yet no link to that RFP and the 18 car pull seems like a rail rumor to me, even with a upgraded ALP46a design that would be a tall order for a locomotive weighing in at around 100 tons.
I suppose with tail wind and all
I tried to get a copy but the individual annual subscription rate of $75 ($113 first class mail) stymied my enthusiasm. But the news seemed legit in general so I thought I'd share it giving full reference to the source, so that someone interested in spending the money can check it out.
Here is the text of the RFP from the
APTA website:
PURCHASE OF AC PROPULSION ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES
RFP# X-063-9168-001
INTRODUCTION:
Amtrak intends to issue a competitive Request for Proposal for a qualified vendor to provide the design, manufacture and delivery of twenty (20) Electric Locomotives with AC Propulsion (IGBT) technology, with an option for Amtrak to purchase up to an additional forty (40) electric locomotives. The locomotives will operate at revenue service speeds of 125 MPH on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor track between Boston and Washington, DC, as well as between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, using the existing traction power system and track infrastructure. (The maximum design speed is 135 MPH). The locomotives will be used as a general purpose passenger locomotive suitable for high speed, commuter, (including push-pull), and heavy long distance trains. The Electric Locomotives will provide sufficient horsepower to provide continuous 125 mph operation when used in a train consist of one (1) locomotive and eighteen (18) cars.
The anticipated dates for procurement and award of Request for Proposal #X-063-9168-001 are as follows:
TASKS: ANTICIPATED DATES:
Amtrak issues RFP Week of June 22, 2009
Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting July 20, 2009; 9:00 a.m., Amtrak, Philadelphia, PA
Due Date for submission of written proposals October 20, 2009
Oral Presentation from Short-Listed Companies Week of November 16, 2009
Contract Award Week of March 29, 2010
Notice to Proceed Week of May 3, 2010