National Train Day At L.A.

[jackal]

UP genset switcher

What's a genset switcher?

"Tree Hugger" switcher. Get it?

No? The batteries inside the locomotive power the wheels. When the batteries are low, the generator kick in to charge it up.

Actually, that's a hybrid locomotive, which is also in development:

http://ge.ecomagination.com/site/products/hybr.html

A genset is actually a locomotive that uses several (usually three, IIRC) smaller engines (something you'd find in a semi truck or Caterpillar and actually often made by Cummins or Caterpillar) instead of one gargantuan prime mover. Locomotives used in switching rarely require their full power output, so a genset allows greater efficiency by only running what is needed and not having the friction and fuel usage of keeping a much larger engine in operation all the time.

http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/attachments/m..._kit/genset.pdf

http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/releases/envi...0522_iden.shtml

http://www.trainweb.org/gensets/railpower.html

Gensets appear to be winning over the hybrids because of their lower cost and their reduced maintenance costs compared to replacing batteries. Still, you'd think with all of the starting up and slowing down involved in switching, a hybrid would win out. Time will tell.

 

[ScottC4746]

Patrick, Alice and I had a grand day at LAUS. In addition to the hardware on the display, the Harvey House restaurant wing of the station was open (no longer a restaurant, but still a glorious space), there was a large N-gauge (oxymoron?) pike operating, and more. It seemed like a large turnout beyond the normal daily passenger load.
My impression is that it was successful from Amtrak's perspective, too. When I was touring the Superliner consist, I heard others comment in surprise at how nice the amenities were ("I thought only Europe had nice trains!"), and I heard some conversations about taking a first train trip. The sample lunches and dinners laid out in the diner seemed to especially impress people. (Guess we're just a jaded bunch here at AU).

I could have earned a nice second-income by getting a commission from all the people I helped at the Metrolink ticket vending machines. They seem to befuddle people. I also chimed in once or twice to answer questions during the consist walk-through ("The roomette has a small closet [unlatch closet door] here. There are racks downstairs for your luggage.").

I'm sure Patrick will give a full report, but I wanted to offer a couple of quick observations. Thanks to Patrick and Alice for their wonderful company.

Yes I agree with the conversations. I heard many people on the Amtrak cars say they would love to take a trip. The Pacific Parlor Car was beautiful and the Amtrak Staff on the car announced the age and that the star things (forgot exactly what he called them) that look like a light shield with holes punched in them, were original from 1952 (I think) as was the car. I think Amtrak will have an increase in Coast Starlight bookings now.

 

[WhoozOn1st]

I'm sure Patrick will give a full report

Well, sort of. Too busy and lazy (not necessarily in that order) for a full-blown written rant, but here's the completed and comprehensively captioned Picasa album, National Train Day L.A. 2009, which I hope does a pretty good job of telling the tale.

A couple more Santa Fe 3751 videos to be uploaded later, but right now it's time to get out, about, and do some light rail riding. Never been to the end of the Green Line at Redondo Beach, need to do some advance scouting out there for this summer's OTOL RailFest here at L.A., and today's as good a day as any to get that done.

 

[WhoozOn1st]

Already posted the video of Santa Fe 3751 beginning respotting from LAUS track 10A to track 12 for National Train Day L.A. display following the departure of Coast Starlight train 14 from track 12. That was actually the last one, so here are all three, in order of occurrence:

.

 

[gswager]

UP genset switcher

What's a genset switcher?

"Tree Hugger" switcher. Get it?

No? The batteries inside the locomotive power the wheels. When the batteries are low, the generator kick in to charge it up.

Actually, that's a hybrid locomotive, which is also in development:

Whoops! Thanks for clarify!