by FCM2829
Does anybody know who supplies parts for Amfleet cars? Does Amtrak make their own when needed? Does Bombardier hold the patents on this fleet? Is there any relationship between Amtrak and Bombardier for this need?
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EricL wrote:pretty much all sheet metal and plumbing work is done in house, with easily available parts/material... same goes for most interior furnishings. Now, I don't know what they do about "custom" parts like the fiberglass shells for the bathrooms. Overall, there are more "off the shelf" parts available from vendors than you might expect. This is because said vendors also deal with commuter and even freight railroads. Everything from sliding end doors, to air brake components, to toilets (both blue water and vacuum models), to locomotive cab heaters... lots of this stuff can be bought more or less in one piece, ready to go. When stock parts can't be had, and specialty suppliers aren't available, then their choices are to either (a) fabricate from scratch, or (b) create some combination of stock parts and proprietary modifications, in order to make things work.Does Amtrak fabricate new bogies for the Amfleet cars from scratch, assemble them from spares, or buy new ones "off the shelf"?
TheOneKEA wrote: Does Amtrak fabricate new bogies for the Amfleet cars from scratch, assemble them from spares, or buy new ones "off the shelf"?Admittedly this isn't my department, but I don't know that brand new A-1 truck/bogie frames are even made at all anymore? Amtrak doesn't have its own forge, at least as far as I know! From my very limited knowledge of the Bear shops, it seems to me that their truck work is focused upon rebuilding existing. They certainly do have an impressive warehouse of parts, and this shop's labor force is easily capable of rebuilding an Amfleet truck from the frame up - assuming everything is in stock
R36 Combine Coach wrote:The Pioneer IIIs are no longer available new, but the St. Louis Car-GSI 70 series trucks might still be available. The Comet Vs still had them new, but the Multilevels now use a heavier outboard truck.It is generally considered Taboo to switch the trucks of a passenger car to one of a different design. I've heard attempting such a feat causes more problems than it fixes as the cars are designed with a certain truck in mind. That's why the Heritage fleet is still equipped with its 1950's swing-hanger trucks.
Jersey_Mike wrote: It is generally considered Taboo to switch the trucks of a passenger car to one of a different design. I've heard attempting such a feat causes more problems than it fixes as the cars are designed with a certain truck in mind. That's why the Heritage fleet is still equipped with its 1950's swing-hanger trucks.Yes, but there have been exceptions to this idea over time.
Enough P-III trucks became available on the used market when the LIRR and MNRR M-1's were scrapped. That freed up close to 2000 truck assemblies. PATCO bought a bunch and I am sure Amtrak topped up its supply as well.
jhdeasy wrote: Do the Amfleet trucks contain any large forgings?Not sure...what does it look like to you?
Jersey_Mike wrote: It is generally considered Taboo to switch the trucks of a passenger car to one of a different design. I've heard attempting such a feat causes more problems than it fixes as the cars are designed with a certain truck in mind. That's why the Heritage fleet is still equipped with its 1950's swing-hanger trucks.Maybe so, but isn't that essentially what Budd did by going from the Metroliner's outboard bearing trucks (still found on the cab cars) to the Pioneer trucks?