DutchRailnut wrote: The F40 had a pathetic low HEP capacity and a fuel capacity to small for Amtrak service.
All these monday morning quarterback suggestions on "Amtrak should, Amtrak should" are made by people who never in their lifetime had to maintain or operate a locomotive.
The F40 was built to Amtrak's specifications. If it proved to be inadequate, who's fault was it? I believe Amtrak should look at itself.
As for the low HEP and fuel capacity, why does VIA continue to use F40s? Doesn't VIA have the same requirements as Amtrak? To add, VIA is refurbishing all its F40 locomotives again, years after Amtrak abandoned theirs.
Sure, I'm not an expert, but wouldn't anyone consider VIA equally as expert as Amtrak at operating and maintaining locomotives?
From my layman's point of view, VIA is more expert.
http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopi ... 59&t=32319
I believe it is always good for a company to compare its business practices with its competitors, it's equals. I believe it wouldn't hurt Amtrak to visit and copy some of VIA operating practices, because VIA often does more with far less money.