ACS-64 Heads Up

[jis]

So help me understand how calling SEPTA with a unsavory name helps you communicate that an ACS0-64 is going to SEPTA for test runs. Which part of the message "For those who are interested a very reliable source has stated that 664 will be moved to SEPTA today." would have been inadequately communicated had you not used the derogatory term for SEPTA?

Allow me. SEPTIC was a pretty common nickname that has been handed down. Most of the railroads had nicknames although as the old timers have died off, so did their usage.

It was not uncommon to hear the names SEPTIC, Joisey Twansit, Wrong Island Railroad, PATHetic, the "Shark" trains and Mafia North in the industry. I won't even go into the common name for Norfolk Southern and I've never heard about anyone complaining when someone brings up C(rash) S(pill) X(PLODE).

Let us not forget that the basic nickname for our lovely railroad was AMcrap, which operated the Pigeon, the Late for Sure Limited, the Silver Slug (and this train has apparently been renamed the Silver STARvation...which is CLASSIC ), the Crapitol Limited (aka the Capitol Punishment) and the Auto Pain.

While I don't agree with Acela150's characterization of their employees, the nickname has been around for years. It was as common as the buffs on the boards referring to the AEM-7s as "toasters," which is a term the most railroaders never heard of.

OK, so it actually helps convey nothing extra except that we are all proud members of a cabal that likes that term. Got it.

 

[CSXfoamer1997]

Huh. I always thought that it was C(rash) S(mash) X(PLODE).

Learn something new everyday.

Or this way, even better, C(rash) S(pill) X(plode). Because when a train crashes, it explodes when it has a fuel spill.

CSX, putting the X in eXplode! Lol

 

[WoodyinNYC]

. . . how calling SEPTA with a unsavory name helps you communicate . . .?

Allow me. SEPTIC was a pretty common nickname that has been handed down. . . .

It was not uncommon to hear the names SEPTIC, Joisey Twansit, Wrong Island Railroad, PATHetic, the "Shark" trains and Mafia North in the industry. I won't even go into the common name for Norfolk Southern . . .

Let us not forget that the basic nickname for our lovely railroad was AMcrap, which operated the Pigeon, the Late for Sure Limited, the Silver Slug (and this train has apparently been renamed the Silver STARvation...which is CLASSIC ), the Crapitol Limited (aka the Capitol Punishment) and the Auto Pain.

I'm suspecting that the nickname for the Norfolk Southern is not fit for a family audience like we have here. So I'll keep it clean when I add . . .

Let us not forget the Coast Starlate.

I've learned a lot in this exchange. I'd always assumed that 'Septic' was earned, like the Coast Starlate, which has had severe timekeeping problems. SEPTA has suffered thru years of underfunding resulting in deteriorating performance. Under the previous (Republican) Governor, bless him, the laws were changed to direct considerably more funds to SEPTA and other transportation needs in Pennsylvania. iiuc SEPTA now is investing heavily in repairs n upgrades. Perhaps in a few years, the unsavory nickname may fade from use.

btw I'm assuming that the Pigeon runs 3 days a week thru VA, WVa, KY, OH, and IN.

 

[edjbox]

I've heard a CP employee call CN "Crash National"

 

[Hal]

I'm suspecting that the nickname for the Norfolk Southern is not fit for a family audience like we have here. So I'll keep it clean when I add . . .

The nickname for Norfolk Southern which I have heard is well earned is "**** Southern". Insert the name of Hitler's politcal movement.

 

[CSXfoamer1997]

Anyone know if #601 is still in Wilmington? If so, how long is it even gonna take before the investigation of the Philly crash is complete?

And also, has it been determined whether #601 will be repaired with its original number, repaired and renumbered, or retired?

 

[CCC1007]

Pretty sure that it will be years before the courts release it from material evidence, as it is a key part of not only the investigation but also the lawsuits filed against Amtrak.

 

[StriderGDM]

The investigation itself may not take much longer, but the lawsuits, years. Most likely 601 can't be released until those are settled.

 

[Triley]

And then it was mentioned somewhere that the ACS-64 that was involved in a vehicle strike in Rhode Island (which was last February if I'm not mistaken) is finally going to be reentering the active roster, if it hasn't happened already. And I happened to be in the yard when they brought her back in, and from what I could tell, it wasn't heavily damaged. (Mind you I am an LSA, and was real new at the time, so I may not have been the best judge at the time.)

