Amtrak Empire Service (New York State)

[mtuandrew]

I was looking at a picture of Central Warehouse today, and how it’s in the way of any practical route realignment out of Albany.

Here’s a thought: can Amtrak literally go through the building if necessary?

[Greg Moore]

Not really (the walls are like 3' think among other things) but I can't imagine any improvement that would require going through the building so it's sort of a moot point.

About the ONLY routing that might be nice and this would be more a local service issue, not an Amtrak one, would be to get a connection to the N-S tracks that run below that bridge that would provide some commuting options (this was explored like a decade ago, but local politics killed it.)

[hs3730]

Right now ALB needs more PARKING.
But that said, I think a decent developer could do well to build up some business in that area.

ALB's parking is surprisingly available; at around 4PM the day before Thanksgiving, the 2nd level of the garage had less than 10 cars including mine. As for the surface lots, Megabus customers are using a lot of B and A spaces. Perhaps asking them to chip in for a 2nd level above lot A or C, in exchange for letting them exclusively have lot B? Alternatively, the aerial gondola (if it ever gets off the ground, pun intended) will suddenly bring all the state government visitor lots (most of which have free weekend parking) within range.

As for business, they're trying with DeLaet's Landing, though once Rensselaer lost the casino bid the development plan shrunk to 1/10th the size. So far the most they've built is luxury apartments with a view of the Amtrak railyard (how long until the residents whine about all the idling)...

[Morning Zephyr]

On a fully sold out 284 this weekend, crowded with university spring break travelers, the crew rendered three (3!) of the tables in the Amcafe unusable by spreading their own gear and paperwork all over them. Of course, there's need for the conductor to have an "office," but one table is sufficient for that purpose. Why does the crew take two more tables than they need?

[Rockingham Racer]

Because they have no regard for passenger service needs?

[SRich]

Also posted in Brightline: http://railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.ph ... 9#p1497559" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Random question, as improvements to the corridor continue or are pondered, and Amtrak seeks to replace its Amfleet I’s:

The Brightline train sets are led by a variant of the Charger (SCB-40). NYS and Amtrak are looking to replace the P32’s with a modified SC-44 including third rail shoes (presumably over/under for all NYS roads).

Wouldn’t a modified Brightline set and business model be a good fit for Empire Service? Better yet, change providers to Brightline as an operator?

Amtrak would continue to operate the LD’s.

If Amtrak order Brightline sets, maybe the can semi permanent couple the sets and give each car its own shoes, to balance te powerload on the train. So under third rail 80 mph is possible?

[njtmnrrbuff]

It seems that there is probably enough crew members on an Empire Service train to only warrant them having one table in the cafe car.

It seems that Amtrak and NY State is working out a deal with buying a Charger that can both run on third rail and diesel power, which I think would be a nice idea. Sadly, many of the P32AC-DM units are wearing out. I'll miss hearing their engine sound but I look forward to seeing better things.

[hs3730]

Food service might be coming back:
Food Service on Albany-NYC trains

The gist is, they're considering adding food service into the NYS Budget, so we'll know in about 20 days. My suspicion is it's going to be one of the things that makes it in if legal weed happens, as I don't see any other miracle money coming in to pay for it.

[Rockingham Racer]

Probably not. We'll first need to study this.

[StLouSteve]

Here’s a heads up, current issue of Passenger Train Journal has cover and feature article on the development of the Empire Corridor. I’m looking forward to picking up a copy.

[gokeefe]

Food service might be coming back:
Food Service on Albany-NYC trains

Interesting development ... Beyond the statements of support by ESPA there's no factual basis given for why the effort may be successful this year. In my experience that's a potential indicator of off the record statements being given by decision makers, who may often be quoted on the record elsewhere in the same story.

[SYogurt]

I recently noticed the westbound Empire Service had two locomotives on it. Thought that was strange because it's only used one engine for a long time. The next day I was picking my sister up from the new station in Rochester and the #145 was coming back the other way on the eastbound Maple Leaf, again in tow behind another P42.

Is Amtrak beginning to doublehead these trains? Both had lashups of two P42s, which I also found interesting since most of the time they just run the dual modes the length of the route. You'd think if you were going to run two locomotives you'd have a dual mode on there to avoid the engine swap in Albany.

Just a coincidence that I saw this twice in such a short time?

[Railjunkie]

I recently noticed the westbound Empire Service had two locomotives on it. Thought that was strange because it's only used one engine for a long time. The next day I was picking my sister up from the new station in Rochester and the #145 was coming back the other way on the eastbound Maple Leaf, again in tow behind another P42.

Is Amtrak beginning to doublehead these trains? Both had lashups of two P42s, which I also found interesting since most of the time they just run the dual modes the length of the route. You'd think if you were going to run two locomotives you'd have a dual mode on there to avoid the engine swap in Albany.

Just a coincidence that I saw this twice in such a short time?

Not sure why the 145 made the round trip but its just a coincidence that you saw it twice. Normal consist for 280 series trains is a dual mode and 5 coaches 63/4 is a P42 and 5. There is no need to double head these trains, one dosent need 7000HP to move the train. Even if the train came in with a dual mode in the lead the 42 would be cut before leaving Albany no need for the extra HP. Fuel conservation is something they preach to us everyday.

[CharlieK]

I was looking at a picture of Central Warehouse today, and how it’s in the way of any practical route realignment out of Albany.

Here’s a thought: can Amtrak literally go through the building if necessary?

There are already tracks leading into the building.

[Backshophoss]

They are freight car clearance trackage to the loading docks,not high or wide enough for passenger equipment.