38 replies to this topic

[gswager]

I've posted my train trip report on OTOC website.

Also, I saw Colorado Railcar at ABQ trainyard. Will post picture later.

[Amfleet]

Nice report. B)

[Bill Haithcoat]

Good report, Gswager. That route has a long tradition of good service...looks like you found things in good shape for that trip.

[Viewliner]

Good report glad to see you enjoyed your trip for the most part.

[Bill Haithcoat]

Two questions, gswager. One, the Albuquerque station burned (to the ground,I thhnk) several years ago....What kind of facility is there now? Secondly, the the local native Americans used to sell their wares at the station during the relatively long statin stops. Did you notice if that is still happening?

[gswager]

Yeah, I vaguely remember that one, but I'm not exactly sure if it is north or south side of Amtrak passenger building (waiting, ticketing, & baggage). If it is south side, then it has a office trailer for Amtrak business. If it is north side, it is a brand new city bus station (bigger than station).

Alvadero Transportation Phase I is completed (for city buses), and want to start working on Phase II for Greyhound and Amtrak. Problem with the Amtrak part is Amtrak don't want to pay for fuel station due to its financial crunch. Albuquerque has to renegogiate with Amtrak about it.

For local native Americans wares, yes, they still do at the platform and by the station.

[AlanB]

Two questions, gswager. One, the Albuquerque station burned (to the ground,I thhnk) several years ago....What kind of facility is there now?

Bill,

You can check out this article from NCI's Destination Freedom Newsletter for more on the current status of Albuguerque's new station.

[gswager]

Finally, I've posted two pictures on my trip

[Bill Haithcoat]

I enjoyed your report. I enjoy that train and I also enjoyed Albuquerque, the one time I actually visited it a fefw years ago(as opposed to just passing through onthe train).

[Bill Haithcoat]

Gswager, tell us more about this Colorado railrcar. What is it? Where does it go? How long has it been around? Was it built for that service originally or is it a rebuild from something else?

[AlanB]

Bill,

This is a relatively new car, in fact it seems to me that it was first announced over the summer. This is a self propelled DMU unit and is being marketed as the answer for commuter railroads. The cars can be built in either single or double level configurations. While I don't know in New Jersey is actually looking at them with interest, one of these cars is currently in NJ for demo runs and displays.

You can read more about the cars and their specs, in addition to some nice pictures at the company website located here.

[Viewliner]

It is a nice trip report. Alan, any idea on what NJ Transit lines specifically have the dmu running/or displayed?

[AlanB]

New Jersey Transit's reluctance notwithstanding, diesel multiple-unit (DMU) trains will get their test runs in this week in Bergen County, courtesy of the county, New York, Susquehanna & Western Railroad, Colorado Railcar Manufacturing LLC -- and NJ-ARP.

Bergen County will welcome local and state political officials, local media, and select local residents to view, tour, and discuss Colorado Railcar's prototype DMU car Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th; Friday's agenda includes a test run from Hackensack (and possibly Bogota) to Hawthorne (in neighboring Passaic County).

The DMU will also be on public display in Hackensack Saturday, Oct. 12, coinciding with an annual city festival. Prior to the day's events, NJ-ARP members registered for the group's annual meeting will get their own tour of the Colorado Railcar prototype. NJ-ARP members: Bring your questions and concerns with you!

Viewliner,

You can read the full story from NJ ARP here.

[Superliner Diner]

The Colorado Railcar prototype is on display on Saturday 10/12 in Hackensack, and is reportedly supposed to be somewhere else on NJ TRANSIT property in static display on Monday the 14th. Nobody is saying defintively where it might be, but Newark Penn Station has been speculated. Note that the 14th is Columbus Day, so some may be off work or school and available to go see it.

[AlanB]

The Colorado Railcar prototype is on display on Saturday 10/12 in Hackensack, and is reportedly supposed to be somewhere else on NJ TRANSIT property in static display on Monday the 14th. Nobody is saying defintively where it might be, but Newark Penn Station has been speculated. Note that the 14th is Columbus Day, so some may be off work or school and available to go see it.

Isn't Newark's Penn station Amtrak property?

Now Hoboken would be a good place for it to be on display.

[gswager]

I haven't heard or read news about CO Railcar within New Mexico, so I assumed it is overnight stop or something like that.

Denver was very interested about it for its commuter track.

AlanB is right about it, it just came out of factory for display.

[Viewliner]

The Colorado Railcar prototype is on display on Saturday 10/12 in Hackensack, and is reportedly supposed to be somewhere else on NJ TRANSIT property in static display on Monday the 14th.  Nobody is saying defintively where it might be, but Newark Penn Station has been speculated.  Note that the 14th is Columbus Day, so some may be off work or school and available to go see it.

Isn't Newark's Penn station Amtrak property?

Now Hoboken would be a good place for it to be on display.

I agree, Hoboken would be a good place, because all the lines (except the Atlantic City, NEC via connection) have access to it. I don't have the 14th off, so it looks like Sunday would be my best chance, although that probably won't happen. I think NJ Transit could use some new Electric MU's.

Also heres a thought, too bad nobody has come up with the technology for diesel-electric locomotives that can run off of the catenary wires.

[Amfleet]

Miami Jos has told us that Colorodo Rail Man. desgns and builds poor equipment. The same company built the Florida Fun Train which he worked on.

[gswager]

Miami Jos has told us that Colorodo Rail Man. desgns and builds poor equipment. The same company built the Florida Fun Train which he worked on.

Is it referring to double deck? Has CO Railcar making any improvements?

Please specify on what problems that Florida Fun Train occurred with CO Railcar.

[Amfleet]

I remember Joe metioning the biggest design flaw was the coupler hight was way off. Also the cars were built with numerous electirical problems I believe.