by TheOneKEA
I have not observed any private cars attached to any Northeast Regional weekend services on the NEC in Maryland this year. Have there been any private cars running at all on the NEC in MD this year?
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jhdeasy wrote: ↑Sun Jun 16, 2024 10:46 amThank goodness I did not have a mouthful of coffee while reading this, I may have launched across the room. While yes I am fully aware of the inspection process, Rensselaer will do and has done the inspection on many cars. They have also rebuilt trucks and completely re piped air brake systems. The shop just finished Blue Ridge Club and she handles like a dream.Railjunkie wrote: ↑Sun Jun 16, 2024 9:57 amYou may be aware that Amtrak certified private cars are subject to an annual inspection. The inspection covers many things, and braking/stopping functions (single car air test, and hand brake apply/release test) are part of the annual inspection. I have always believed that many PV's have had their braking pressure adjusted to use a lighter force (for example --- a J16 relay valve on 26C or 26CDW air brake system) when braking. That seems to reduce problems (such as shelling and spalling) with wheel sets.John_Perkowski wrote: ↑Sat Jun 15, 2024 1:39 pm Nice to see PROMONTORY POINT (nee LOBLOLLY PINE IIRC) Running again.Had a chance to chat with who I think was the owner last week while we were running around the car and spotting it. Complimented him on how well things were working. Being an engineer I like when things stop, some of the varnish fleet can be questionable at times. Conductor liked that the pins dropped on either end of the car and the hand brake held. Again in dealing with private varnish you just never know.
When I operated 800708 MOUNT VERNON (now renamed PACIFIC ISLAND by the new owner), I never had a problem with handbrake application, but at times I had problems getting a full release on my handbrake. I learned that it released properly after it had been fully applied. However, a partial setting of the handbrake would hold the car in position, but it might not allow a full release. Thus I would reapply it fully, cranking down all the way, then I would pull the release handle and get a complete release.
Railjunkie wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2024 9:46 amThis jibes with the information I have from a family member that works for a big railroad and has experience handling such private cars. This is why I was totally not surprised when Amtrak put heavy restrictions on private varnish a few years ago. According to my source, they did quit a bit of unbilled work on PV's just to get them over the road. That info must've trickled upstairs after enough regional folks got impatient with PV's. Senior management must've looked at the big picture and said "No more of this".
...my conductor tells me handbrakes applied give them a test. I release my independent and away we go. This normally followed by a bit of foul language and the getting of the chalks to hold the car or cars in place before I cut away.
So while you may never have had any issues. Trust me when I say in typing this up, I can think of five cars off the top of my head when we see them we know there will be issues. As you know varnish is an expensive hobby and upkeep even more so.
charlesriverbranch wrote: ↑Sun Aug 11, 2024 6:38 am At Boston's South Station yesterday, I saw Pacific Union and Babbling Brook. I wonder where they were headed.Left on 449 today with the pepsi can P42
Jeff Smith wrote: ↑Thu Jun 20, 2024 7:56 am $880k. VIRGINIA CITYAlthough it has a unique and interesting history, the $880K asking price is way out of line with current PV market pricing.
Jeff Smith wrote: ↑Wed Aug 21, 2024 2:11 pm The 2024 American Autumn Explorer V from AAPRCO is coming up: https://www.aaprco.com/single-projectI'm hearing six to eight cars currently, I'm pretty sure on a couple three of them. Myself, I just hope Amtrak gives us a Geep to switch the train with, the 32s and 42s can be jumpy at times.
Tickets to ride: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/american ... c-26126229