Sleeping compartment

[oldtimer]

Is there a reason the sleeper cars on most long distance trains cannot be assigned a specific directional orientation, barring unforeseen circumstances? Seems like it wouldn't be that hard to figure out which way to build the train. Does Amtrak not have easy access to any turntables, wyes, or half-circle tracks?

I'm not sure that I would say that there is a specific physical reason, although there might be a few places where they couldn't easily wye, but rather I think that it comes down to costs and the fact that it's just a make work thing. It just simply requires too much time and effort to worry about which way the cars face. And that means increased costs too.

Plus every time you cut apart a train, you risk a possible accident. In the winter you risk a freeze up on all the cars; in the summer it could take several hours to cool the cars back down. Also during switching, all other work must stop on the train. All cleaners have to sit down and do nothing. Can't load food onto the train, can't load linen's on. All work stops! That can mean the train isn't ready for departure on time and again, it increases costs to have all those other workers basically twiddling their thumbs instead of working, while that switching is going on.

And frankly on most trains, it really doesn't matter which side your sleeper ends up on. Probably the biggest train where it makes a difference is the Coast Starlight. And even there, if you get the views of the Pacific Ocean, then you're not getting the best views of Mount Shasta.

How often does Amtrak typically rebuild their trains? Do they usually build their trains with staff sitting around on board? I figured this was something that was completed by yard staff during the intervening hours and only happened once every few weeks or months for inspection swaps and the occasional unplanned failure.

I couldn't say with any degree of accuracy, but it wouldn't surprise me to find that each LD train has at least 1 car per week swapped out. Oldtimer might be better able to give us a handle on this perhaps.

But between bad ordered cars, 92 day inspections, annual inspections I'd be very surprised if any consist remained intact for more than a month. Engines of course come on and off far more frequently.

Alan

It is a very rare day that a consist of a LD train into Chicago remains intact, probably 1 in 6 optimistically. for example 5 days a week at least 2 sometime 3 or even more superliners are taken out for periodic maintenance (92 day or yearly). This also means that replacements cars are put in and the change are not necessarily the same, IE coach and come out and a diner can return, or sleeper out and coach return. This requires yard moves.

If you are not familiar with railroad regulations under the Federal Railroad Administration NO MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT EMPLOYEES CAN WORK OR EVEN ENTER ANY RAIL EQUIPMENT WITHOUT BLUE SIGNAL PROTECTION. This requires that before any movement can take place on that track until the supervisor accounts for all employees under his charge. They must vacate the train or immediately be seated on that train and must stay seated until Blue Signal Protection is reapplied by the supervisor, Thus it brings work to a dead stop until the yard movement is completed. I have heard comments from OBS workers that when they get on the train the mechanical and coach cleaners are sitting around not doing anything. The OBS people are not covered by the Blue signal rules so they can work while the mechanical can't under threat of discipline from the company and personal fine from the FRA.

As far as bad order cars they too are cut out of consists and set over the the repair shop tracks for repair.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask as I have worked on a railroad from 1972 until 2008 and I am still considered an employee as I was medically disqualified and can return if I am physically able(NOT). Check my profile and read the about me page.