twropr wrote: ↑Sat Feb 03, 2024 4:42 pm
The ADIRONDACK and MAPLE LEAF generally change power at Albany-Rensselaer because the Canadians
are not qualified to maintain the dual mode P32AC-DMs.
Andy
Andy - NO. What is YOUR source for this misinformation?
VIA Rail Canada has their own P42 locomotives along with maintenance facilities in both Toronto and
Montreal - they maintain Amtrak's P42's as they have over time...The only difference is the third rail or
straight electric capability that the dual modes have which is a moot point not being used outside of
the New York City area anyway...I am looking forward for RJ to chime in on this specifically...
The MAIN reason for changing locomotives at Albany-Rensselaer is to keep the fleet of 20 Empire Service
dual mode P32's on the Hudson Line between ALB and NYP where they are needed the most whenever
it is possible...This was the same for the even-smaller FL9 fleet when they were in service...
Using an Amtrak timetable for mileages if these locomotives are used on Empire Service trains west of
Albany-Rensselaer: To Toronto would be 403 miles one way or 806 miles round trip. That locomotive
would go west late morning then overnight in Toronto and then return the next day in early evening -
provided that there are no delays or other complications that could occur during this period...
Even running to Niagara Falls - which is 320 miles one way or 640 miles round trip from ALB - takes
quite a bit of time along with an overnight turn - I believe that Amtrak is reluctant to have to send
the dual modes west of ALB unless it is necessary...
Montreal again would be another overnight turn - 241 miles one way or 482 miles round trip from
Albany - northbound early afternoon from ALB returning late afternoon the next day - still more
than 24 hours in total time of a dual mode unit not being available for service south of ALB...
Coming back to memory is a past situation concerning locomotive maintenance: Trains #63/#64
"The Maple Leaf" was the last stand for the F40PH locomotives before retirement between Albany-
Rensselaer and Toronto - with the main reason being VIA's capability to maintain them alongside
their own F40s at their Toronto Maintenance Centre...Must mention this in fairness...MACTRAXX
EXPRESS TRAIN TO NEW YORK PENN STATION-NO JAMAICA ON THIS TRAIN-PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING TRAIN DOORS