FRA Amfleet Test Coach

[awtprod]

I saw the FRA/DOT amfleet(?) test coach tonight laid up in-between two MP-15ac next to the Jamaica protect engine. Anybody know what this is about it? Is it a test for Amtrak service out east?

I'm almost positive it was this car: https://www.fra.dot.gov/Elib/Document/2158

[RRspatch]

This is former Metroliner coach No.803. Yes, the Amfleet cars were patterned after the Metroliner EMU's but this was not an Amfleet test car.

http://on-track-on-line.com/amtkrinf-metrocon.shtml

[DutchRailnut]

Its one of FRA Geometry cars , other than heritage it has nothing to do with Amtrak.

its run by FRA to make sure LIRR's own data is correct as generated by TC-82

[hrfcarl]

Believe I saw that setup running east on the main line at Mineola this morning around 8.30am, went by too quick to take pic.

[nyandw]

LIRR #157 and #153 with the FRA DOTX car #216 test train at Beth Interlocking View SE 12/9/2010 Photo: Joe Tischner

[upton]

It was parked at the Yaphank siding this morning around 10 am. Took some pictures.

[newkirk]

Caught me my surprise this morning seeing this.

BTW, #803 at Wilmington, DE shops.

[PeteJP]

Looks like an old Metroliner motor car.

[Pensyfan19]

As of today, the LIRR has started testing FRA 221, a coach which is often used for long distance routes, as part of its commuter railroad journey on the Eastern Seaboard. It went o MBTA and Metro North before now, and test runs began with a DE30AC on each end instead of the usual MP15AC. Test runs today went to Hempstead and Greenport, and this train is likely to visit all of the branches of the LIRR.

Here is footage of this special train passing by near Yaphank about a few hours ago.

[Crabman1130]

Did they need to modify the couplers on the engines?

[BuddR32]

Did they need to modify the couplers on the engines?

Not at all.

[Pensyfan19]

They went out to Port Jeff today. Followed by Oyster Bay. The DEs are needed in order to run with HEP for 221 and can go at MAS (Max Operating Speed?) while operating.