Stadler is building both EMUs and a Bi-Mode Multiple Unit version of the Flirt for Abellio Greater Anglia in the UK, with high level boarding at 36 inches (915 mm) while the standard in the US is 48 inches (1,219 mm), so Stadler would have some experience with adapting the Flirt for high level platforms.
I don't know, but I lean toward not thinking so. I'm pretty sure that high voltage cables are allowed between semi-permanently coupled cars in a married pair, like the A and B cars of an M8 as it looks from every pic I can find that M8 pairs run with only one pan up per pair. I can't see why a 6-car train would be significantly different.
I’m not saying it can’t be done for a price. However, a platform height of four feet is higher than the end raised platform on a typical current FLIRT at around 44” to 46”. https://wwwstadlerrailcom-live-01e96f7.s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/filer_public/1c/11/1c116727-4cdc-4adc-b34e-cf9d7bed1d1b/f3vd0716e.pdf and https://wwwstadlerrailcom-live-01e96f7.s3-eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/filer_public/f8/54/f8545b2a-4d48-463b-a994-5921cf0fa0ac/f3nsreiz0715e.pdf . The FLIRT UK is a special model and not a typical continental FLIRT. The interior mock-up of the Greater Anglia train does indicate that only a short ramp is needed between levels indicating a raised center floor compared to the typical FLIRT.
Yeah and I am sure a few other things too. Nothing in Engineering is all about just one thing. Something that I have learned in a 40 year career as an Engineer of sorts, not of the locmotive driving kind.
And the weight on said axles to provide sufficient adhesion. The shape of the wheel tire and flange relative to the shape of the rail head, and on and on....
The 750hp derated engines on the Class 800s are apparently being rerated to the same 940hp as the 802s. They are the same engines on both classes. The lower rating was certainly tied to the assumption that the Class 800s would be under catenary for a higher percentage of the time, but they are running a lot on diesel. A lower rating typically increases engine life, reduces breakdowns... Fundamentally, it is probably the cutback in electrification of many lines in the UK that is the main culprit.
Of course, trains split and join and add and drop cars all the time in Europe, still... but those which do this also have fully automatic couplers. It makes it much quicker and more straightforward. I don't think anyone would do it if they had to do the futzing about with hoses which Amtrak currently does.There was a time when a lot of so called through and sectional carriages were shuffled among trains. That is not done any more. Where sections of the same train head to different locations, entire consists are hived off. In general most trains run in pretty much fixed consists. So the flexibility of individual cars has become more or less irrelevant. Removing cars to handle servicing needs or fixing defects is the only remaining issue, and most railroads are choosing to improve overall reliability of equipment by using more sophisticated maintenance methodologies so that they can use the easier to manage fixed consists to provide service. At least that is the trend in the really heavy passenger rail usage countries. I think Anderson is looking at those. I have no idea what will actually happen in the US where of course we all know that even the Laws of Physics are exceptionally different
Note regarding the pricing model.
I was thinking standardization too. Though I would not want to see it, but VLIIs on western trains is a possibility.
Yeah, I don't see any way, short term or long term, that Viewliners would work to replace the Superliners. The trains would have to be significantly longer, they would have to commission Viewliner coaches and SSLs. The cars just aren't conducive for western routes.
True, however I think they'd probably have need to add a second row of windows and some seats across from where the kitchen currently is, since that's currently just an aisle with one row of windows. I bet they'd also want to open up and shrink the kitchen area bit for easier use as a snack bar, as well as to increase lounge space.
