jmar896 wrote:I think that if rentals keep being used it will just become a continuous cycle. It might be time to start looking into investing into some new (or used) power that the T could own.
None of the current locomotives are getting any younger. The Geeps have been in service for 20 years since their last major rebuild. The 2Cs are not far behind, however it is justifiable that they go for another major rebuild. When the HSPs were ordered they were intended to replace some Geeps and 2Cs, but have they really replaced many of the ones they were intended to? From how it sounds right now the fleet isn't exactly fit enough to permanently replace the units that are out, even once the HSPs are fully in service. Also, service isn't decreasing and the system isn't getting any smaller.
Also, call me crazy but I think it may be worth looking into obtaining a few ABB-44s for service to Providence. I believe that NJT will only lease them at this time, but considering most of them only have 15 years of service on them and the minimal work needed to bring them back into service they could be worth it. Although an agreement would need to be made with Amtrak for use of their electrification infrastructure (and presumably maintenance too), the benefits they could bring are immense.
Really though, its time for the state and fiscal control board to smarten up. In the long run having proper investment in rolling stock will cost us less, and attract more people. I think an order to fully phase out the Geeps should be placed by 2020, but that wishful thinking. There are plenty of new, as well as tried options available. It might be time to look into them.
I wonder, is it possible for MassDOT to obtain rolling stock and lease them as they see fit? With rail activity in Western Mass picking up maybe its worth a look.
jmar896 wrote: Also, call me crazy but I think it may be worth looking into obtaining a few ABB-44s for service to Providence. I believe that NJT will only lease them at this time, but considering most of them only have 15 years of service on them and the minimal work needed to bring them back into service they could be worth it.
BandA wrote:IP's Hoosier State set(s) are probably available, other IP engines/coaches? P&W's excursion engine(s) might be available depending on what G&W plans. Maybe PAR's two passenger engines could be borrowed on a daily basis to cover for failed engines, assuming PAR doesn't need them that day. M&E's former Maine Eastern engine(s), are those available to lease/borrow?
Maybe hire someone like P&W to evaluate the old engines for rebuild/repair, which would be farmed out to another party? That would cut down on uncertainty.
GP40MC1118 wrote:Hearing one of the GP40MC's is headed to the Fore River for repairs...Is that how
desperate they are just to get AN engine back in service?
MassLive.com wrote:...the MBTA is turning to outside contractors instead of relying solely on commuter rail vendor Keolis Commuter Services, chief operating officer Jeff Gonneville told the MBTA's Fiscal and Management Control Board.
According to the T, work is underway in Somerville, Quincy and Rochester, N.Y. to rehab five locomotives, which should return to service over the next four weeks. In addition to that, the T plans to go out to bid for rehabbing more locomotives with the expectation that 12 could be completed by next summer.
MEC407 wrote:From MassLive.com:MassLive.com wrote:...the MBTA is turning to outside contractors instead of relying solely on commuter rail vendor Keolis Commuter Services, chief operating officer Jeff Gonneville told the MBTA's Fiscal and Management Control Board.
According to the T, work is underway in Somerville, Quincy and Rochester, N.Y. to rehab five locomotives, which should return to service over the next four weeks. In addition to that, the T plans to go out to bid for rehabbing more locomotives with the expectation that 12 could be completed by next summer.
Read the rest of the article at: http://www.masslive.com/news/boston/ind ... _mbta.html
Observation: does anyone else get the feeling that the T keeps paying more and more, and keeps getting less and less? It seems, from my outsider perspective, that the situation gets more expensive — and gets worse — with each new contractor and each equipment acquisition. IIRC, they even paid extra millions to an additional outside contractor — Parsons Brinckerhoff, I think? — to keep a watchful eye over the HSP46 program to make sure things went as smoothly as possible. How's that working out for 'em? (I also remember a number of people saying things along the lines of "Why, in the name of all that's holy, would we get back into bed with P.B. after what they did to us with the Big Dig?" But that's another topic for another thread and probably another forum...)
Maybe I'm looking at history through a foggy lens but I just don't remember things being this bad back in the days when Amtrak was their commuter rail contractor. It seems like it's been all downhill ever since the T dumped Amtrak.
GP40MC1118 wrote:Hearing one of the GP40MC's is headed to the Fore River for repairs...Is that how
desperate they are just to get AN engine back in service?
Return to Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests