What If Amtrak Had Bought the ALP-46 and Beefed It Up?

[Fan Railer]

This could be a likely result: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY0qxDWV_xE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Pulling from these two previous threads,
http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopi ... 0&start=90" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.ph ... 6&start=15" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;,
and the recent completion of the NJT version of the ALP-46, I present to you a repainted ALP-46 with full custom Amtrak Livery (AEM-7, HHP-8, AND ACS-64 hybridized design) for OpenBVE and assorted consists to operate it with, including Surfliner trains and Amfleet trains. (More info below download links)

Openbve info: http://obts.wikia.com/wiki/OBTS_Wiki" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Download the train pack here: http://www.mediafire.com/download/y4qi4 ... k_V1.0.rar" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
To install, simply drag the folder named Amtrak ALP-46 from the zip file to your pre-existing ALP-46 folder.
The original ALP-46 Pack V1.0 is here: http://www.mediafire.com/download/7hdac ... Train_Pack_(Complete_Exteriors" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)_V1.0.rar
Some routes to run it on:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/27112 ... n_Pack.rar" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.mediafire.com/download/9r6tf ... e_Pack.rar" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.mediafire.com/download/979jh ... s_Pack.rar" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.bveklub.hu/sellye-pecs/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.mediafire.com/download/nq3wg ... lyomvar.gz" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.trainsimstuff.org/network-west-midlands" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.bvefrance.fr/projets-francophones/ltsj" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I tweaked the operating specifications to suite Amtrak's needs for high power and performance (Note the advanced wheel slip control system at 35:55 in the video):
Power system: 25 kV / 60 Hz ; 12kV / 25Hz ; 12.5 kV / 60 Hz
Axles arrangement: Bo'Bo'
Service weight: 100 t
Starting tractive effort: 325 kN
Continuous tractive effort: 260 kN @ 89 km/h ; 115 kN @ 201 km/h
Braking effort: 240 kN @ 96 km/h - 4 km/h
Rated power (Max): 6400 kW
Rated power (Continuous): 6000 kW
Brake power (Continuous): 6000 kW
Allowed top speed: 201 km/h
Designed overspeed: 217 km/h
Gauge: 1435 mm
Length between couplers: 19900 mm
Distance Between Bogie Center: 10950 mm
Bogie Wheel Base: 2650 mm
Vehicle Width: 2950 mm
Wheel Diameter (New): 1118 mm
Height (Over Pantograph): 4489 mm

Be sure to refer to the operating tips provided in each individual train's info file. Enjoy =)

[DutchRailnut]

Don't you get it ???
Amtrak will not buy Bombardier products, so no "would have should have could have"

[george matthews]

Don't you get it ???
Amtrak will not buy Bombardier products, so no "would have should have could have"

What is their objection to this company?

[ST214]

One word.....Acela.

[george matthews]

One word.....Acela.

Is that an answer to my question? What is their objection to Acela? Presumably Bombardier followed Amtrak's specifications. I agree that from the point of view of railways outside the US Acela is too heavy and clunky. But is that Bombardier's fault?

[Gilbert B Norman]

It is always a wonder how any of these computer simulations present their landscapes in such a pristine condition. On my Microsoft Train Sim, you'd swear that the NEC runs through 'yonder fields of tasseled corn' rather than the gritty side of life as is the case, save some mileage through CT And MD.

Now regarding Amtrak relations with Bombardier, in a political world it is best to 'never say never', however, I'm willing to bet that only Bombardier submitted anything resembling a bid for the now-cancelled forty additional Acela cars. It could well have been a 'sucker bid' and Amtrak simply said (possibly wisely) forget it, opting to live with what they got for their remaining service life, then contract for 'what we really want'. But in the meantime, Acela has unquestionably established that there is demand for a higher speed, premium priced service within the Corridor and that there is public acceptance of the 'approaching Air Shuttle' fare level.

So far as Bombardier equipment, I've been on enough of their rail equipment, including Acela, over the years, flown on enough Bombardier aircraft, and even once was on a Snowmobile (once was enough, thank you). Hey, I'm here to tell you all about it.

[DutchRailnut]

Amtrak and Bombardier parted in ugly terms due to HHP problems and maintenance of Acela, Amtrak was forced to cancel maintenance contract and assume all maintenance.
Amtrak openly stated not to want to deal with Bombardier anymore, now and in future.

[Patrick Boylan]

There were some days even Brutus and Caesar didn't get along, but they finally buried the hatchet, didn't they?

[morris&essex4ever]

I understand Amtrak's problems with the Acela and HHP's but the 46 has proven to be very reliable in the ~10 years it's been in service.

[Fan Railer]

Don't you get it ???
Amtrak will not buy Bombardier products, so no "would have should have could have"

You know, this is a simulation, where anything and everything is possible. Is is possible to share some inspired hard work and effort without you assuming something and turning it into a snipe fest?

[Jersey_Mike]

I understand Amtrak's problems with the Acela and HHP's but the 46 has proven to be very reliable in the ~10 years it's been in service.

It's called Game Theory. If Bombardier never suffers any ill effects for supplying a bad product then why should Bombardier or any other Amtrak vendor ever supply a good product? Amtrak is signaling to all its other vendors that if they mess around and sell Amtrak lemons then Amtrak will blacklist them.

[DutchRailnut]

and I may very well be, that Amtrak did buy the superior product, after all the EuroSprinter is one of most successful locomotives in Europe.

[Jersey_Mike]

and I may very well be, that Amtrak did buy the superior product, after all the EuroSprinter is one of most successful locomotives in Europe.

Things get lost in translation. The RTG Turboliners and BB 36000 class worked significantly better in France than in North America.

[DutchRailnut]

maybe, but the ALP-46 still does need to be beefed up to make it equal to ACS-64.
your two examples were killed in US by our great track conditions that equal European industrial track.

[Jersey_Mike]

maybe, but the ALP-46 still does need to be beefed up to make it equal to ACS-64.
your two examples were killed in US by our great track conditions that equal European industrial track.

You're one to point fingers Mr Metro North

Poor track conditions is an accepted part of the North American rail reality. Assuming that somehow the American public will support higher transportation taxes to improve the situation is wishful thinking at best.