by buddah
jb9152 wrote:
1)Of course they wouldn't have done that. The catenary is AC, and there is already 3rd rail on the ground. Why WOULD they put pantographs on them? My point is that the majority of the technology and design already exists in a loco like the P32 - it would not be a stretch to imagine a NICTD dual mode locomotive substantially based on a P32 design, except with a pantograph instead of 3rd rail shoes.
2)I didn't say that it would be. My point was to correct your assumption that this would be a $12 million monster like the NJT/AMT AC catenary dual modes. Those, when they're built, will be the first of their kind everywhere. A P32 with a retrofitted pantograph and related electrical gear is not nearly as big a stretch as the NJT/AMT jobs, and would not be nearly as expensive.
3)Again, the NICTD dual mode locomotive would not necessarily have to be some revolutionary new design. It could literally be a P32 dual mode locomotive with a pantograph/related equipment retrofit.
4)The dual mode married pair MU would be based on the new bi-level equipment. There's nothing experimental about one car having a pantograph, and another having a diesel prime mover.
5) I'm not really guessing - I work at NICTD.
well there are a LOT of places that they could have used the P32 in pantograph mode had it been modified for the NEC instead of just the 3rd rail shoes limited areas.
I understood you with that, I was not debating that point. Its always better to drop $4-5 million on a work around invention that will do the job just as well as the person starting from scratch making it for $12 million.
My point is if they went that way what locomotives would they use? GE has discontinued making the p32/40/42. I don't remember NICTD having any of there own diesel passenger locos on hand. and I doubt anyone right now is letting go of any old locomotive stock nationwide rather than some F40s and the a few original Amtrak P40s which need to be totally overhauled. So would this not lead to a call for NICTD to just buy new locomotives ?
Are they really thinking about doing this to the new cars because with the way the layout current looks from pictures seems pretty cramped for space. SO Where the heck would they be able to fit a prime mover in that shell and its components while still keep passenger capacity and wouldn't they still need the second pantograph for bi directional moves as the current ones on each car are one directional leaving no room up top for a prime mover or additional equipment ? Also as this technology has not been implemented in the US it leave the conclusion it would be experimental no matter what angle you look at it. the P32 where considered experimental when first released.
If you really have the inside track then don't leave us in the dark we hunger for more details and specifics...
my main question whats going on with the new route is it a green light and if so which one. Ive heard a lot of convincing testimony for the lowell line?