Jeff Smith wrote: ↑Sat Oct 08, 2022 11:27 amI think an ALP-45DP solves the Danbury issue, provided it's utilized to Penn as part of PSA. I don't object to wire, but its expensive.
If we would not do this stupid dual-mode boondoggle, the wire wouldn't cost much in comparison. In the very long term, the wire ends up being cheaper, as the same equipment that works on the New Haven Line would work up to Danbury/New Milford.
west point wrote: ↑Fri Oct 21, 2022 2:22 amThis is not the correct thread but more about these dual modes. I cannot see Amtrak ordering Battery - Diesel locos to power the west side trains. The ALC-42E has a better chance of proving reliability.
Amtrak's needs are very different. They need overhead wire diesel dual modes that can run a few hundred mile runs economically on diesel power to offer offshoot services from the NEC. There are a whole bunch of service possibilities that could branch off of the NEC if dual-modes were available.
Amtrak has a legitimate need for dual-modes, MNRR and LIRR don't, and should electrify their routes that need direct service to GCT and NYP.