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The RFP was taken down a couple weeks ago, before the due date for proposals to be submitted.

MX

Envision what it could have been like, if they had exercised the option for the additional MP36 locomotives when they held it, then proceeded to upgrade the GP40MC fleet to QES-III microprocessors. Then they could have specified QES-III for the modernization of the 1025 and 1050 classes, and had thr...

There is a notice posted on the MBTA procurement website this afternoon that this RFP has been cancelled.

MX

So wiring hasn't contributed to the lack of reliability. Both the 1025 and the 1050 series units were built well into the era of exane control wiring. They were rung out and clean as of the 1999-2004 rebuild programs. I am only aware of one unit that had any surface wiring added to the harness to c...

I don't think anybody has submitted any bids yet. The MBTA procurement website indicates the bid deadlines have been extended into January.

MX

I read the RFP and it certainly has its conflicts. They want to get the units repaired and back into service in ten months each, but at the same time they throw in a requirement for a new microprocessor control system and a complete rewire. This in a fleet of units where the Dash-2 control system ha...

According to the FR Herald timeline published in 2009, the original cost of the ENTIRE project in 1991 was only supposed to be $136 million.

MX

The WBSM interview with Jean Fox was interesting but nothing really new. Possible budgeting for more "planning" and more public relations stuff about "clean electric locomotives" for New Bedford and Fall River service, with no explanation of how they are going to justify that in ...

Thanks D. I seldom participate in internet discussions any more, but I thought the WBSM discussion was quite interesting and worth mentioning.

MX

On WBSM radio today there was an extensive discussion of the pending commercial electric power crisis that is going to engulf Southeastern Massachusetts when Brayton Point and Pilgrim power plants are shut down in the next two years. This is anticipated to make the area even more toxic to business t...

Here is a perfect marketing partner:

http://www.allmenus.com/ca/san-francisc ... rant/menu/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

MX

The Flying Yankee is also worth discussing because there are many lessons to be learned from it that could help other groups do restoration projects properly.
That is of course provided that anybody doing preservation projects is really interesting in learning from it.

MX

Yes, in addition to the many statements that it was going to be "Amtrak Compliant", plus a half dozen or so successively set-back completion dates, all of which should be setting off alarm bells about the planning and viability of the project.

MX

Its age presently exempts it from the requirements but the group announced several years ago that they intended to make it a showcase for new technology. Presently that is Tier 4 but Tiers 5 and 6 are being developed and if by some chance the project does continue the available equipment when they g...

Don't even go there....... The unit is 80 years old. Standards have changed. Just the crash-worthiness of the unit is in question. And, it is single ended. The project is a disaster - maybe in 20 years, something will be done. The best thing is to stuff & mount it under cover, devise a realisti...