CSXfoamer1997
OBS Chief
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2015
- Messages
- 575
Are there any plans for VIA Rail to purchase new equipment to replace the aging F40's and streamlined passenger cars?
Not that I'm aware of. Since they recently rebuilt the Park Cars and other "Prestige Class" Sleepers it seems they plan to keep them around.Are there any plans for VIA Rail to purchase new equipment to replace the aging F40's and streamlined passenger cars?
The problem is that's a very poor comparison - VIA and IP's diners are in far better condition than Amtrak's - Amtrak has run its diners far harder than VIA or IP ever have or will run their Budd diners - many of Amtrak's diners are literally becoming unsafe, even if refurbished, because the frames are literally that worn out. Some of the baggages were at risk of breaking their own backs if run too much more.Are there any plans for VIA Rail to purchase new equipment to replace the aging F40's and streamlined passenger cars?
I'm not sure what Amtrak is paying for the new Viewliner Diners but it would be interesting to compare the costs with a total refurbishment of the existing heritage diners.
Nothing in the world is a perfect comparison. But I can't imagine a closer comparison than Amtrak and VIA. Yes the apple tree is farther north, and the farmer may treat the apple tree better up there (although that may be an opinion... I'm not sure VIA is known for their amazing maintenance) but we are talking about Apples and Apples here, not Apples and Oranges.The problem is that's a very poor comparison - VIA and IP's diners are in far better condition than Amtrak's - Amtrak has run its diners far harder than VIA or IP ever have or will run their Budd diners - many of Amtrak's diners are literally becoming unsafe, even if refurbished, because the frames are literally that worn out. Some of the baggages were at risk of breaking their own backs if run too much more.Are there any plans for VIA Rail to purchase new equipment to replace the aging F40's and streamlined passenger cars?
I'm not sure what Amtrak is paying for the new Viewliner Diners but it would be interesting to compare the costs with a total refurbishment of the existing heritage diners.
Probably easier to start from scratch.The cars for the Canadian have a full day or more on each end for a layover.Your math doesn't add up. The fact that via runs the Canadian 3 times a week doesn't mean the diners aren't used daily (or as close to daily as Amtraks diners). Also the average speed of the Canadian is about the same as Amtrak outside of the corridor.
What I was suggesting was a total refurbishment which would take the frames of the heritage diners, and make them a brand new matching fleet. Similar to what NC did with the Piedmont heritage cars.
Very interesting! I wasn't aware of this. I wonder how much HP that CAT genset produces? The concept harkens back to when Amtrak replaced the original steam generators on the SDP40F's with Detroit Diesel HEP generators for the new HEP equipment...The newer GE 'Pooches' came already set up with auxiliary gensets...VIA recently completely rebuilt their F40 fleet so they're good for a few more years.
http://www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail/capital-investment/media-gallery/f40-overhaul
The units now have an independent HEP Generator that required reconstructing and enclosing the platform with a raised roof at the rear of the units. You can see it in these photos.
......and as originally constructed with a rear platform:
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