by Nasadowsk
Tadman wrote: ↑Sun Aug 18, 2019 7:19 pm They take forever because they can. Who is holding them accountable for taking forever? Nobody. There is no check and balance.Power change at Bad Bentheim. NS locomotive on 1.5kv DC to a DB locomotive on 15kv AC. Including changing the voltages in the overhead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-Az6uCqRQ4
The biggest wait is the voltage change - not a factor in the US. The coupling procedure is a bit hair-raising, but I'm not aware of a statistical difference in the US vs Europe in terms of coupling accidents. Also note the better handling of the locomotive, as opposed to the bashing they gave the train at New Haven.
Even with a brake test, you're still under 10 minutes here, and well under 15-30 Amtrak takes on a good day.
Another thing: Note the passengers milling about, unbothered by DB staff. And a few cameras out, also without being harassed. Yet another thing the US can learn from Europe...