Delivery/status of the Metro North Siemens SC42-DM

NaugyRR wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 3:33 pm I wonder how they satisfied the need for a front escape egress on these, seeing as they don't have a visible nose hatch like the P32's have. Unless they changed the requirement?

One of the front windows opens

SRich wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 10:20 am I notice that the new SC42-DM has an Amtrak ALC-42 style head instead of the regular chargers... is that the new "face" for al new state chagers or just an MTA MNRR request?

The ALC-42 style nose is apparently significantly easier to replace following a collision with a car or truck on the tracks than the SC-44 style noses, allowing an engine to be returned to service faster. I think the Amtrak operated SC-44s will be receiving ALC-42 style noses when being repaired.

NaugyRR wrote:I wonder how they satisfied the need for a front escape egress on these, seeing as they don't have a visible nose hatch like the P32's have. Unless they changed the requirement?

The left side (facing forward) window is the forward emergency egress path.

Do these new locomotives (6 CT ordered to replace 4 existing) mean additional service on Waterbury branch? Is CDOT/MNR planning Waterbury trains to GCT?

robelybasis wrote:Do these new locomotives (6 CT ordered to replace 4 existing) mean additional service on Waterbury branch? Is CDOT/MNR planning Waterbury trains to GCT?

I believe more “branch” frequencies are indeed the next step and that they’d be added now if not for the lack of additional locomotives. I think a proper layover facility in Waterbury is also up next on the priority list; would help facilitate any extension towards Berlin if the appetite is ever there for it.


I doubt GCT through service will ever happen again though. The last time they tried it was from Jan./Feb. 1992 until Oct. 1993 and the ridership just never took off. I think it ran with an FL9 and 4 cars and made stops at Stamford, South Norwalk, and Bridgeport + the branch stops. Obviously a lot has changed in 30 years with weekday frequencies having increased from 4 to 7/8 prior to the new signal system and extra passing sidings going online and now 12. But if GCT service appeared to be doable I think it would have been tried again by now. Consistent rush hour through service to/from Stamford is more likely than GCT. And with the housing market in the Naugatuck Valley/SE Litchfield/NW New Haven counties region being far more within reach financially compared to southern Fairfield and New Haven that should only help boost ridership further.


Now what *does* remain to be seen is whether or not ConnDOT exercises their option for the remaining 14 SC42DMs and uses them across both the Danbury and Waterbury lines (and perhaps replace/relocate the BL20GHs) or buy enough straight diesel SC42s, 44s, etc. to replace the 18 GP40-3H and P40BH units AND cover all Waterbury Branch needs thereby essentially bringing the branch under the CTrail umbrella/equipment pool (they will be getting the new Adessia cars in 2026/7). If the latter happens GCT service has zero chance of happening and the line will remain purely an intra-CT rail service.

NH2060 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 15, 2024 9:26 pmI believe more “branch” frequencies are indeed the next step and that they’d be added now if not for the lack of additional locomotives. I think a proper layover facility in Waterbury is also up next on the priority list; would help facilitate any extension towards Berlin if the appetite is ever there for it.

The line from Waterbury to Plainville and Berlin is essentially useless for passenger service. It winds and twists and curves this way and that. It would actually be faster to put in a DMU scoot from Bristol to Berlin that connects with the Hartford Line than it would be to go the Waterbury direction if your destination is somewhere in or south of Bridgeport.

The better answer for the Waterbury line is:
1. Build Devon Transfer so that Waterbury branch capacity is decoupled from mainline slots.
2. Use efficient DMUs.
3. With the track arrangement at Devon Transfer and Barnum Station in place to unclog Bridgeport, run a few select through trains to SoNo or potentially STM, as well as a few up to New Haven.

I sure hope that CT doesn't buy any more of these stupid dual-modes, and instead electrify the rest of the Danbury Branch up to New Milford so that they can use M-8s and get rid of dual modes entirely.

Apparently the units have been turned at Mott Haven. From River Rail Photo:

captures the two SC42-DMs road testing at night.

Already on the road, cool! I wonder what the geographical range was of testing, i.e. did they venture outside of the confines of third-rail territory. Also, if they were utilizing said third-rail. Still, awesome to see these are going to be in service sooner rather than later.

Probably before the Avelias LOL

RandallW wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2024 8:07 pm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unob5AAR70w

captures the two SC42-DMs road testing at night.

You can see a 3rd rail flash at about 2:10.

I understand that (at least when that video was taken) that 302 had third rail shoes and 301 was still waiting on its shoes to be installed. (Apparently they are shipped without the shoes installed?)

RandallW wrote: ↑Thu Nov 21, 2024 5:30 am (Apparently they are shipped without the shoes installed?)

Presumably to avoid damage due to clearance issues.

I understand that these are good for 110 mph vs 125 mph for the other variants. Will this be true for Amtrak's eventual Empire Service Airo sets as well? Not that it matters much unless they are to venture onto the NEC, where it might be a minor handicap.