Recent content by cuppb001

I do find it upsetting to see them retired so soon but 20 Years seems to be a standard life span for modern rail equipment including locomotives (Dash 8s). Look at the Acela fleet Amtrak is looking to retire. I have heard nothing about keeping the old trainsets for additional service or...

I live in Valdosta and not to be there bearer of bad news but any talk of a ATL-Macon-Valdosta-Jax train is not physically feasible. Norfolk Southern has the primary direct route and to say that route is congested with freight already is an understatement. Single track main, 30 minutes between...

I recently rode the SM from Jax-ORL-TPA (Thruway) I must say the train and the bus were very very well patronized. The demand is definitely there especially in the Florida marker.

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I saw an AD on trains for Wisconsin Great Northern offering an Wine and Cheese train that is using one of the recently retired/sold Pacific Parlour cars. Glad to hear at least one is continuing to live out the rest of its life in revenue/tourist service...

In good news I guess they are now safe from Scrap for now.

What about the stored Metroliners?  Sorry to keep bringing up old Amtrak junk but if there is a will there is a way.

Crazy idea but instead of selling off the surplus heritage diners in a pinch they could add some capacity by using the benches in the diners as unreserved seating.  Not ideal but in a pinch serviceable equipment.

I guess SEPTA kept them blue carded.  Typically when equipment gets retired it is towed with their replacement or diesel.  Cool to see an AEM-7 leading the consist.

Physically not mechanically how worn out were the Metra Highliners?  I know they lacked restrooms but could they have been viable candidates for trailer conversion with HEP?  I know commuter railroads in the past like SEPTA converted old power cars to trailers like Amtrak did with the metro...

I know that for a crew to operate a traditional train they must be qualified on the territory they are operating.  Its a time consuming process that cannot be done overnight.  How do the railroads handle the task when a steam locomotive is operating.  Are the steam crews qualified ahead of the...

I love the Amtrak smell. Whenever I notice it outside of Amtrak it reminds me of where I need to be.

Random question. Are the Windows on the Viewliners the same windows on Amfleet 1/2s? Amfleet 1 top Amfleet 2 bottom?

I find when flying that the airlines are fairly transparent about the planes being operated by another company. For example on the PA, thank you for choosing Delta Connection or SKY partner.

Have not seen this posted anywhere else and Moderators can move or merge this thread if necessary but if anyone is curious the entire fleet of Hi Levels that were privately owned are now for sale on Ozark Mountain. They have lots of pictures too for those of us that have never been in a Hi...

The rate of failure is getting surprisingly alarming. According to a multiple spread page in Trains magazine they showcased the life of an Amtrak P42 including regular engine change out and refurbishments.