Viewliner order awarded to CAF USA

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So this is something that will mainly/only affect east-coast trains? If so, is there likely to be another order to replace the Superliners with more dual-level cars?
 
Do we have any idea when either the exterior or interior design of these new cars will be released? Now I'm itching to start hacking up some Walther's Viewliners to turn them into baggage cars!

Rob
 
So this is something that will mainly/only affect east-coast trains? If so, is there likely to be another order to replace the Superliners with more dual-level cars?
Yes, there will be an order to replace the Superliner Is, though that is not of highest priority right now.
 
from Amtrak, July 23, 2010:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 23, 2010

ATK-10-101

Contact: Media Relations

202 906.3860

AMTRAK BUYING 130 NEW PASSENGER RAIL CARS

To support long-distance train service

$298.1 million contract creates 575 jobs in Elmira, N.Y.

WASHINGTON – Amtrak is implementing the first step in a long-term, comprehensive fleet renewal plan with the purchase of 130 new single-level rail cars to support its long-distance train services. The five-year, $298.1 million contract is being awarded to CAF USA which is creating 575 jobs to perform manufacturing and final assembly work at its plant in Elmira, N.Y. The first car is scheduled to roll off the assembly line in October 2012.

“This major equipment purchase demonstrates our strong belief in the future of intercity passenger rail in America and Amtrak’s leading role in meeting this critical national transportation need,” said President and CEO Joseph Boardman.

Thomas Carper, chairman of the Amtrak board of directors, added: “We are replacing and renewing our fleet to improve reliability of our operations, to meet passenger expectations for quality service and to be in a better position to handle the growing demand for more passenger rail service. Addressing Amtrak’s equipment need is long overdue.”

Boardman explained that the 130 single-level passenger rail cars are similar to the popular Viewliner model and includes 25 sleeping cars, 25 diners, 55 baggage cars and 25 baggage / dormitory cars for use primarily on long-distance trains. They will replace and supplement the existing fleet, improve financial and on-time performance, and foster a more modern, positive image of Amtrak. In addition, Amtrak can begin to retire some of its oldest cars still in service that date back to the 1940s and 1950s.

Passengers will experience many improvements with the new equipment including: modern interiors with better layouts; better lighting and more efficient air conditioning and heating systems; additional outlets to power personal electronic devices; bicycle racks in the baggage cars; as well as improved accessibility for passengers with disabilities.

CAF USA along with its parent company, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles of Beasain, Spain, is an experienced rail car manufacturer to the U.S. and world markets. CAF USA will manufacture the stainless steel car shells and perform final assembly of the cars at its Elmira, N.Y., facility where it currently produces transit rail equipment for several U.S. transit systems.

“This is a very exciting and pivotal moment in the history of CAF USA. As we move to consolidate our presence in the US, we view this contract as merely the first in what we hope will be many opportunities we will have to partner with Amtrak. We look forward to combining our maximum effort and expertise with the leadership and vision that the current administration has shown where passenger rail is concerned in the U.S.,” said Virginia Verdeja, CAF USA vice president.

The first year of the five-year contract will be paid for with $29.8 million from Amtrak’s current revenues which are running above budget estimates due, in part, to ridership that is on a record-breaking pace. Amtrak will seek to fund subsequent years of the contract with other sources such as loans or direct Congressional appropriations.

Furthermore, this equipment purchase is just the first step in Amtrak’s multiyear Fleet Strategy Plan to replace its entire fleet of passenger rail cars and locomotives over the next 30 years and help support the growth of a domestic rail manufacturing industry. Amtrak is currently reviewing bids to replace many of the electric locomotives used along the Northeast Corridor and may make a contract award yet this summer.
 
Do we have any idea when either the exterior or interior design of these new cars will be released? Now I'm itching to start hacking up some Walther's Viewliners to turn them into baggage cars!

Rob
Rumor has it that the design is very similar to the current Viewliners but the sinks and toilets have been removed from the roomettes. Whatever the design is, this is good news. Maybe if someone has the blueprint they can share it here. One hundred thirty cars is IMO a large order. Considering that the LSL, CS, SM, SS and CDL are only 7 or 8 car consists we must assume that some of these cars will be used on the NE regional runs.
 
Do we have any idea when either the exterior or interior design of these new cars will be released? Now I'm itching to start hacking up some Walther's Viewliners to turn them into baggage cars!

