Amtrak announces Siemens as preferred bidder for new equipment

[Andrew]

Will the fact that these new diesels will be Tier-IV compliant make any difference?

I wonder if Amtrak's Northeast Regional trains will use diesel Charger locomotives or dual-mode.

 

[Ryan]

There's no reason for regional trains that run completely under the wire to use anything than what they're using today.

 

[Andrew]

There's no reason for regional trains that run completely under the wire to use anything than what they're using today.

Ok, but I thought that Amtrak wanted to operate trains that did not require a locomotive change.

 

[Exvalley]

Redacted

 

[Ryan]

Ok, but I thought that Amtrak wanted to operate trains that did not require a locomotive change.

Trains that run completely under the wire can use an ACS-64 without a locomotive change.

 

[Andrew]

Trains that run completely under the wire can use an ACS-64 without a locomotive change.

Ok, but what for future Regional trains that operate off the NEC?

 

[jis]

Cost vs Time

Let’s stay with the simplest solution and have the train stop while change modes. Unless it proven technology someplace else? The K.I.S.S. rule is in effect.

Maybe you are not aware that the P32ACDMs already change mode on the fly. So to now stop being able to do so using brand spanking new power would be a step backwards.

As for the ALP45DPs, I am not sure whether there is any technical reason for them to be unable to change mode on the fly or it is just risk averse NJT who given a chance would happily stop running trains altogether to avoid risk

 

[Ryan]

Ok, but what for future Regional trains that operate off the NEC?

That's what we've spent the last two pages discussing.

 

[jis]

I wonder if Amtrak's Northeast Regional trains will use diesel Charger locomotives or dual-mode.

NE Regionals that run their entire route under the wire can continue to use ACS64s as power heads even with new train sets, if they are push pulls like the Railjets in Austria.

NE Regionals that go beyond electrified territory can use dual mode power heads thus not needing engine change at the end of the electrification point. Or they could change from electric to diesel power head at such points. Amtrak has expressed a desire to progress to the former, i.e. use dual mode power heads for Regional service that travel beyond the electrified territory.

Even with dual mode engines available, it is unlikely that LD trains will use them since it is kind of crazy to drag around an unused mode for a majority of ones journey while sacrificing power and adding weight, just to save 10 minutes at the mode change point.

 

[Andrew]

NE Regionals that run their entire route under the wire can continue to use ACS64s as power heads even with new train sets, if they are push pulls like the Railjets in Austria.

NE Regionals that go beyond electrified territory can use dual mode power heads thus not needing engine change at the end of the electrification point. Or they could change from electric to diesel power head at such points. Amtrak has expressed a desire to progress to the former, i.e. use dual mode power heads for Regional service that travel beyond the electrified territory.

Even with dual mode engines available, it is unlikely that LD trains will use them since it is kind of crazy to drag around an unused mode for a majority of ones journey while sacrificing power and adding weight, just to save 10 minutes at the mode change point.

Suppose that Amtrak does, in fact, use dual-mode Chargers for Regionals that operate into Virginia and Pittsburgh, etc. Would it make sense for Amtrak to also use a Sprinter locomotive--for a total of two locomotives-- while in electric territory to add horsepower?

 

[jis]

Suppose that Amtrak does, in fact, use dual-mode Chargers for Regionals that operate into Virginia and Pittsburgh, etc. Would it make sense for Amtrak to also use a Sprinter locomotive--for a total of two locomotives-- while in electric territory to add horsepower?

Depends. Ask that question again after they have published the technical specifications. We are way too far off into fantasy la la land at present to have a meaningful discussion of details.

 

[Palmetto]

Suppose that Amtrak does, in fact, use dual-mode Chargers for Regionals that operate into Virginia and Pittsburgh, etc. Would it make sense for Amtrak to also use a Sprinter locomotive--for a total of two locomotives-- while in electric territory to add horsepower?

I don't see the need for adding horsepower. I'd like to know why you're asking, though.

 

[SubwayNut]

Not much has changed. See the photo below at Croton-Harmon - not a P32 in sight.

View attachment 21849

The photos mine its from my Croton-Harmon page. Taken October 15, 2004. There probably a decent number of photos of the Lake Shore with the P42, that day around the internet, it was taken on Metro-North's Farewell to the ACMU fan trip that I went on.

