Acela Speeds

In another thread, it was reported that the constant-tension catenary work has been completed and the question arose: is this now 150mph track? and if not, is it because of a lack of power?

I can't find anything in (for example, Wikipedia) on any further upgrades needed as part of the 150 (160 for Avelia) stretch.

it takes way more than upgrading catenary to up a speed, signals. track !

Arlington wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 6:07 pm In another thread, it was reported that the constant-tension catenary work has been completed and the question arose: is this now 150mph track? and if not, is it because of a lack of power?

I can't find anything in (for example, Wikipedia) on any further upgrades needed as part of the 150 (160 for Avelia) stretch.

My 2 cents. The only thing that needs to be done (I think) at this point is changing out the transponders for 150mph running.
Most of the work has been completed, however like Mr.DR noted, there could more that needs to be done before notching out that throttle.

DutchRailnut wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 7:01 pm it takes way more than upgrading catenary to up a speed, signals. track !

EVERYTHING has been done. Everything. Signals were the first to go. The wire was next, the track supposedly is already monitored at such level for the speeds they expect.

Transponder programming can be done overnight, very simple change. Right now they are locked at 135. The biggest question here is, why is the two outside tracks not upped to 125 yet? That should have been done a while ago! There is currently a huge push between DC and Philly to bring all of the tracks up to the same speeds so that if a train has to use a different track, it wont hold back its ability to keep up time between stops.

Does "everything" include the new power sub station?

gokeefe wrote: ↑Fri Nov 08, 2019 8:31 am Does "everything" include the new power sub station?

My limited knowledge: WIkipedia suggests the only substation "thing" was a new one in Hamilton in 2015?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amtrak%27 ... ubstations

If there was another substation to be added or upgraded, I don't see it in Wikipedia

Yes, I believe Hamilton is the one ... Near Princeton Junction on the "raceway".

Arlington wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2019 6:07 pm In another thread, it was reported that the constant-tension catenary work has been completed and the question arose: is this now 150mph track? and if not, is it because of a lack of power?

I can't find anything in (for example, Wikipedia) on any further upgrades needed as part of the 150 (160 for Avelia) stretch.

ApproachMedium wrote: ↑Fri Nov 08, 2019 2:43 am
EVERYTHING has been done. Everything. Signals were the first to go. The wire was next, the track supposedly is already monitored at such level for the speeds they expect.

Transponder programming can be done overnight, very simple change. Right now they are locked at 135.

It should be quite obvious what is happening. Do you really think they are going to raise the speed prior to the arrival of their new babies? How will it show improvement?

ApproachMedium wrote: ↑Fri Nov 08, 2019 2:43 am
The biggest question here is, why is the two outside tracks not upped to 125 yet? That should have been done a while ago! There is currently a huge push between DC and Philly to bring all of the tracks up to the same speeds so that if a train has to use a different track, it wont hold back its ability to keep up time between stops.

They are purportedly waiting for NJT to put their PTC in service.

The new substation installed by Siemens is across from the old fairgrounds, near Hamilton station.

I dont understand what NJTs PTC nonsense has to to with amtrak raising speeds. maybe for 160, but for the outer 125 tracks why not?