Rob
Rumor has it that the design is very similar to the current Viewliners but the sinks and toilets have been removed from the roomettes. Whatever the design is, this is good news. Maybe if someone has the blueprint they can share it here. One hundred thirty cars is IMO a large order. Considering that the LSL, CS, SM, SS and CDL are only 7 or 8 car consists we must assume that some of these cars will be used on the NE regional runs.
How did you reach that conclusion?
 
I'm dreamin of PPC cars!!!!
mosking.gif
 
... 25 sleeping cars, 25 diners, 55 baggage cars and 25 baggage / dormitory cars ...
Why is over a third of these baggage cars and not cars that passengers would use (over half if you count the baggage/dorms too)?
Because the the youngest baggage cars in the system are well over 50 years old and falling apart. They're desperately in need of replacement.
 
... 25 sleeping cars, 25 diners, 55 baggage cars and 25 baggage / dormitory cars ...
Why is over a third of these baggage cars and not cars that passengers would use (over half if you count the baggage/dorms too)?
Because the the youngest baggage cars in the system are well over 50 years old and falling apart. They're desperately in need of replacement.
Maybe, *gets down on his worn out knees and prays to the Train God* they will outfit the baggage cars with bike racks and ski racks?

What a concept eh? Just think, how difficult could that be? It's not like they are designed to roll in modular units pre-filled with passengers luggage or something. Racks for storage, racks for bikes, and racks for skis.

Oh well, I'll keep dreamin'
 
The only new passenger capacity is coming from the 25 sleeping cars and the 25 baggage/dorm cars (which will take the crew out of revenue space). The 55 baggage cars will replace the existing baggage cars on the Superliner trains (and some others). The dining cars will replace all the heritage diners, with a few extras.

Note that this order is being placed without having received the desired special funding. Amtrak gave up on getting the funding. The first (and smallest) year's cost is being paid out of normal revenue. The means of paying years 2 through 5 is a work in progress.
 
...Maybe, *gets down on his worn out knees and prays to the Train God* they will outfit the baggage cars with bike racks and ski racks?

What a concept eh? Just think, how difficult could that be? It's not like they are designed to roll in modular units pre-filled with passengers luggage or something. Racks for storage, racks for bikes, and racks for skis.

Oh well, I'll keep dreamin'
Not sure about ski racks, but there will be bike racks in the new baggage cars.
 
On the railroad.net, someone added up the number of trainsets and came to the number of 17 needed for the sleeper routes. 25 allows the addition of 1 sleeper per trainset with enough left over for maintenance/spares.

http://railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=72159#p831403 <- link to original post.

Also don't forget that the 55 baggage-only cars will also be used on Superliner trains as well, those are still single-level heritage fleet cars on the Superliner routes. I hope eventually, the Amfleets are replaced with 125mph-capable Viewliner coaches and lounges creating a more uniform fleet capable of 125mph running so the LDs don't tie up the NEC as much.

As for the company, I've got mixed feelings, it looks like they do trams, MUs, and are entering the high speed market, but we'll just have to trust Amtrak on their selection.
 
Oh Hell Yes! :excl: Finally Joe Boardman and the Board takes some bold action ! :wub: (read chances since political money is like dust, here today, gone with the wind tomorrow!)

I know the baggage cars and diners are almost as old as some of us, and replacing them is necessary but 25 Viewliners doesnt seem like enough with the current demand for sleepers on the single level trains! If you're gonna go bold go for it! They should have contracted for 50 sleepers IMO!25 Viewliners and 25 of the new Superliner IIIs! Hope the Aztecs were wrong! ;)
 
Glad to see this order has finally been placed. The baggage/dorm cars will free up capacity in existing sleepers. The existing baggage and dining cars have been run to death, so this will ensure the continuance of LD service. Adding bike racks to the baggage cars is also a good idea. The first cars are scheduled to run off the assembly line in 14-15 months. That seems pretty fast, but they will be building them based on existing designs. All in all some good news. Now let's get some new electric locomotives, cars for state-sponsored regional trains and a new breed of Superliners!
 
Finally!! OK, Joe, I am your top critic on here, but after reading this, I LOVE YOU!!

-rje
 
So is the relief simply that anything has been ordered or are these cars and/or supplier better than any car/supplier option available? Just trying to get a read on what is driving all the enthusiasm in response to this partially-funded release.
 
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