hallelujah!
According to the Mayan Long Count Calendar, we'll have about 2 months to enjoy them-hopefully they won't be falling apart by then :lol:Just in time for the end of the world!!
Rob
Yes, there will be an order to replace the Superliner Is, though that is not of highest priority right now.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?
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.
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
How did you reach that conclusion?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
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)?... 25 sleeping cars, 25 diners, 55 baggage cars and 25 baggage / dormitory cars ...
I'm dreaming of ATM machines and beef with au jus sauce.I'm dreamin of PPC cars!!!!
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.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)?... 25 sleeping cars, 25 diners, 55 baggage cars and 25 baggage / dormitory cars ...
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?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.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)?... 25 sleeping cars, 25 diners, 55 baggage cars and 25 baggage / dormitory cars ...
Not sure about ski racks, but there will be bike racks in the new baggage cars....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'
Enter your email address to join: