NE933
Conductor
First revealed in the most recent 'Amtrak Ink', as we get closer to the time (Sept. 2012, which is next month), interest is becoming sort of frenzied. On another rail website, the trainset with locomotives 2001 and 2003 is receiving special upgrading and care.
Yesterday while passing through Midway, some preparation in the form of work equipment being staged on the south side of the Corridor, where the single electrified track splits off towards Monmouth County, had I believe lots of spike removers (I think, it was hard to see even in daylight as we were flying!!). Just south of New Brunswick, in that maintanance yard where freshly made concrete ties are loaded, there were dozens of such loaded flatcars. Also, the God-awful Track 1 (NB local) has new rail lying on both sides, so I guess the long awaited fixing of Track 1 will come with the package of replacing all the turnouts and switches of Midway with new high speed switches on firm concrete.
Midway interlocking is near one of two easy curves in the 27 mile territory in which 165 mph speeds shall be tested. By now it's out of the bag that one of the test's purposes is to see the effects of passing trains on windows, given track spacing is closer than FRA's itchy factor. Expect the special Acela to be tested going past in opposite direction a Keystone trainset (running in typical push-pull, so as to observe the performance of in particular the front windows of the cab), along with NJT equipment. Unknown is whether other Viewliners will joint simply because the windows are identical to Amfleets I and II. Heritage Diners and baggages probably no, since they'll be out by the time revenue 160 mph is established, although one never knows.
I would expect to see a bunch of precast snap track switches for the interlockings very soon, so as to do a maintenance blitz on this crucial area.
Yesterday while passing through Midway, some preparation in the form of work equipment being staged on the south side of the Corridor, where the single electrified track splits off towards Monmouth County, had I believe lots of spike removers (I think, it was hard to see even in daylight as we were flying!!). Just south of New Brunswick, in that maintanance yard where freshly made concrete ties are loaded, there were dozens of such loaded flatcars. Also, the God-awful Track 1 (NB local) has new rail lying on both sides, so I guess the long awaited fixing of Track 1 will come with the package of replacing all the turnouts and switches of Midway with new high speed switches on firm concrete.
Midway interlocking is near one of two easy curves in the 27 mile territory in which 165 mph speeds shall be tested. By now it's out of the bag that one of the test's purposes is to see the effects of passing trains on windows, given track spacing is closer than FRA's itchy factor. Expect the special Acela to be tested going past in opposite direction a Keystone trainset (running in typical push-pull, so as to observe the performance of in particular the front windows of the cab), along with NJT equipment. Unknown is whether other Viewliners will joint simply because the windows are identical to Amfleets I and II. Heritage Diners and baggages probably no, since they'll be out by the time revenue 160 mph is established, although one never knows.
I would expect to see a bunch of precast snap track switches for the interlockings very soon, so as to do a maintenance blitz on this crucial area.