First things first:
I sincerely thank everyone who participated in this thread. It was a nice, pleasant exchange of points and counterpoints. The conversation was carried on without malice, name calling...despite the attempted hijacking...by a mod no less!
I received a phone call from one of my main "spies in the field." In short, the powers that be (Rolling Stock-Engineering) will not support the idea(s.)
I stress that everyone likes the idea...in principle.
However:
1) it is too late to add them to the order of electric engines (I figured that.)
2) There's not enough room in the future Viewliner baggage cars for the components since no one considered it(as Approach Medium stated.)
3) Modifying the future Viewliners isn't cost effective. This is because very few single diesel trains operate with a baggage car, so why spend the money? (as stated by jstolberg)
4) Including them on future diesels and the next generation high speed train set would somehow increase the engine length by 15 feet. This is because of clearance issues. They can't build "up" and still have a universal diesel that can operate system wide.
I pushed forward and asked them to justify how we already have engines that already have generators and what's so wrong with a longer engine in the name of passenger safety?
Then, the truth came out:
It's all about maintenance and the mechanical department.
Waaah. How are we going to maintain it?
Waaah. It'll cost too much to maintain it!
Waaah. What if it doesn't work when we need it to?
Waaah. If we install it (as a safety device), it'll have to be fully operational at the initial terminal.
Waaah. How would we get in through the tunnels in the Northeast ( I call B/S on that one as there's a special instruction in place for the tunnels leading to NYP.)
Waaah. Basically, every mechanical reason that Approach Medium, Dutchrailnut, Mtuandrew (and probably a few others) stated was given.
Expense is the reason we don't have the MARC diesels for protect. Apparently, it is not worth assuming all costs. The state of Maryland basically pays for the one at Odenton.
The bottom line is it is not worth the extra money when they can apologize, give you a travel voucher and send you on your frozen/sweaty way. To me, this is unacceptable. To the company, it is probably an unfortunate fiscal reality (which I do understand.)
In closing, I guess Dutchrailnut said it best: While it IS feasible, nothing changes.
However, anyone that knows me (Buddsilverliner/Amtrakhogger) realizes I don't like to lose. I am a PEST...with a long memory!
I have 20 years to go. This is NOT over! When you're stranded on a dead train in 2028, and you're toasty, you can say Thirdrail7 said he'd never give up!
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