Recent content by Jack Davis

It looks like the "Hydraulic" system for the ADA LIFT is ALL IN that 'door' unit. Now that's a piece of engineering! However, I'm thinking of the weight & stress put upon the hinges and the movable tubes that are part of the hydraulics. Kudos to the engineers! Regarding the 'outside steps' ~...

You brought up European manufacturers as being capable; correct but then shipping can be costly. Why aren't American manufacturers building what we need? Aren't there any left in America? Great Scott!

This is true but, the SUPERLINER cars are a big draw for many a traveler because they are double decked, high riding, high sight line rail cars. Single decked cars would certainly be easier to take care of, (no climbing up & down stairs) and no worries at low overhangs, (bridges, tunnels, etc.)...

What the heck is happening at Greyhound? That American icon started out with American ingenuity and backing. Now it's OWNED by a Scottish organization! How can that be? And do those Scotts know how to actually RUN a national bus line? It seems EVERYTIME a company is bought out, (if a service...

When I was in Bangor, I recall being at their airport and seeing the passenger plane; it was a very small aircraft, maybe a 10 passenger? Prop engines. Perhaps a plane like that would be out of place landing at Boston Airport, maybe not safe enough with all the big jets in & out of there.?

I feel your concern; years ago I was on vacation, flew to Boston and then took a Concord bus to Bangor, Maine, where I was going to get the car rental and continue to Ellsworth for a weeks stay. The Concord schedule made one stop along the route where snacks were served to the passengers! Wow...

Working up to Thanksgiving Eve, travel business is usually brisk. Then working up to Christmas and New Years, the same. Then in January the travel business drops way off. THAT'S when the cars should be pulled for refurbishment.

I wrote a 'piece' on here a few months ago supporting 'Wide Body' cars ~ twice as wide as the current fleet. But, I doubt if the powers that be will move in that direction. I suggested Siemens Corp as a viable builder, got a nice letter from AMTRAK headquarters indicating the many 'problems'...

All true.

I would think if that looooooooonnnnng train kept it's speed down (slow enough to count the cars) then it can STOP if necessary. BUT, where will it find a 'pull out siding' long enough to handle its length to allow another train to pass? In that case, NO. But, they're out there and 'somebody'...

Yes, it IS.

This baffles me: When the freight trains aren't running (i.e. on Thanksgiving for example) the AMTRAK trains were running on time. Now that the freight trains will not run, AMTRAK is 'afraid' to drive them on the tracks owned by the freight lines? AMTRAK will probably run 'on time' and that's...

The 'other' iconic ground transportation, Greyhound, is still running; maybe not as comfortable as the train but, they'll get you there.

After some 'dusting off' and replacing 'outed' windows and other items damaged by the derailment, I wouldn't be surprised that the Super-Liner cars involved will be back on the rails asap. Those cars make revenue but not when out of service. Now however, an overturned car where people were...