by JayMan
I have a question: Why doesn't the CDOT buy some spare electric locomotives, such as some AEM-7s, or electric locos from anywhere that has 'em for the Shore Line East and scrap the GP-40's they are presently running? Assumedly that'd be easier to operate and maintain in the electric territory in which SLE operates and would remove the restriction of running through trains to Stamford in summer. There has to be some reason why this isn't feasible, or would have been done already. My guesses are:
1. There are no spare electric locomotives available (e.g., the AEM-7s Amtrak has replaced with HHP-8's don't work)
2. ConnDOT doesn't have the $$$ purchase new or used equipment (or more precisely Mr. Rowland won't shell out the bucks).
3. AEM's and other electric locos aren't compatible with the coaches (SPV's and SL's) that SLE uses (not likely).
Barring one of the above, clearly this would be beneficial from an operational point of view for the SLE. I would image the cost of running electric loco's in all electric territory would be much cheaper than using ancient and decrepit engines that their running now – unless of course AEM-7's are in no better shape, and any used locos that could be acquired from anywhere fare no better. In any case, these would be a better solution (that is until we can get some M-8s' or remanufactured M-4's out here).
In addition, I think the cars that the CDOT is getting from VRE should be kept for future use on the Springfield line, providing they still work by them. That will save having to buy new coaches for the line, when and if it opens.
The Waterbury Branch: DMUs. Since the operating cost on this branch is so high, and considering that they only run a few cars, wouldn't it be much more cost effective to run DMUs than running a locomotive. As much as I hate those Colorado Rail Cars (the damn things look like buses on rails), they'd work fine. You'd only need one per consist and have it haul a regular coach, as I've seen. But let me guess, no $$$ to invest in new equipment, even if it (might) save money in the long run.
1. There are no spare electric locomotives available (e.g., the AEM-7s Amtrak has replaced with HHP-8's don't work)
2. ConnDOT doesn't have the $$$ purchase new or used equipment (or more precisely Mr. Rowland won't shell out the bucks).
3. AEM's and other electric locos aren't compatible with the coaches (SPV's and SL's) that SLE uses (not likely).
Barring one of the above, clearly this would be beneficial from an operational point of view for the SLE. I would image the cost of running electric loco's in all electric territory would be much cheaper than using ancient and decrepit engines that their running now – unless of course AEM-7's are in no better shape, and any used locos that could be acquired from anywhere fare no better. In any case, these would be a better solution (that is until we can get some M-8s' or remanufactured M-4's out here).
In addition, I think the cars that the CDOT is getting from VRE should be kept for future use on the Springfield line, providing they still work by them. That will save having to buy new coaches for the line, when and if it opens.
The Waterbury Branch: DMUs. Since the operating cost on this branch is so high, and considering that they only run a few cars, wouldn't it be much more cost effective to run DMUs than running a locomotive. As much as I hate those Colorado Rail Cars (the damn things look like buses on rails), they'd work fine. You'd only need one per consist and have it haul a regular coach, as I've seen. But let me guess, no $$$ to invest in new equipment, even if it (might) save money in the long run.
JayMan
