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  • Keystone set with ECP braking

  • Discussion related to Amtrak also known as the National Railroad Passenger Corp.
Discussion related to Amtrak also known as the National Railroad Passenger Corp.

Moderators: GirlOnTheTrain, mtuandrew, Tadman

 #1491917  by ApproachMedium
 
On the ECP system amtrak operates, if the cable looses comms at any point the system returns to conventional emergency brake application.
 #1531483  by twropr
 
Is the Keystone set still using ECP braking? Has there been further talk about installing it on Auto Train?
On Auto Train, what would happen if a regular P40 with ECP is shopped and replaced by a P42 with no ECP?
Andy
 #1531516  by ApproachMedium
 
The 670 has been on other assignments nowhere near the keystone trains. There is still a road forman notice out about the use of the ECP system. Its pretty much out of use though now. I dont know what the next set of plans is. Likely with the replacement of the engines coming, there will not be ECP installed in any P40s. They will be the first to ditch when the new siemens engines come. Siemens is supposed to provide two demo units for auto train service as well to see that they can perform with that train as advertised. We shall see what happens.

As of now nothing will be installed in any cars either. Its possible the auto carriers will see it, but not sure about the superliners yet incase they plan to replace? The whole thing becomes a logistical nightmare though If you have ONE car that is NOT ECP brake the entire train runs conventional. Same situation with the locomotive. So engineers will need to learn how to run trains both ways. Frankly i think its a real waste of time and money because the train runs fine the way it does now, ECP has become a real "nice to have" on unit coal trains and on passenger trains it becomes more of a nuisance, esp the keystone set where you change ends frequently.