Airo - Amfleet I replacement Siemens Inter City Trainsets (ICT) (2-3Q 2024)

[ST Saint]

It seems to me there's also a question of whether the Oregon Talgos will stay in the fleet for protection or possible expansion.

I've heard that rumor float around too, with the potential to keep them in Oregon (since they are ODOT assets) with a cross platform transfer for the runs they are utilized in. Time will tell of course, but it wouldn't hurt to keep them around in some capacity to have more trainsets available.

That said, a refurbishment at any level wouldn't hurt since they appear to be untouched since 2013 and its showing.

Keeping things Airo, I'm glad the Airo Maintenance Facility was announced for Seattle finally, as the similar Philly one just broke ground.

 

[Goldspike_Railfanning]

Actually, the Cascades are supposed to be getting two hybrid locomotives along with its Airo order.

The two new locomotives for Cascades are actually diesel SC-44s to supplement the existing fleet. No hybrid power is involved.

 

[jis]

Actually, the Cascades are supposed to be getting two hybrid locomotives along with its Airo order.

No. They have ordered two straight diesels. They may be ALC42s instead of SC44s. But no E.

https://www.theurbanist.org/2022/12...eils-future-airo-trainsets-launching-in-2026/

 

[Harmon Shay]

I've heard that rumor float around too, with the potential to keep them in Oregon (since they are ODOT assets) with a cross platform transfer for the runs they are utilized in. Time will tell of course, but it wouldn't hurt to keep them around in some capacity to have more trainsets available.

That said, a refurbishment at any level wouldn't hurt since they appear to be untouched since 2013 and its showing.

Keeping things Airo, I'm glad the Airo Maintenance Facility was announced for Seattle finally, as the similar Philly one just broke ground.

The Talgo maintenance facility would have to be moved from Seattle, though. That could be a prohibitive expense.

 

[ST Saint]

The Talgo maintenance facility would have to be moved from Seattle, though. That could be a prohibitive expense.

Ehh, I think they'd still be maintained up in Seattle even if they were kept Oregon primarily. They definitely aren't going to build anything specific to Talgos for two remaining sets.

 

[Steve4031]

I wonder why the Airo maintenance base will be in Philadelphia. Wouldn't having it in Washington, D.C., or Boston make sense? Not many trains originate or terminate in Philadelphia.

 

[Goldspike_Railfanning]

I wonder why the Airo maintenance base will be in Philadelphia. Wouldn't having it in Washington, D.C., or Boston make sense? Not many trains originate or terminate in Philadelphia.

Not sure; however, both yards that you mentioned are still two of the five yards (not including Philadelphia) expected to receive upgrades to handle the Airo train sets, which will probably include some sort of maintenance facility since Seattle is also one of the yards.

The Keystones are a fair point too.

 

[ST Saint]

I wonder why the Airo maintenance base will be in Philadelphia. Wouldn't having it in Washington, D.C., or Boston make sense? Not many trains originate or terminate in Philadelphia.

My guess is more room to work with first, then not having it in Boston allows it to be utilized by Keystones and other south of DC services that go up to NYC.

 

[Steve4031]

I forgot about the keystones. That makes sense to me. Thank you.

 

[PaTrainFan]

The Keystones are a fair point too.

But, they still originate in NY.

 

[Goldspike_Railfanning]

But, they still originate in NY.

Amtrak probably has their reasons whatever the case. At least some of the other yards are still getting upgrades for Airo.

 

[Steve4031]

In one way, it would make sense to have a facility in Philadelphia. Trains serviced in Philadelphia could start the day heading west to Harrisburg and get an early round trip to Harrisburg and back. Or maybe that trainset could continue west to Pittsburg to get an extra roundtrip on that route.

 

[jis]

I could be mistaken but I thought that the Race Street shops are meant to be heavy maintenance shops rather than overnight servicing facility.

 

[Goldspike_Railfanning]

No. They have ordered two straight diesels. They may be ALC42s instead of SC44s. But no E.

https://www.theurbanist.org/2022/12...eils-future-airo-trainsets-launching-in-2026/

Confirmed to be new SC-44s, courtesy of WorldwideRailfan.

 

[ST Saint]

A whole bunch of updates here including a bunch of Cascades Airo Sets (and locomotives) in progress: