ALP-45-DP Usage/Service Patterns

[Sirsonic]

For a given trip the ALP-45s use about 75% more fuel than a GP40. The PL42s also use more fuel than a GP40 but not as much more.

[ThirdRail7]

With the proper cooperation and cost structure (*ahem* the host not jacking up the price) couldn't they refuel in SSYD?

[25Hz]

With the proper cooperation and cost structure (*ahem* the host not jacking up the price) couldn't they refuel in SSYD?

I would have to wonder how much capacity amtrak has there vs how much would be needed if you add the 45's on bay head runs & how frequently they would need to be filled up...

[Jtgshu]

With the proper cooperation and cost structure (*ahem* the host not jacking up the price) couldn't they refuel in SSYD?

I would have to wonder how much capacity amtrak has there vs how much would be needed if you add the 45's on bay head runs & how frequently they would need to be filled up...

More than likely, its not a matter of capacity, as an existing long branch/NYP train with a Bay Head connection would probably be just combined into one train. It would be nice if an additional train would be added, but I don't see it.

[R36 Combine Coach]

The ALP45s made their Easter Bunny Train debut yesterday, with 4505 in charge of the VRA train.

[michaelk]

thank you ThirdRail7. I wasn't trying to say all other things were equal, I was just needling michaelk's wording which asked if they used more fuel BECAUSE the tanks were smaller. I repeat, tank size does not mean they use more fuel, in fact smaller tanks will mean they use less fuel because smaller tanks and the fuel they contain will weigh less than larger tanks.
Smaller tanks will mean you have to refuel more frequently, and if there's a lot of deadheading to get from for example Bayhead to the refueling spot, that's gonna be less efficient than larger tanks.

engrish was never my strong point- lol

in college i actually had "english for engineers"- which amounted to knowing who to write ones name on the top of the paper.

(it pissed me off that my sister had "calculus for liberal arts" and got the same credits I did for real calc- then i got my free ride in english and i stopped whining- lol)

My wording was poor- but in a nut shell i thought JT said they were "thirstier" - so i took that to mean they needed to 'drink fuel' more often. So the size of the tanks could certainly be part of that.

[michaelk]

For a given trip the ALP-45s use about 75% more fuel than a GP40. ...

thanks- that's were i was aiming.
thanks!
Very interesting it's such a disparity.

[25Hz]

With the proper cooperation and cost structure (*ahem* the host not jacking up the price) couldn't they refuel in SSYD?

I would have to wonder how much capacity amtrak has there vs how much would be needed if you add the 45's on bay head runs & how frequently they would need to be filled up...

More than likely, its not a matter of capacity, as an existing long branch/NYP train with a Bay Head connection would probably be just combined into one train. It would be nice if an additional train would be added, but I don't see it.

No no i mean amtrak's fueling tank capacity! Sorry, i should have been more specific! :D

I know they have the P32's, and the occasional switcher etc, thats why i was curious, if the storage they have would be enough to add the 45's on...

[ChrisU]

Has 4518 been out running on test trains at night from Long Branch, or do they just train crews right on Y10?

[srock1028]

Has 4518 been out running on test trains at night from Long Branch, or do they just train crews right on Y10?

Just training the crews.

[ACeInTheHole]

Has anything been done regarding starting repairs on any of the damaged 45s?

[Tadman]

For a given trip the ALP-45s use about 75% more fuel than a GP40

Is this a typo? I don't want to run afoul of the Sirsonic golden rule, but I cannot imagine that the railroad bought something that far LESS efficient. That's like going from a car that gets 24mpg to a car that gets 15mpg.

[Sirsonic]

No, its not a typo. When running in diesel mode they use significantly more fuel. Two high speed diesels vs one low speed diesel will do that.

[blockline4180]

Has anything been done regarding starting repairs on any of the damaged 45s?

I was told about 8 or so weren't even owned by NJT yet, so that is up to Bombardier or whoever the owner was to fix them!!

They probably have to be sent out somewhere, but I'm not positive.

[Jtgshu]

No, its not a typo. When running in diesel mode they use significantly more fuel. Two high speed diesels vs one low speed diesel will do that.

Ironic isn't it?

The most fuel efficent loco is the 50 year old Geep with a seperate HEP motor. Go figure.

Progress!!!!

Now if NJT was going for efficiency, they would do an ECO rebuild on the Geeps, and replace the V16 645s with the V12 710s. But we all know NJT is not in the business of doing things the most efficient way...haha

Kind of makes you understand why the railroads have not jumped on the Caterpillar powered diesels bandwagon - but gotta give Progress/Caterpillar and now EMD credit for continuing to push it. Throw in the maintenance contracts that often time come with Caterpillar motors and it becomes even more clear....