by D.S. Lewith
One of the biggest obstacles that affects Amtrak services is having to change engines to venture non-electrified tracks from electrified tracks. This affects the Northeast Regional, Keystone/Pennsylvanian, and the New York services (Empire Service/Maple Leaf, Adirondack, Ethan Allen Express). Sure there's the ALP-45DP from Bombardier but I don't think they're going to be practical for intercity rail services. Instead of investing in another locomotive, Amtrak can invest in a multiple unit. This dual-mode multiple unit would be based off the Hitachi Class 802s that are used in the UK, albeit adapted for American rails (i.e. 3 voltages, crashworthiness, a larger design).
What can Amtrak gain by buying this kind of train set?
* Amtrak can sell most of the P32AC-DMs (which they use for the Empire Service, Maple Leaf, Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express trains) to MNCR and LIRR, though some will remain for Lake Shore Limited trains. This can only happen, however, if Amtrak double-tracks the entire Empire connection and extends the overhead electrification to at least where it merges with the MNCR Hudson Line.
* Amtrak can start selling and even retiring P40s and P42s that would have been used on the Northeast Regional, Pennsylvanian, Empire Service, Maple Leaf, Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express.
* Amtrak can lease or even sell several of the ACS-64s that would have been used for the Northeast Regional and Keystone/Pennsylvanian services to other electric commuter railroads. I can see MNCR using them for Penn Station services as they can do 12 kV 25 Hz and 12 kV 60 Hz (which the M8s can't), MARC for express services on the Penn Line (this would also retire the HHP-8s in use), and SEPTA for a future NEC express line. Additionally, Amtrak can sell some of them to MBTA for services on the Providence line (they really should just let MBTA use electric trains on places that are electrified).
* Just like with the P40s and P42s, Amtrak can also start retiring their Amfleet cars (many of which are past 40 years of age).
What can Amtrak gain by buying this kind of train set?
* Amtrak can sell most of the P32AC-DMs (which they use for the Empire Service, Maple Leaf, Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express trains) to MNCR and LIRR, though some will remain for Lake Shore Limited trains. This can only happen, however, if Amtrak double-tracks the entire Empire connection and extends the overhead electrification to at least where it merges with the MNCR Hudson Line.
* Amtrak can start selling and even retiring P40s and P42s that would have been used on the Northeast Regional, Pennsylvanian, Empire Service, Maple Leaf, Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express.
* Amtrak can lease or even sell several of the ACS-64s that would have been used for the Northeast Regional and Keystone/Pennsylvanian services to other electric commuter railroads. I can see MNCR using them for Penn Station services as they can do 12 kV 25 Hz and 12 kV 60 Hz (which the M8s can't), MARC for express services on the Penn Line (this would also retire the HHP-8s in use), and SEPTA for a future NEC express line. Additionally, Amtrak can sell some of them to MBTA for services on the Providence line (they really should just let MBTA use electric trains on places that are electrified).
* Just like with the P40s and P42s, Amtrak can also start retiring their Amfleet cars (many of which are past 40 years of age).