Apologies if this was already posted, but these are from the NGEC update from July 2019:
Looks like Siemens is delivering a quality product and that the new procurements are coming along nicely. Looking forward to seeing what the trainsets look like.
Amtrak Locomotive Procurement – 9-30-19:
On the Acela:
The Acela trainset 1 remains on schedule for TTCI testing in January 2020.
Trainset 2 is on track for NEC testing in March 2020
On the Charger Locomotive procurement:
It is on schedule – no major issues.
On the Trainset Procurement:
It remains on schedule for a November timeframe for bid submission.
Update: States and Amtrak – Charger Locomotive Experience as of 7-30-19:
Mid-West States Experience:
The Charger locomotives have been running for 2-years and are working well with all of the locomotives in service and only the normal “teething” issues occurring and being worked through.
One area that they are striving for improvement and are making improvements on is parts availability and field service. These issues are challenging but being worked out and improving.
There have been several vehicle strikes and debris strikes in the Mid-West, but the good news is that the Crash Energy Management (CEM) performed very well. The engineers were very satisfied with the safety of the cabs.
Overall, they are very pleased with the performance of the locomotives.
California Experience:
Caltrans reported on the average number of miles and engine hours for the locomotives in the various sections of the state where they are being used and noted that they are performing well.
There have been several debris strikes and Siemens and Amtrak are working on repairs.
Caltrans has exercised its option for continuing technical support with Siemens after the warranty has expired.
There have been some instances of ice build-up on the HVAC and they are working on determining the root cause.
Overall, the locomotives are performing very well.
Washington State Experience:
No report provided
Amtrak Experience:
Amtrak has held several meetings with Siemens on parts availability as “we continue to support the states” as our partners.
Amtrak is leasing a state unit to test in Long Distance service. Rolling Stock Engineers are on board to see how the locomotives perform in the hot days and high altitudes. The locomotive is in the trail, not lead, position on this test. So far it has performed extremely well. The intent is to also conduct a test in the winter weather to see how it fares. And they are working on resolving the snow ingestion issues that occurred last winter.
Looks like Siemens is delivering a quality product and that the new procurements are coming along nicely. Looking forward to seeing what the trainsets look like.
