Amfleet Replacement Discussion.

[gokeefe]

Yeah no kidding. Really weird. Only explanation I can imagine is they expect reduced ridership for some time to come with full recovery coinciding with receipt of new equipment.

[west point]

How can Amtrak sell cars when New Haven - Hartford needs another 1 - 2 cars on each of 3 train sets ?

[mtuandrew]

Surprised to see 'em being sold already!

http://railfan.com/excursion-operator-b ... leet-cars/

Wow. Really amazing to hear that - and once more of those cars get out of Amtrak's hands, I think the public will start to see Amfleet for the elders they are. (Also, of all the cars rostered in America right now that could potentially be for sale, why Amfleets? They are comfortable enough but definitely not "sightseeing" cars.)

[Jeff Smith]

Not with those windows anyway...

[Backshophoss]

The sale could be pending,to be completed when the first replacement cars are in service.

[John_Perkowski]

How can Amtrak sell cars when New Haven - Hartford needs another 1 - 2 cars on each of 3 train sets ?

Amfleet cars no longer meet FRA escape standards with their narrow windows. Horizons do not either. Each window must be at least 26 x 24.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/238.113

[eolesen]

Were there some Amfleets in one of the Beech Grove auctions? I can see a few of these in commuter service, but yeah, the windows are a problem.

[gokeefe]

Interesting how this can be seen as a cost-saving measure. Reduce requirements for future inspections and generate a small amount of revenue.

[R36 Combine Coach]

Amfleet cars no longer meet FRA escape standards with their narrow windows. Horizons do not either. Each window must be at least 26 x 24.

When did the specification become effective? The Comet Vs were the first cars with large windows (though the 1988 MBB coaches have large windows as oddballs, much like the small Silverliner III fleet in 1967, the latter large compared to the Arrows).

[John_Perkowski]

November 8, 1999.

[west point]

do not be misled/ The Heritage, Amfleets, Horizons , ect built before 1999 are grand fathered to operate forever as far as I know. i

[David Benton]

I believe that is correct , but the report into the South Carolina crash , and banana shaped Amfleet may change that . OTOH , they would surely have made a interment recommendation , if they thought they were very unsafe.