday, Extra 876 was doing some sort of brake test at 9:32PM, likely near County or Lincoln. Yesterday, on Wednesday, Extra 876/877 seemed to be doing some round trips maybe between County and Ham between 8:46PM and 10:18PM. At 10:18PM CETC-8 asked if the extra was going back to Philly.

The extras of the last two days could just be Charger tests but it sounds like one of the same engineers from Acela 2 tests.

 

[JuniusLivonius]

Additionally, I believe there had been (as of about one month ago) an Acela 2 parked away from the others at Penn Coach Yard, Philadelphia. It is now moved or gone although I missed the chance to get a picture.

I think it or another set took the spot. It's back now on the left, ahead of the others.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

About 7 days ago, I believe this was the one parked in Ivy City Yard now heading to Philly according to the title:

Amtrak Avelia Liberty making the way to Philly


Yesterday there was an Acela 2 delivery down the Hudson line.

This Tweet/video caught it near the factory in Swain, New York:

xcancel: https://xcancel.com/john_kucko/status/1894916222325850183
Twitter:
Direct video link: https://video.twimg.com/amplify_vid...vid/avc1/1280x720/bu2LmfyauJV-wm_0.mp4?tag=14
The Future is Now: Another @Amtrak “Next Generation” train set—assembled at Alstom in Hornell, NY—is completed and soon to be ready for use on the Northeast Corridor hopefully this spring. Caught it near Swain, NY today. These sleek new sets are capable of speeds of 160 MPH.



Passing by Philipse Manor (Sleepy Hollow, NY)

MTA Metro-North Railroad/Siemens SC42-DM & Amtrak Acela 2


Passing by Riverdale (Bronx, NY)

Amtrak Avelia Liberty Delivery Passes By Riverdale And More Rarities


Additionally, I believe there had been (as of about one month ago) an Acela 2 parked away from the others at Penn Coach Yard, Philadelphia. It is now moved or gone although I missed the chance to get a picture.


Finally, there have been some extras roaming around the NEC possibly between County/Lincoln and Ham. On Tuesday, Extra 876 was doing some sort of brake test at 9:32PM, likely near County or Lincoln. Yesterday, on Wednesday, Extra 876/877 seemed to be doing some round trips maybe between County and Ham between 8:46PM and 10:18PM. At 10:18PM CETC-8 asked if the extra was going back to Philly.

The extras of the last two days could just be Charger tests but it sounds like one of the same engineers from Acela 2 tests.

Last night, 02/27/25, there was a Charger test run between County & Ham per a post on FB.

Tuesday & Wednesday Avelias ran between PHL & WAS in late morning/early afternoon. I went out Thursday to see if it was running in the same time slot headed to WAS and did not see it. I do not know if these were swap runs or test runs.

 

[JuniusLivonius]

Tuesday & Wednesday Avelias ran between PHL & WAS in late morning/early afternoon. I went out Thursday to see if it was running in the same time slot headed to WAS and did not see it. I do not know if these were swap runs or test runs.

Thanks. According to a post on Trainorders.com, there were three test runs over the Susquehanna River on what I think was March 1st. The person got a nice photograph but didn't want to share it with the internet.

There was additional movement on Feb 27th and 28th next to the camera at Norwalk, Connecticut. There's no evidence this was actually a test run.

Finally, KP2022 was out around 10PM-11PM at County. There's no evidence if it was Avelia Liberty or a Charger.

I will follow up with a few more videos when I get the chance.

 

[Acela150]

Thanks. According to a post on Trainorders.com, there were three test runs over the Susquehanna River on what I think was March 1st. The person got a nice photograph but didn't want to share it with the internet.

There was additional movement on Feb 27th and 28th next to the camera at Norwalk, Connecticut. There's no evidence this was actually a test run.

Finally, KP2022 was out around 10PM-11PM at County. There's no evidence if it was Avelia Liberty or a Charger.

I will follow up with a few more videos when I get the chance.

The runs over the Susquehanna and up to CT were indeed test runs with TS 8.

 

[railiner]

I might have missed mention in these threads, but were these new trains ever tested at the test center near Pueblo?

 

[SirStevieX]

I might have missed mention in these threads, but were these new trains ever tested at the test center near Pueblo?

They did, quite a while ago back in late 2020 when the first set was sent there for initial testing.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

I might have missed mention in these threads, but were these new trains ever tested at the test center near Pueblo?

