|
|
|
So far, Metrolinx has not mentioned dual-modes. OnXpress has also shown interest in using as many existing GO assets as possible (ex the Bilevels). I personally doubt we will see dual-modes, and probably the existing diesel locos will run under wires on trips to non-electrified territory.
I have seen the MP54s pulling 6 car consists, however am unaware of the notorious failure rate with 12 car trains.
HSP46 (GEVO-12) wasn’t a bed of roses for MBTA either. And now it looks like they are essentially out of the business anyway with just the GE freight/marine business being promoted on Wabtec’s corporate site
Also Metrolink in California has been having a lot of issues with their EMD F125s. It seems Siemens is positioning itself to have a monopoly on passenger locomotives in North America with the Charger. No one else seems to be able to produce a reliable competitor.
Wonder if the market ever gets tight enough that Alstom offers an ALP-45 without the panto and transformer.
Or more passenger rail systems will simply go the Metra route and purchase used, freight locos.
Metra has rightly been ridiculed for buying a six-axle freight locomotive for passenger service. Good luck accelerating!
The MP54s were specifically designed with the possibility of operating shorter consists with only one of their two prime movers online. This saves a humongous amount of fuel for service versus using both prime movers or the MP40's single 16V-710.
Well that's good to hear that the rumours of MP54's failing might have been exaggerated. I guess my next question is, Why is GO transit the only commuter rail system in North America operating MP54s? Why is every other system taking a liking to the Siemens Chargers?
Apparently the BL36s have had several issues with Tri Rail, mostly due to HEP issues.
Why is GO is the only system in NA running 12 car trains with power that is supposed to be able to handle 14 cars???
Brightline were their first customers, but Siemens already had a presence in the locomotive market via their Amtrak electrics. Seems like good timing on their part to land a premium product in a visible market just as Amtrak were both expanding via state-supported service but also having to make tough decisions on their P42s.
It's pretty obvious why if you look at the timelines of when the different loco types were ordered.
They too had some teething issues, but seem to be running pretty reliably. Their biggest issue had more to do with questions about the tendering process rather than their performance.
