Metro-North Chargers, 2 Mainline Steam Restorations, Caltrain is Electrified! | Railroad Quarterly

[@WorldwideRailfan]

One story I somehow completely forgot to mention: On November 10th, Amtrak launched its "new" Floridian service between Chicago and Miami. This train is a combination of two routes, the Capitol Limited and the Silver Star, which was done in order to free up Superliner equipment for western routes.

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

The way you call that autonomous Maverick "Cybertruck on rails" is just HYSTERICAL 🤣🤣🤣

[@harrisonofcolorado8886]

1:43 "Caltrain officially launched it's electrification". Oh God, I am way too young to feel this old.

[@WorldwideRailfan]

I know right? I remember being in middle school and seeing that first video CalTrain released about CalMod. How the years have flown by

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

Im SO pleased 3001 and 614 are both getting a new lease on life

[@Robertmitchell2121]

3:33 I literally can’t wait to see that returning to operation

[@Robertmitchell2121]

7:18 YOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Hap6605]

I am extremely happy about 614 being restored. As a couple months ago, i uncovered some photos of it running back in 1984 for the Family Lines Safety Express from some relatives. After looking into it more, lead to to see in on static display. I even wished for it to be operational again someday!

[@northeastrailfanproduction9199]

protogen pfp :3

[@Voucher765]

Same, It is the time to be a railfan and our preservation movement is going strong and NC&STL 576 is also returning to the rails in Nashville

[@paytongauthier6452]

3:47 its great to see that the F40ph makes a grand return after many years, hope to see more of these in the future.

[@Robertmitchell2121]

It’s great that alot of things are returning to operation

[@CedarLakeRailfanner]

3:06 thanks for sharing my video of 9700 to more people and more importantly thanks for giving credit

[@Pensyfan19]

Great to see another episode of this great series! I have a lot to say about all of these stories here, but it's mostly good news overall (except for 161).

[@railtechadventurer]

For these news on rail modernization and more that you listed here Sam, here's what I think on most of them. Tracks being purchased for the LYNX Red Line - North Carolina is in desperate need of a commuter rail, and it's nice to see some right of way being bought for the future rail service. However it kinda does confuse me that this route will be called the "Red Line", much like various subway and light rail routes out there. I do still wonder what fleet will be used for this commuter train. Siemens Mobility Facility in Horseheads - As part of the high speed rail projects being the high speed rail projects being established, I believe THIS IS where the California High Speed Rail Siemens fleet will be built. Caltrain's FULL Electric Launch - I'm very pleased that Caltrain is now running even more frequent, reliable and faster service with their new trains, but even so, the route could use more trains to and from Gilroy even on weekends. I was at Gilroy station back in November and it felt spooky seeing as the stations south of Tamien do not have train service. Not to mention that leaving whatever coaches or locomotives in the siding there (or anywhere) for 2 days or more in my opinion, is not very good for rolling stock. Amtrak P42C Conversion - Like 21 of the former EMD F40PH locomotives, I'm glad that several P42DC's are being converted to NPCU's for a new life, and former Phase IV (and then V again) engine 184 just so happens to be the first one. I think 28 of them will be converted to NPCU's numbered 9700 to 9727, although it would be lovely to have some of them used for service in California and the Midwest, even for their new services and more train frequency. F40PH-4C Conversion - It's quite amazing that we get to see such a vintage diesel engine now being rebuilt to look like it's Tier 4 compliant, although it's only the HEP generator that's Tier 4. I was hoping for a quieter engine when I heard the news. Metrolink F59 Locomotives Being Sold to Mexico and GO Transit - While it has been lovely seeing the F59 locomotives for Metrolink, I'm glad they'll be finding another career after being stored for several years. As for the F59PH's, I'm quite surprised that they will be placed into service for GO Transit even after GO Transit retired several other F59PH's between the 2000's and the early 2010's. New Jersey Transit Multilevel III Coaches - Personally, I think coaches like this in EMU or push-pull form would also be useful for Caltrain, even when the California High Speed Rail platforms will be installed at some stations. I think that's what the other door on the Stadler trains was for, but the only component I would change on the Multilevel coaches is the door style to use double doorways with steps that also lower and raise for those CHSR platforms and more wheelchair users, however the new Coradia Multilevel design being purchased for Metra and VRE would even be useful because the door and platform level would line up PERFECTLY. MBTA Type 10 Green Line LRV's - It's nice to see another type of LRV to go with the new Type 9 vehicles for MBTA's Green Line, although I think Siemens S700 vehicles would also do just as good. VTA really could use some S700's though. Metro-North SC-42DM Locomotives - I personally think these engines would the PERFECT choice for Caltrain to run more trains farther from Tamien station even as part of their expansion to Monterey County, with the only the exception is that my idea electric mode would have them use a pantograph between there and San Francisco. In addition, I think the ALP-45DP's from EXO would also work well on this route seeing as they are running on diesel power after their electric route has closed with a light rail metro taking over. Some of the ACS-64's from Amtrak would even be useful for Caltrain when they are ready to replace the ACS-64's and Amfleets with the Airo sets + ALC-42E locomotives. The consists of course would have to be allocated to ensure the correct fleets can run south on unelectrified territory. As for the diesel fleet of MPI rebuilt engines, I think they will be used until 2030 when the Monterey County expansion comes, but it would be nice to see the MP36PH's sent into WABTEC for service elsewhere, and MARC and Metrolink should do the same with them being converted to Tier 4 locomotives with modifications for intercity service. MT42PHAC would be a fitting designation. Amtrak's California sponsored trains would be the perfect choice for them even for more trains when they are ready to replace the other F59PHI's. EXO EC-42 Charger - I happened to see the engine at the Siemens facility in Florin back in November amongside other VIA Rail train sets (which the two that went out with this engine may have been what I shot as well), but the only concern that we should hope for is the winterized vents seeing as the Illinois Department of Transportation SC-44's have had circumstances which Siemens and Amtrak need to look further at together, including those for Caltrans. Caltrain EMD F40PH's and Gallery Coaches Transported to Peru - Well, there was a petition to get at least one or a few into a museum but seeing as the rail service in Peru is purchasing them, maybe it might not be possible after all (at least for now). The California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento would've been a good option for one but I wasn't sure if there was enough space, although the Southern California Railway Museum was planning to acquire one of them. AMTK 161 Fire Incident - Well, seeing as two Phase I painted P42's have had incidents, I may not be surprised if another one gets repainted into Phase I, but time will tell if an ALC-42 will claim the paint to make up for that, however I still may assume an ALC-42 would get it for the 60th Anniversary in 2031.

