by GP40 6694
Since a few people don't want this discussion in the MPI-HSP46 thread, I thought I'd give it it's own topic. If there's a recent thread on this topic, please let me know, but I couldn't find anything post 2005 by searching.
We all know the MBTA should electrify the Providence line, but the question is, why don't they? Not only would it be much cheaper to operate, but it would be cleaner, quieter, and much faster. They could also offer more weekend service, as they wouldn't be burning up gallon after gallon of diesel fuel with relatively light ridership. During the week, heavily used trains could run faster, with much better acceleration.
Two other big questions come to my mind:
1. What is the actual top speed of the various cars in use on MBTA?
2. Is there enough clearance over the top of the P&W autorack track to put wire up and still clear the autoracks?
And then of course, there's the question of what locomotive? Used ALP-44's or AEM-7's? ACS-64's? ALP-46a's? Something else?
We all know the MBTA should electrify the Providence line, but the question is, why don't they? Not only would it be much cheaper to operate, but it would be cleaner, quieter, and much faster. They could also offer more weekend service, as they wouldn't be burning up gallon after gallon of diesel fuel with relatively light ridership. During the week, heavily used trains could run faster, with much better acceleration.
Two other big questions come to my mind:
1. What is the actual top speed of the various cars in use on MBTA?
2. Is there enough clearance over the top of the P&W autorack track to put wire up and still clear the autoracks?
And then of course, there's the question of what locomotive? Used ALP-44's or AEM-7's? ACS-64's? ALP-46a's? Something else?