With SMARTs new successful FRA approved tier 4 DMUs operating out west and in Canada, I had a question related to issues Amtrak might have with the future retirement of the F40 derived cabbages. In theory, could a series of these DMUs replace smaller trains for say Maine to Boston, or be the DMU Vermonter, or help reduce the need for Genesis power down in Virginia (as there already is an engine change), and run shuttles from Roanoake/Norfolk/Newpot News/Richmond?
They seem to have the potential to serve as an ideal small corridor train for the 200 and less mile runs, and with their smaller engines, the fuel savings could be huge.
They seem to have the potential to serve as an ideal small corridor train for the 200 and less mile runs, and with their smaller engines, the fuel savings could be huge.