Acela II (Alstom Avelia Liberty): Design, Production, Delivery, Acceptance

[Matt Johnson]

Keep in mind that the Raceway is between Trenton and New Brunswick. A span of about 25 miles. But, the constant tension overhead isn't anywhere near that length.

True, due to cost overruns they went with upgraded/improved variable tension hangars from roughly Jersey Ave to Monmouth Junction and then just south of Princeton Junction to Trenton. The constant tension portion runs from Monmouth Junction to somewhere south of Princeton Junction.

Testing certification speeds are 5 MPH above the proposed limit, AFAIK. Could be wrong. But I highly doubt that any Alstom equipment will get anywhere near 180 during testings. There is a curve along the Raceway that must be taken at 130 MPH, per the FRA mandated speed limit for curves.

Acela I got up to 165+ through Princeton Junction during testing. As for the 130 curve limit, I believe that was due to truck hunting or some stability issue with the Acela I coaches. Presumably the lighter Acela II will have better tracking characteristics.

[photobug56]

What was the top speed of an Acela a few years ago in a special test?

[DutchRailnut]

160 mph , 10 miles over design speed.

[photobug56]

Sounds about right.

[west point]

What I would like to know is what speed increments does the Ax-2s have to be tested at ? example it might operate at 120 and 130 OK but have problems at 125 ? Then you have to test on various track configurations both straight and various curve numbers. Various speeds over switches up to MAS. How many degrees numbers will it have to be tested ? 0 , 0.2, 0.4 …...1.6 etc ? Then testing on various track smoothness ? It gets complicated in a hurry.

[Greg Moore]

The testing in 2012 apparently were up to speeds of 165mph with a goal of operating at 160mph.
http://www.thetransitwire.com/2012/09/2 ... northeast/

[Matt Johnson]

If the timing used to measure these is accurate, the last of these captures shows the Acela at about 167 mph

https://youtu.be/FWf-ipNl5fQ

[STrRedWolf]

First set has reached 30th Street's Powleton Yard: https://www.reddit.com/r/transit/commen ... _spotting/

[Nicholas Chen]

Video of testing in Pueblo: https://www.instagram.com/p/CAfeZrZDc9n/

[frequentflyer]

https://media.amtrak.com/media-images/a ... eblo-colo/

Bigger video of testing out in Colorado. It has been hitting 165 mph per Amtrak. Train will be a common sight soon on the NEC.

[bostontrainguy]

Does it appear to anyone else that the power cars are tilting too? This was questioned earlier in the thread I think.

[gokeefe]

Yes, it definitely does.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[photobug56]

Someone wrote that the FIRST set is in Philly. Isn't it in Pueblo?

[Matt Johnson]

Interesting that only the lead loco has the pan raised.

[Backshophoss]

The first set is testing at Pueblo,the 2nd set is laid up in Philly at Race st yard,3rd set due out of the factory in sept