New Double Deckers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YECZr2XkY00

somebody out there already got some good video of the new cars in Chicago..

Very nice! What's the train crew opinion of the new equipment?

ohioriverrailway wrote:Very nice! What's the train crew opinion of the new equipment?

So far, so good. A few small modifications to be made to fit NICTD's operations, but otherwise they've been described as "Cadillacs".

Hers a question now that the new cars are in service can they be MU'd to the Metra ED new cars? I means were looking at the same builder, but were the specs changed enough to not allow them compatibility to the Metra ones. what about the cab area is it identical to the metra ones? So if they could in theory mix and match crews/engineers if needed. Im inclined to ask for if say Gary finally goes high level NICTD could borrow a few cars for short runs Chicago to Gary and back, no need for traps as all stations would be high level.

What is the luggage rack configuration on the 300's? I know the off-peak tourist runs seem to be packed with luggage, and there's one lady conductor who has the ability to pack anything into a luggage rack.

buddah wrote:Hers a question now that the new cars are in service can they be MU'd to the Metra ED new cars? I means were looking at the same builder, but were the specs changed enough to not allow them compatibility to the Metra ones. what about the cab area is it identical to the metra ones? So if they could in theory mix and match crews/engineers if needed. Im inclined to ask for if say Gary finally goes high level NICTD could borrow a few cars for short runs Chicago to Gary and back, no need for traps as all stations would be high level.

The cars are completely compatible, confirmed with a "couple and pull" test done the Sunday before NICTD started revenue service with the new equipment.

I don't know about borrowing cars right now - Metra doesn't have many themselves, and NICTD is not contemplating adding more service right now beyond the new round trip on weekdays.

Tadman wrote:What is the luggage rack configuration on the 300's? I know the off-peak tourist runs seem to be packed with luggage, and there's one lady conductor who has the ability to pack anything into a luggage rack.

The lower-level luggage racks, in my opinion, are not great, but there is space between two seats flipped against one another to accommodate some pretty large bags. The upstairs gallery level has a luggage "tray" that hangs over the middle aisle, and that should be more than adequate for those riders.

Can you stand at the front storm door? I remember years ago Metra Electric and the South Shore wouldn't permit that.

David Harrison

I took a little road trip to my fam's place in MC today.. I got some pics on the way.. more like I chased it, which is almost impossible in the case of the south shore.. the pic's file size is too large to load on here

You find the steeple cab?

Also, you can use MS Paint to downsize the image size and "save-as" a new file name. Or upload them to flickr and send us a link.

took a ride on the new cars yesterday.. they are nice and still have the new car smell.. the only thing I noted is that a lot of the people were challenged in using the flip-back seats..

Chicagopcclcars wrote:Can you stand at the front storm door? I remember years ago Metra Electric and the South Shore wouldn't permit that.

David Harrison

there are no issues looking out the rear door.
On the regular cars I prop/sit myself on the arm rests and look out.
Going into the vestibule is the nono forward running side.

dinwitty wrote:

Chicagopcclcars wrote:Can you stand at the front storm door? I remember years ago Metra Electric and the South Shore wouldn't permit that.

David Harrison

there are no issues looking out the rear door.
On the regular cars I prop/sit myself on the arm rests and look out.
Going into the vestibule is the nono forward running side.

There are no vestibules on the forward cab running side of the new cars.

it would be really nice if those same flip-back seats could be gradually phased into the old fleet..and these flip back seats are by far more comfortable than metra's

If there is one complaint i have about NICTD trains, it's the seat. It's a long ride to South Bend in those seats. I never understood why Metra had much better seats when their rides max at about one hour. The flip seats will be nice too.

I thought I heard the safety freaks at FRA outlawed flip-seats?