All things Pennsylvanian AND Keystone West

rcthompson04 wrote: ↑Tue Oct 24, 2023 9:50 am

NortheastTrainMan wrote: ↑Mon Oct 23, 2023 8:29 pm Also, how was it done when engine swaps were more common? Like when Keystones regularly used diesel on the Keystone Corridor? Same / similar process?

I don't think I have seen a diesel on a Keystone in a decade other than as a rescue, a precaution for inclement weather or once functioning as a control car.

I was referring to the late 1980s into the early 2000s, pre-Keystone Corridor upgrades when Amtrak was experiencing electric locomotive issues & shortages. Back then, if I'm not mistaken, it was common to see diesels pulling Keystone trains.

This TrainOrders thread from 2001 speaks about it: https://www.trainorders.com/discussion/ ... p?4,506003

Another from Wikipedia. I know it's not 100% reliable, but it can work.
"Before the introduction of Acela electric high-speed service over the Northeast Corridor, and after facing a shortage of electric locomotives (both E60 and AEM-7 models), Amtrak used GE Genesis diesel locomotives between Harrisburg and Philadelphia, with an engine change to an electric (usually AEM-7) locomotive at 30th Street Station. Due to the slower schedules combined with higher ticket prices and competition from SEPTA, ridership declined."
- Wikipedia / https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keystone_Corridor

Lastly one from Trains Magazine forums, it also speaks on select trains using the NEC south of Philadelphia: https://cs.trains.com/trn/f/743/t/164012.aspx

"It just depends. At times when there was a shortage of electric motors AMTRAK changed all trains that O & D south of WASH and the Pennsylvanian, Braoadway, Keystone trains at PHL saving about 7 - 8 motors. Also when the New Haven - BOS CAT was finished for a time some trains continued to go diesel northeast of New Haven until all motors were operational. Remember the problems with the E-60s and HHP-8s that sideline them many days causing a very low availability."

The cafe cars are used when there's a cab car shortage because the cafe cars have the Wi-Fi router like the cab cars. Without one or the other the wifi will not work.

I thought about posting this in the Unique Sightings thread, but I wasn't sure if was "Unique" enough for it.
Anyways, last week on Nov 15, 2023, I rode Amtrak Pennsylvanian 42 to New York.

When I boarded in Philadelphia, I saw what appeared to be 3 ACS-64 locomotives on the head end. But since I wanted a seat and I didn't want to stand so close to employees handling the engine change (I'm a supporter of personal space), I boarded the train.

When we got to NY Penn. I decided to take a look. Lo & Behold, there were THREE ACS-64s leading the train. I couldn't believe it. I never rode a triple header before, and they're rare to see in revenue service on the Northeast Corridor.

The engineer mentioned that one of the locomotives was dead in tow.
Never a dull moment on my rail travels.
Anyways, you can check out my video of it here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf-2TFoGVgQ

That is fascinating. That seems like an easy way to move equipment back to Sunnyside if there is an issue. You only need one engineer to accomplish two tasks.

2 active units would probably make up drag of third unit. Does the electrical system CAT have enough amperage available to handle 2 units pulling full power?

Have any PENNSYLVANIAN or KEYSTONE trains carried an extra coach this week?
Andy

twropr wrote: ↑Fri Nov 24, 2023 4:21 pm Have any PENNSYLVANIAN or KEYSTONE trains carried an extra coach this week?
Andy

No