 

[jiml]

The photos mine its from my Croton-Harmon page. Taken October 15, 2004. There probably a decent number of photos of the Lake Shore with the P42, that day around the internet, it was taken on Metro-North's Farewell to the ACMU fan trip that I went on.

I thought it might be you. Your pages are a valuable resource. I was just looking for a quick illustration of another post that indeed straight diesels go into NYP and that was a perfect example, despite its age. I think it happens more often than most will admit.

 

[Andrew]

I don't see the need for adding horsepower. I'd like to know why you're asking, though.

This way, Amtrak can still use the older Sprinter locomotives even if they order new locomotives.

 

[Ferroequinologist]

IF this was suppose to be posted elsewhere please remove.

https://media.amtrak.com/2021/04/amtrak-announces-siemens-as-preferred-bidder-for-new-equipment/
"
New Fleet will Improve Safety and Enhance Customer Experience

WASHINGTON – After a competitive procurement launched in January of 2019, Amtrak has identified California-based Siemens Mobility Inc. (Siemens) as the preferred bidder to manufacture a new fleet of 83 Intercity Trainsets (ICTs), which will provide dual power in many instances and modern rail amenities to better serve all Amtrak customers. The ICTs will operate on the Northeast Corridor, Palmetto and various state-supported routes and will replace the current Amfleet I, Metroliner cab and Cascades service fleets. Accompanying the contract to manufacture the trainsets will be a long-term service agreement for technical support, spares and material supply.

“This new state-of-the-art equipment will not only provide Amtrak customers with an enjoyable and efficient travel experience, it will also enable us to improve safety, increase passenger capacity and reduce carbon emissions,” said Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn.

Amtrak has targeted summer 2021 for contract execution and notice to proceed and will spend the time between now and then continuing negotiations with Siemens for this generational procurement.

"

Will we ever get new Superliners?

 

[Cal]

Will we ever get new Superliners?

The Superliners can't last forever, so the answer is probably yes. However I would think they would be similar to a European design

 

[Mailliw]

Short-term the Superliners will be refurbished. As for long term my guess is that they'll be replaced with single-level cars with a high likelihood Amtrak just orders more Venture Coach trainsets from Siemens. I'd love it this meant a 2nd frequency on LD routes to comesate for reduced capacity, but the feals like a pipe dream.

 

[Cal]

Short-term the Superliners will be refurbished. As for long term my guess is that they'll be replaced with single-level cars with a high likelihood Amtrak just orders more Venture Coach trainsets from Siemens. I'd love it this meant a 2nd frequency on LD routes to comesate for reduced capacity, but the feals like a pipe dream.

When the Superliners go I will miss them dearly. They are so impressive, I love the exterior look.

I also don't like the idea of the western's to go single level, although I understand why they should.

 

[Ryan]

I can't see Amtrak splitting their rolling stock again. After the debacle that was Viewliner production, I can't see that happening again, but a different single-level design fleet wide is my guess.

 

[railiner]

When the Superliners go I will miss them dearly. They are so impressive, I love the exterior look.

I also don't like the idea of the western's to go single level, although I understand why they should.

Agreed. The Superliner's have been around so long now, they are like an institution on transcontinental trains. It is almost hard to imagine departing Chicago for the west coast on a single level train, with not even a dome car...

 

[Bob Dylan]

Agreed. The Superliner's have been around so long now, they are like an institution on transcontinental trains. It is almost hard to imagine departing Chicago for the west coast on a single level train, with not even a dome car...

If Amtrak goes to All Single Level Equipment, as much as I like Dome and Sightseer Cars, true Lounge/Parlor type Cars would be something I'd like see return to all LD Trains!

 

[Cal]

If Amtrak goes to All Single Level Equipment, as much as I like Dome and Sightseer Cars, true Lounge/Parlor type Cars would be something I'd like see return to all LD Trains!

But what are the chances they'd actually return? Probably not too big.

 

[Bob Dylan]

But what are the chances they'd actually return? Probably not too big.

Unfortunately not under the current Administration! They're the ones taking the Sightseer Lounges off the Eagle and CONO and not returning them when LD Trains go back to Daily Departures!

 

[Mailliw]

Sadly we probably won't see Amtrak ordering anything like dome cars or Sighseer Lounges again. On the other hand we could easily see a parlor car type service in the form of a premium seated product like First Class on the Acela (reserved 2:1 seating, at seat service, etc).