Equipment Updates

So it looks like the MBTA and Amtrak will be acquiring some more locomotives in the near future, I just have to say WOW! The MBTA will be buying/leasing some MP36-3C diesels from Utah Frontrunner, who seem to have bought engines for more lines than exist at present. Ah the beauty of young transit agencies, not jaded and deluded by years of having their circulation cut off. Circulation here meaning money. And for that matter common sense. Anyway, the MBTA will probably be able to actually keep only two or so, but the good news is that they will start out on the Northside! We get some actual, really new equipment up here. Mostly that's 'cause the newbies won't have ACSES, and are therefore banned from the Southside. Funtimes, eh? So, those should hopefully hold the (T) over until they can work out their exacting, bureaucratically-stalled, negotiations for 20 new engines from an as yet unspecified manufacturer. More on this particular subject as events warrant. Track warrant that is. Ha Ha... railroad joke...not a very good one either... Now then, on to the NRPC (also known as Amtrak). AMTK has been looking for some new motive power, specifically electrics to begin to replace the older AEM-7DC motors. Owing to the increasing unreliability of this aging fleet, Amtrak has taken to doubleheading the DC toasters to try to keep the train moving. Apparently they subscribe to the philosophy that if one of the toasters breaks down, the other one, of similar reliability, can be counted on to keep the train going. That's sorta weird logic, but it beats the general illogic that governs the (T) operations around here. So, rumor has it that Amtrak is seriously considering buying some new Bombardier ALP-46A units, similar to those in production for New Jersey Transit, and based off the highly successful NJT units, the ALP-46. Incidentally, the NRPC has run a few original ALP-46s, in the last years of the Clocker service, and it seems they were well regarded by the NEC crews charged with their operation. Reliable unit, in production, good crew reviews. Win-win-win situation. Probably, anyway, at least it isn't the MBTA, where they would take that information and believe it to be nothing more than lies, or diversions. Never underestimate bureaucracy, especially transit bureaucracy. It might seem at times like there's a vast, anti-passenger conspiracy trying to use terrible customer service to drive away passengers. Most of that can just be attributed to inane bureaucratic requirements designed to keep the generally uninformed, but powerful, politicians happy. So, maybe it will be the ALP-46A, maybe something else if Amtrak and their bureaucrats can find a better deal, more on this later. But now, sleeping.

And so it goes, another day riding forever 'neath the streets of boston.