Post in thread 'Acela 21 (Avelia Liberty) development, testing and deployment (2018 - 1Q 2024)'
https://www.amtraktrains.com/thread...and-deployment-2018-1q-2024.72089/post-892041

 

[JuniusLivonius]

March 6th, 2:39PM (yesterday) in Penn Station:
Reddit:
Safereddit: https://safereddit.com/r/Amtrak/comments/1j55bw4/avelia_liberty_trainset_14_was_seen_in_nyp/

Finally, KP2022 was out around 10PM-11PM at County. There's no evidence if it was Avelia Liberty or a Charger.

KP2022 was out again last night and it was Avelia Liberty. Typical County - Ham:
@ 3m 11s

If #658 passed Hamilton just before the test train, then the test runs started just after 9PM. Last night they were out all the way until 3:45AM. This is the normal largest testing window they would do all throughout last year.

Now with that evidence, chances are that Tuesday night's runs were Avelia Liberty too. Some dispatchers are extremely silent and reverse the absolute block without being asked or reminded.

Finally, this might be a big one. Avelia Liberty (at least one trainset) might have already received FRA certification. The engineer from KP2022 mentioned the specific trainset was "certified for 160". Big thanks to engineer of NJ #3805 who always has a conversation with KP2022. This might explain why Amtrak mentioned "sometime March" in a now-deleted Tweet, apparently without authorization:

https://safereddit.com/r/Amtrak/comments/1j56464/amtraks_twitter_account_is_estimating_sometime_in/

 

[JuniusLivonius]

An Avelia Liberty trainset has crossed the Schuylkill River at 8:31PM. This is likely a County - Ham test as KP2022. Possibly another 3AM day.

Bridesburg @ 8:40PM
Torresdale @ 8:44PM
Eddington @ 8:48PM

 

[Matt Johnson]

So we're still in vampire mode where it only comes out at night? Hoping one of these weekends when I'm free I can catch one in daylight!

 

[AmtrakBlue]

So we're still in vampire mode where it only comes out at night? Hoping one of these weekends when I'm free I can catch one in daylight!

I saw day runs on 7/25 & 7/26 between WAS and PHL. They were late morning south and early afternoon north.

 

[west point]

If you notice closely some of the AX-2s have a red door evidently for 1st class. some of the videos and pictures need to determine when the red doors 1st started. That will give us at least when Amtrak started to use the color coding.

 

[Septa9739]

I believe they came that way. The ones in Penn Coach have had them for years now.

 

[Acela150]

I believe they came that way. The ones in Penn Coach have had them for years now.

They did come that way.

 

[sportbiker]

I thought I read here FRA-mandated testing ended a couple of months ago and Amtrak was now in crew training. Reading about testing on Susquehanna River bridge sounds like a basic compatibility FRA test.

Also, is rolling stock individually (ie, every unit from the production line) certified? Or is a design type-certified for all like instances?

 

[AmtrakBlue]

I thought I read here FRA-mandated testing ended a couple of months ago and Amtrak was now in crew training. Reading about testing on Susquehanna River bridge sounds like a basic compatibility FRA test.

Also, is rolling stock individually (ie, every unit from the production line) certified? Or is a design type-certified for all like instances?

I suspect the test runs we’re seeing are each trainset that’s been sitting in the yards.
I’ve been told crew training may only be short runs.

 

[NE933]

Yeah, also wouldn't it be prudent to qualify all engineers from Boston to DC and back ,the entire way?

 

[jis]

I suspect the test runs we’re seeing are each trainset that’s been sitting in the yards.
I’ve been told crew training may only be short runs.

Also each trainset has to be run a certain number of fault free hours before they are accepted for commercial service, usually.

 

[Dutchrailnut]

from yesterdays's Crains New York:
A new modern Amtrak fleet of 28 high-speed trains will enter service this spring on the popular Acela line from Boston to Washington, D.C. after nearly a decade of planning and design delays.
The sleek red, white and blue Avelia Liberty trains will replace the current aging Acela fleet that have operated on the Northeast Corridor since 2000. The new models come with modern touches, like plush seats, a more spacious cabin and free high-speed internet. They also accommodate up to 386 riders — an increase of 25% from the existing trains — which will help Amtrak keep up with increased passenger demand. In 2024, Amtrak ridership hit a record of 32.8 million travelers throughout its nationwide rail network.
“When we get the question of, why can't we have trains like they have in Europe, the answer is, we’re getting them,” said Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams, referring to the modern, high-speed trains that zip around Spain, France, Germany and other European countries. “And they’re built here so they help spur the economy and create local jobs.”
Read more here:
https://www.crainsnewyork.com/trans...jXZmYE7WuutPfv4cqg_aem_gGb4W2CFyL9x7MFgqSzQfQ

 

[Acela150]

I thought I read here FRA-mandated testing ended a couple of months ago and Amtrak was now in crew training. Reading about testing on Susquehanna River bridge sounds like a basic compatibility FRA test.

