Matt Johnson wrote:Seems like the cab car might've made sense for Brightline vs two 4400 hp locomotives for 4 coaches! In any case, I think that's probably a preview of what will eventually replace the Budd Metroliner cab cars.
IIRC the Brightline Chargers are rated at just 4000hp. Once they add additional cars to each train, two units may be needed to keep the trains moving quickly. I also heard that for now, with just four cars per train, only the leading unit will provide traction (the rear unit will still be online).
BandA wrote:And with locomotives on both ends, Brightline grade crossing incidents will most likely be resolved in favor of the train. Also cab cars require the controls of a locomotive. I think they require more safety inspections than a coach, so might as well make locomotives instead of cab cars. And cab cars might not be allowed to have passengers in their "crumple zones"
I don't believe the FRA standards allow anyone (crew or passengers) to occupy the "crumple zones". The crumple zone on the SC-44 is at the very front of the unit, and is separated from the space occupied by the crew using collision posts and other structural elements. The collision post requirements for passenger cars are different from locos though, so I'd imagine Siemens will have to modify the cab's internal structure.