cle wrote: ↑Tue Aug 30, 2022 10:22 amSeparately, I would hope for wires one day - but New Haven to Springfield (and NYP-Albany, FFS!) need doing first.
ElectricTraction is a huge proponent of electrification, but even I can't see the justification for Worcester to Albany. Worcester to Boston needs to be electrified for MBTA, SPG-NHV is debatable, it's right on the line. I'd say do it, run EMU service to SPG, and require a connection but offer much more frequent service with a DMU pair to Northampton. With improvements to the station facilities in Worcester, this transfer could take the people under CSX, eliminating the crossover maneuver.
I'd also like to see extensive freight electrification, including the Cross-Harbor Tunnel to Fresh Pond, Oak Point, and Cedar Hill, West Shore Line on CSX, Albany to Chicago, and points south and west like Jacksonville, Waycross, LA, Seattle, and more, but even then I can't see the value of electrification from Albany given the relatively low traffic levels, especially with CSX buying Pan Am, and DPU monsters likely doing block swap/drops from Selkirk all the way to Mattawamkeag ME.
For inland service, Amtrak dual-modes like the ALP-45DPs that can run on diesel or overhead wire would be ideal. They'd also be great for various other services shooting off of the NEC at various points into lower density diesel territory, but primarily running on AC electrification.
Railjunkie wrote: ↑Tue Aug 30, 2022 2:58 pmBasic rule of thumb any time you turn an angle cock on a brake pipe you need to do a brake test. Whether that be adding or subtracting coaches, engines or any other type of rolling stock. If you are going to double up a train you also need to test the back up hose.
There's been much debate on here about how the blue flag rules affect the switchover, as the New Haven did it in something like 5 minutes going from steam to electric or visa versa. I'm not well enough versed in the rules and safety issues to understand how quickly it could be done today.
west point wrote: ↑Sat Sep 10, 2022 1:42 pmThat is due to the interstate highway relocation not being decided. Until that boondoggle is decided anything around finishin the 2 main tracks is in limbo .
That include the RR bridge over the Conn River which at present is one track..
Hartford is due to our highway boondoggle. The Conn River Bridge has nothing to do with Hartford, it's 12 miles away. They could at least get that single track section at Union Station down to the bare minimum length so that delays are short when they occur.