Consideration is being given to reactivating some Amtrak FL9 locomotives
stored in New Haven CT as Cab units, during Pennsylvania Station in NYC
more track work this summer, as Amtrak Empire Service Trains will be
diverted to Grand Central Station. This requires running through the Park
Avenue tunnels, which close clearances prohibit the use of side doors for
the engineer to exit in an emergency. The FL9s in New Haven have been
stored for at least 10 years and may have vandalism and theft Issues.
Seeing that the PAR1 and Par2 have nose doors and are in operating
condition, perhaps they might be considered for use. I am not knowledgeable
on speed limitations of the PAR units or what cab signal or other safety
equipment would be needed to be installed, They will not be under power,
as the Amtrak pool of Diesel/third rail equipment will supply the power.
The train set will have to be turned at both ends of their trip, There is a
"loop" track at GCT, although there have been questions as to whether it
is serviceable. Supposedly, the NYP work is a three month's project, so
PAR could cover the OCS with one of those newly painted GEs for a bit.