west point wrote: ↑Sat Feb 27, 2021 9:56 pm
It really seems to this poster that multi level EMUs are the way for MBTA to meet 2040 anticipated demand. The platform lengths at BOS south station does limit train lengths. There is a another problem that I never saw so am un aware how it can be fixed. Is the bridge in Boston on the B &A route to Worcester still a low clearance restriction ? Can it be raised or replaced some way ?. Also does it impede the direct access to the Grand crossing track ?
I'll admit I do not know, so the question I will ask in return is, does MBTA run double level Kawasaki or Hyundai Rotem coaches on this line?
Height of both the Kawasaki and Hyundai Rotem coaches are 15 feet 6 inches..
Height of a Stadler KISS emu train Caltrain is buying are 15 feet 10.5 inches.
http://www.tillier.net/stuff/caltrain/C ... 180705.pdf
That's just the height of the trains, not the catenary the EMUs need.
Depending upon the clearance requirements of particular sections of the route, the contact wire height would vary from about 17.6 feet to 23.5 feet.
https://www.caltrain.com/Assets/Peninsu ... ummary.pdf
Caltrain limits the lowest height of the catenary to 17.6 feet. Additional inches will be needed for electrical isolation from grounded structures - like a bridge.
What if the bridge clearance is taller than the Stadler car, but lower than the lowest catenary recommendations, the catenary could be eliminated and the train could run on battery or other alternate power for the length of the bridge.
p.s. It would really help this discussion if someone had the clearance height of the bridge in question and shared it.
Here's what I found to add,
https://www.mbta.com/news/2012-10-04/lt ... il-service
"The finalized CSX compact began with an initial closing in June of 2010, which set the entire project in motion, including the permitting processes and infrastructure work needed to allow for the relocation of CSX operations.
Today marked the second closing, completing the full transaction and allowing for:
Expanding commuter rail service to the Metrowest/Worcester areas by taking ownership and control of the rail line between Framingham and Worcester.
Raising the railroad bridge clearances from Westborough to the New York State line to allow, for the first time in state history, the double-stacking of full-size freight containers on trains serving Massachusetts."
I think we might be worrying about something already addressed.