Also, is rolling stock individually (ie, every unit from the production line) certified? Or is a design type-certified for all like instances?

FRA testing is still ongoing, currently for certification of the trainsets.

Yeah, also wouldn't it be prudent to qualify all engineers from Boston to DC and back ,the entire way?

No. Simply because crews change in NYP and on ocassion NHV. Currently crew training is underway in various forms.

Also each trainset has to be run a certain number of fault free hours before they are accepted for commercial service, usually.

In this case, miles. But yes.

 

[JuniusLivonius]

Must have missed the train on cameras. CETC-7 is trying to contact KP2022 so I guess they're about to start their runs. County - Ham, you know the deal...

Not having the Philadelphia area radio stream is such a huge loss.

 

[JuniusLivonius]

An Avelia Liberty trainset has crossed the Schuylkill River at 8:31PM. This is likely a County - Ham test as KP2022. Possibly another 3AM day.

Bridesburg @ 8:40PM
Torresdale @ 8:44PM
Eddington @ 8:48PM

It was in fact another 3:30AM day. The track 1 closure (with platform cars at Princeton Junction and Hamilton, now removed) and track work was making it a bit hectic to get the test train around. The test train didn't need absolute block like it did with testing throughout last year. More on the importance of that later.

So we're still in vampire mode where it only comes out at night? Hoping one of these weekends when I'm free I can catch one in daylight!

I thought I read here FRA-mandated testing ended a couple of months ago and Amtrak was now in crew training. Reading about testing on Susquehanna River bridge sounds like a basic compatibility FRA test.

Also, is rolling stock individually (ie, every unit from the production line) certified? Or is a design type-certified for all like instances?

I suspect the test runs we’re seeing are each trainset that’s been sitting in the yards.
I’ve been told crew training may only be short runs.

Also each trainset has to be run a certain number of fault free hours before they are accepted for commercial service, usually.

This series of testing seems really important and pivotal. Last week it seems like they started some sort of individual train testing, which might be why testing has exploded. I will emphasize this again: I overheard "it's certified for 160, this one's good" in response to "still trying to figure that equipment out?" on Thursday morning.

It looks like they don't need absolute block anymore when doing County - Ham testing. I know this because they were able to tolerate trains going in front of them, although having a clear track was preferred. They also are taking forever to complete round trips (over an hour and 10 minutes) as compared to the normal 40 minutes. That is probably a consequence of the track work each night and the track outage that ended Sunday.

That might mean the intense testing/measuring (I assume with Alstom) is not taking place and might be finished. They also appear to be doing brake testing. One of the crew members said "150 full service" over the radio when discussing what needed to be done as they left County.

Take a look at the video I posted above. I believe that's not the testing set and it might be furnished with real seats. The testing set has peeling paint on the roof and large water barrels (weight simulation) in some or all of the cars.

There are so many different things this time around. I think they're trying to gain mileage and do acceptance testing.

from yesterdays's Crains New York:
A new modern Amtrak fleet of 28 high-speed trains will enter service this spring on the popular Acela line from Boston to Washington, D.C. after nearly a decade of planning and design delays.
The sleek red, white and blue Avelia Liberty trains will replace the current aging Acela fleet that have operated on the Northeast Corridor since 2000. The new models come with modern touches, like plush seats, a more spacious cabin and free high-speed internet. They also accommodate up to 386 riders — an increase of 25% from the existing trains — which will help Amtrak keep up with increased passenger demand. In 2024, Amtrak ridership hit a record of 32.8 million travelers throughout its nationwide rail network.
“When we get the question of, why can't we have trains like they have in Europe, the answer is, we’re getting them,” said Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams, referring to the modern, high-speed trains that zip around Spain, France, Germany and other European countries. “And they’re built here so they help spur the economy and create local jobs.”
Read more here:
https://www.crainsnewyork.com/trans...jXZmYE7WuutPfv4cqg_aem_gGb4W2CFyL9x7MFgqSzQfQ

Not much new information there. What event even prompted them to write this article?