We've discussed this topic before. While I really like Mr. Roberts' idea
, the only place in the US that it would make sense for these trains to run, given their unique maintenance and staffing needs, is the PNW (although I'm sure we will momentarily hear from those who say they should run in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maine, etc, etc). However, contra Woody, Oregon and Washington cannot simply start running extra frequencies. The local freight roads (BNSF and UP) have final say on that, and it won't happen until infrastructure improvements (mostly paid for by the states) are complete. Likewise, running them over Stampede Pass won't happen unless that route is upgraded (even assuming that Talgos would be well-suited to the route). The best immediate option is for Oregon and Washington to buy the trains, and have them as spare equipment pending an upgrade in service. And while Mr. Norman is correct that Wisconsin could ship them to Spain, I rather doubt RENFE would take them, as they are not built to European standards.