So, repair time and handling insurance claims definitely takes time.

 

[Agent]

I saw AMTK 667 this morning on Amtrak #6(01). The train was about three minutes late when it came into Ottumwa, Iowa.

 

[CSXfoamer1997]

If there's a train #666, why skip ACS-64 #666? This makes no sense at all.

There's also a CSX AC6000CW #666.

 

[jis]

You expect sense in selective application of superstition?

 

[Acela150]

Anyone know if #601 is still in Wilmington? If so, how long is it even gonna take before the investigation of the Philly crash is complete?

And also, has it been determined whether #601 will be repaired with its original number, repaired and renumbered, or retired?

If there's a train #666, why skip ACS-64 #666? This makes no sense at all.

There's also a CSX AC6000CW #666.

 

[CSXfoamer1997]

You expect sense in selective application of superstition?

Pretty much. People still go about stuff being superstitious.

 

[Thirdrail7]

And then it was mentioned somewhere that the ACS-64 that was involved in a vehicle strike in Rhode Island (which was last February if I'm not mistaken) is finally going to be reentering the active roster, if it hasn't happened already. And I happened to be in the yard when they brought her back in, and from what I could tell, it wasn't heavily damaged. (Mind you I am an LSA, and was real new at the time, so I may not have been the best judge at the time.)

So, repair time and handling insurance claims definitely takes time.

It is still out of service. There were a few serious issues that needed attention. I'd be mighty surprise if you saw it in service by the end of this month.

 

[Acela150]

We talking something like Mods? Or FRA stuff?

 

[afigg]

If there's a train #666, why skip ACS-64 #666? This makes no sense at all.

There's also a CSX AC6000CW #666.

There is a difference between a train service numbered #666 and a locomotive with 666 written on it in big text. One, someone could freak out at the platform having seen #666 pull into the station and refuse to get onboard. Second, and likely the real reason, pictures of a locomotive numbered #666 could end up being used on crazier sites on the net for claims about Amtrak and if #666 got into an accident, its number would draw additional media attention. By skipping #666, they avoid all that stupid stuff.

 

[neroden]

So, to get back to the topic. #667 has presumably reached the east coast.

So that leaves 668, 669, 670. Anyone wanna bet on when 670 gets delivered? I'm going to bet after the first Viewliner dining car, but still in March.

 

[cirdan]

If there's a train #666, why skip ACS-64 #666? This makes no sense at all.

There's also a CSX AC6000CW #666.

There is a difference between a train service numbered #666 and a locomotive with 666 written on it in big text. One, someone could freak out at the platform having seen #666 pull into the station and refuse to get onboard. Second, and likely the real reason, pictures of a locomotive numbered #666 could end up being used on crazier sites on the net for claims about Amtrak and if #666 got into an accident, its number would draw additional media attention. By skipping #666, they avoid all that stupid stuff.

Exactly, it's not about anybody in Amtrak being suerstiious at all. It's about anticipating media and public crazies.

You've always got to weight the costs against the benefits, and seeing the cost or penalty of skipping a number is virtually nil, it is perfectly rational to do so even for the smallest benefit.

Think of it as game theory.

Maybe a freight railroad such as CSX doesn't have to care so much about people freaking out or conspiracy theorioes being circullated, so they can afford to use the number more freely.

 

[Fan Railer]

So, to get back to the topic. #667 has presumably reached the east coast.

So that leaves 668, 669, 670. Anyone wanna bet on when 670 gets delivered? I'm going to bet after the first Viewliner dining car, but still in March.

Not yet. 667 was sighted in Chicago yesterday. It will likely land in WAS tomorrow.

The delivery schedule for the final few units is drawn out. If nothing changes, 670 is scheduled to ship out of Florin on 4/29, which means it'll end up on 6 (5/1).

 

[west point]

So if 670 is on 6 / 01 may why not drop it in Denver and allow it to pull a media circus pulling a single level train to DEN airport on the just in service "A" line ?.

 

[TylerP42]

667 being moved around the yard in Chicago

 

[KnightRail]

667 being moved around the yard in Chicago

Should be on the Capital tonight

 

[Thirdrail7]

I believe 628 is still out from its grade crossing incident in Kingston a few months ago...

It was the 629, not the 628.

629 is on the loose again.

 

[CSXfoamer1997]

Was #601 the first ACS-64 to be wrecked? Or was #628 wreck before #601?