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Amtrak wrote:FREEPORT, MAINE – Amtrak and CSX, in partnership with the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), will install Positive Train Control (PTC), the technology capable of automatically controlling train speeds and movements, on more than 100 miles of track between Haverhill, Mass. and Brunswick, Maine. Amtrak is investing more than $50 million for the project and CSX is performing the work. Scheduled to be completed in Spring 2026, PTC will support the Amtrak Downeaster service and freight trains traveling on this route.Source: https://media.amtrak.com/2024/06/amtrak ... owneaster/
Amtrak Vice President State Supported Services Ray Lang: “Having our trains use PTC is one of the most significant things we can do to advance improvements related to our never-ending commitment to safety. We are proud to partner on this PTC project with CSX and NNEPRA, both of whom share the same high-level commitment to safety as Amtrak.”
About the project: This project will add signals, wayside units, and other safety enhancements to the track – all of which will be tied into CSX’s existing PTC system. The Design Phase was completed in March 2023, and the construction agreement between Amtrak and CSX was fully executed in November 2023. Amtrak is also funding the renewal of the entire signal system for this stretch of track, which is over 70 years old in some locations. The new signal system will provide greater reliability for passenger and freight trains.
The big picture: PTC systems that meet the standards set by the Federal Railroad Administration’s regulations are required to automatically prevent train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursion into an established work zone; and movement through a main line switch in the improper position.
Amtrak continues to work with partners throughout the industry to advance PTC on host infrastructure. These investments and improvements are part of Amtrak’s new era of passenger rail investing in safety, modern trains, enhanced stations, new tunnels and bridges, and other critical infrastructure upgrades.
MBTAVideoClips wrote: ↑Tue Jul 23, 2024 1:32 pm 145/90406?
108/85
markhb wrote: ↑Thu Jul 25, 2024 3:30 pm I assume those are current power / NPCU arrangements for 2 of the trainsets? I took 687 last night (my first time in the Horizon) and noticed that that train had an engine on each end, with the upshot that it was parked far out on the platform so the west end was clear of the Garden overhang.Of the 5 NPCU's assigned to the Downeaster, 3 are currently OOS. 1 is in Southampton for its 92-day and 2 are in Albany getting tree damage repair and cab signal upgrades.
So far as the Horizon car, it was fine for what I needed. I actually liked the leatherish seats better than the standard cars, but the table, at least the one in my spot, seemed to really crowd me when it was unfolded.
WCSH-6 wrote:NORTH BERWICK, Maine — An Amtrak train caught fire Monday morning in North Berwick.Source: https://www.newscentermaine.com/article ... 437df660ea
Emergency crews were able to contain the fire by about 11 a.m., and no injuries were reported.
. . .
Amtrak officials said the incident was caused by mechanical issues about 6 miles south of the Wells Station, and 132 passengers were on board at the time.
"Crews worked to restore power as quickly as possible, and the train is now back on the move continuing to Boston North Station," a spokesperson with the train service said in an email sent around just before 11:30 a.m. Monday.
Amtrak Northeast issued an alert around 10 a.m. noting a service disruption between Boston North Station (BON) and Brunswick, Maine (BRK).
Amtrak Northeast wrote:Service Disruption: As of 10:04 am ET, Due to equipment unavailability issues, Train 683 is now canceled between Boston North Station (BON) and Brunswick (BRK). We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience in advance. — Amtrak Northeast (@AmtrakNECAlerts) August 5, 2024
CSRR573 wrote: ↑Mon Aug 05, 2024 7:02 pm Long day for all the Downeasters. I took 684 out of Portland this am. Due to the loco fire and signal/crossing issues, we got into boston just after 5pm. Almost 3 hours late and all train since are very behindGot word that the loco fire was engine 108 (the 50 year Phase VI livery) and it was a turbo fire. Leaked photos say it's bad and 108 may be heading to Beach Grove for retirement.
Amtrak Vice President State Supported Services Ray Lang: “Having our trains use PTC is one of the most significant things we can do to advance improvements related to our never-ending commitment to safety. We are proud to partner on this PTC project with CSX and NNEPRA, both of whom share the same high-level commitment to safety as Amtrak.”
About the project: This project will add signals, wayside units, and other safety enhancements to the track – all of which will be tied into CSX’s existing PTC system. The Design Phase was completed in March 2023, and the construction agreement between Amtrak and CSX was fully executed in November 2023. Amtrak is also funding the renewal of the entire signal system for this stretch of track, which is over 70 years old in some locations. The new signal system will provide greater reliability for passenger and freight trains.
The big picture: PTC systems that meet the standards set by the Federal Railroad Administration’s regulations are required to automatically prevent train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursion into an established work zone; and movement through a main line switch in the improper position.
