Tim Mullins wrote:After watching some of the videos, I can't believe how good those Budd Cars look and to think,some are Ex. B&M!!
I don't know why the MBTA just didn't have them rebuilt instead of running empty coach trains around all day.
They look so good because they were completely refurbished from their shells back in the 90s.
From
http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/tr ... stock.html
DART purchased 13 RDCs from VIA Rail Canada in 1993. The Budd Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania originally built the RDCs in the 1950’s. They were used by VIA Rail throughout Canada in intercity service.
The RDCs were completely stripped down to their stainless steel shell and remanufactured by GEC Alsthom Transport, Inc. at their Montreal facility. All new interiors were provided, including new seats, floors, ceilings, walls, windows, and lighting. The makeover took 20 months. Upon completion, the RDCs were shipped as part of a freight train to Dallas. Once the RDCs arrived in Dallas, each car had its interior installation completed including major components mounted, wired and plumbed, and then were tested for 3-5 days prior to being put into service.
Vehicle Cost: $1.8 Million each (cost includes engineering, shipment, etc.)
Today that would cost slightly more per vehicle. Possibly significantly more if you must meet the EPA's new Tier 4 emissions requirements. The TRE is presently upgrading all the F59 locomotives to Tier 2. I don't think there are any plans to update the RDCs, therefore their future lifespan for commuter service might be limited.....