battalion51
Engineer
I've talked to some people over the past few weeks regarding Tri-Rail and the Colorado Railcar DMU project, and it doesn't look like Tri-Rail will recieve any powered cars. After testing the units it was determined because of the transmission (not having traction motors) that the units could not accelerate as quickly as the F-40's, and they were not suited for their operation. They do plan on recieveing Colorado Railcar Cab Cars and Coaches, but no powered units will be delivered, especially after the fire with the original DMU. No delivery date has been set for the new units, but a few have been tested within the past few weeks. Also note, this is not official, but it's the word on the street from some reliable sources.
Also, Tri-Rail 811 (former Amtrak 379) that spent some time with GO Transit is back from its trip to Boise. It, like the 810 (former AMTK 363), had the seperate HEP package installed. The unit has been back for a month or so and is running in regular service.
Tri-Rail has also begun running increased service during rush hours, with trains every twenty minutes in the morning southbound and every twenty northbound in the evenings. All trainsets are currently running with three cars and an F-40. There are currently 8 trainsets needed for the current schedule needs.
The GP49's that Tri-Rail purchased in 2002 from Norfolk Southern are expected to be back in the next few months. The units are currently in Kansas City being overhauled. The high hoods are being removed from the F End, and an HEP package is being installed. A few of Tri-Rail's oldest units (that are ex Conrail GP-40's) and also unreliable units will be retired when the GP-49's arrive.
The Double Track project is mostly complete, with the only stretch without Double Track between CP Whalen (just south of FTL) to NE Dania just south of the river. After my trip yesterday I really wish they had installed Cab Signals, because you lose a lot of time when you get stuck behind another train, which happens pretty frequently.
Also, Tri-Rail 811 (former Amtrak 379) that spent some time with GO Transit is back from its trip to Boise. It, like the 810 (former AMTK 363), had the seperate HEP package installed. The unit has been back for a month or so and is running in regular service.
Tri-Rail has also begun running increased service during rush hours, with trains every twenty minutes in the morning southbound and every twenty northbound in the evenings. All trainsets are currently running with three cars and an F-40. There are currently 8 trainsets needed for the current schedule needs.
The GP49's that Tri-Rail purchased in 2002 from Norfolk Southern are expected to be back in the next few months. The units are currently in Kansas City being overhauled. The high hoods are being removed from the F End, and an HEP package is being installed. A few of Tri-Rail's oldest units (that are ex Conrail GP-40's) and also unreliable units will be retired when the GP-49's arrive.
The Double Track project is mostly complete, with the only stretch without Double Track between CP Whalen (just south of FTL) to NE Dania just south of the river. After my trip yesterday I really wish they had installed Cab Signals, because you lose a lot of time when you get stuck behind another train, which happens pretty frequently.