Maine MEDOT proposed RDC service brunswick-rockland

Likely route for the RDCs from VT to ME? Would they be likely to be delivered in freight trains (can they be set up to run safely as towed cars?) or under their own power? If under their own power, I assume they would require an engineer qualified on the equipment and a pilot qualified on each stretch of track?

They're coming from FGLK in the Geneva, NY area, not Vermont....

Most likely they'll be tacked onto whatever freight gets them to Selkirk, then onto M426. Same way they got them out to NY from the little WACR.

Why would they run them under power across 4 states and needlessly tie up multiple crews when they can just ship them DiT?

nomis wrote: ↑Wed May 10, 2023 11:58 am The biggest issue for PTC requirements is the Brunswixk station area. East of there, with 4 trips (2 RT's) a day would be covered for an exemption.

Last check the service area for the proposed area is a couple miles down the Downeaster track. How PTC will apply or not ???

As of October 2022, eight RDCs were still at the Bombardier shop in Barre. They can be seen in this Streetview along with a trackmobile at left.

Does anyone have info on an exact service startup date?

There isn't one yet... FGLK is still working on it.

NHV 669 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 13, 2023 9:30 am There isn't one yet... FGLK is still working on it.

By the time they get things started the summer will be over. Maybe a next year project???

NHV 669 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 13, 2023 9:30 am There isn't one yet... FGLK is still working on it.

By the time they get things started the summer will be over. Maybe a next year project???

are we sure of it being a "next year" thing. I hope not, I am up there all summer.

It won't be a "next year thing", calm down everyone...

NHV, I needed that ngl. i wanna see them round mid july (the rumored startup date).

I have ridden these RDCs when they were operated by Trinity Railway Express and Denton County Transit Authority. They were in great shape before being sold to AllEarthRail. They will make great rural trains in train formations from single to four units.
Rules for avoidance of Positive Train Control regulations give that authority to the FRA. Operators must satisfy the FRA in all aspects of operating these trains. I would suggest it would eventually be cheaper to just implement PTC, but I understand the reluctance to do so for a test.

2003 started its journey east today, on FGLK GS-2.

That sounds like an exciting development!
Have there been any updates or announcements regarding the specific routes and schedules for the proposed RDC service between Brunswick and Rockland?

None yet. 2003 wasn't on M426 this morning either.