USRailFan wrote: ↑Thu Feb 20, 2020 7:38 am
So will the ACS-64s now officially end up with the same fate as the HHP-8s (I.e. replaced as soon as possible)? Or are Amtrak stuck with them "for ever"?
8th Notch wrote: ↑Thu Feb 20, 2020 8:01 am
The HHP8s were different because they were a small fleet. Amtrak went all in on the ACS so they are going to be here for the long haul.
Additionally, the ACS fleet has something the HHP-8 fleet did not: A parts guarantee. This is why the engines may have a chance as the game runs long. You shouldn't have to worry about parts being unavailable for at least another 10 years. After that, I suspect it may be an issue...if they make it that long, since:
mcgrath618 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 20, 2020 4:20 pm
Aren't there (likely unfounded) rumors that Amtrak was getting EMUs for the corridor? If the problems with the Sprinters are wide enough, maybe the rumors aren't so pie-in-the-sky after all.
This is something to consider. There is talk of purchasing a combination of EMU/DMU trainsets that will eliminate the need for additional diesel or electric locomotives. They aren't likely to appear and enter full service for 5 years at this point, so that will put the current electric fleet at 10 years.
David Benton wrote: ↑Thu Feb 20, 2020 5:37 pm
The Amtrak diagrams aren't that demanding, they don't appear to do more than one round trip Boston-Washington a day. I have yet to see any evidence the European locos are doing less intensive cycles.
What are "Amtrak Diagrams" and what are you using as a basis for comparison?