[@gb9727]

I hope UTA's tram order signifies that an order for Stadler trains for FrontRunner is coming

[@coleallen3895]

Those trains are not even 20 years old yet - it will most likely be the early 2040s that new Stadler bilevel trains will replace them (as well as the NM RailRunner trains which operate very similarly)

[@R262SubwayCar1]

Why?

[@WorldwideRailfan]

I've heard that there are proposals to electrify FrontRunner in the future. If/when they go forward with that, I would be shocked if they didn't order trains from Stadler

[@nickstransportvlogs]

6:20 - Funny how Go Transit retired exactly all except the newly built F59PHs (in the mid 90s), only to buy 8 of them they never operated a decade later 😂

[@WorldwideRailfan]

Still confused why they're buying them. Considering GO's plans for electrification in the next decade, they won't really see much more service

[@nickstransportvlogs]

@@WorldwideRailfan Yeah mate, I too am confused on as to why Metrolinx bought those, but apparently GO is increasing services from what I read prior to electrification. Hopefully the rebuilt F59s from Metrolink receive the new livery like the MP54s, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they instead receive the same livery as the existing F59s have.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Didn't Go Transit literally just replace a bunch of F59s with the MP54Cs? Apparently those were all delivered and MPI is now shut down and removed from Wabtec's brand portfolio

[@EthanRailStudios]

@@mrvwbug4423 No, the current F59s are still operating on the system.

[@tdginc]

0:37 the irony

[@J-Bahn]

8:40 Ah well; I was kinda hoping they could be used for Metrolink service for the events in 2026 and 2028.

[@Grenadier_]

😄 all exciting news, indeed can't believe I missed the 614 being restored, that's extra exciting well done on this video, Sam 👏

[@tdginc]

Excited for next quarter

[@nolantherailfan5048]

NJT is replacing the Arrow III's before Septa even replaces the Silverliner IV's

[@thesquirrelthatwentupurass7920]

Forgot updates to the Dreamstar Lines start-up. Otherwise, excellent work!👍

[@WorldwideRailfan]

That's my bad. It completely slipped my mind! Definately an interesting story that will surely appear more in the future

[@thesquirrelthatwentupurass7920]

@WorldwideRailfan fs. No worries, bro, great video all in all.

[@SleepTrain456]

As usual, I found this quite an informative video! Now, I know about all the new cars that will come in (including how the Grand Canyon Railway, which I once rode on, will have a battery-electric locomotive!), as well as the redistribution of ex-Metrolink stock and the renationalization of passenger rail in Mexico. Thanks for the video!

[@ninyaninjabrifsanovichthes45]

Breaking news: The MBTA refuses to let the F40PH die

[@timpost2981]

We love to hear it

[@counterfit5]

​@@timpost2981not like you get much choice, with how loud they are 😂

[@cornkopp2985]

It's not big news but in october and november they've started testing new subway cars on the baltimore metro to replace the 40 year old budd cars that the line currently uses. There's some good test footage of the new trains out there on youtube now.

[@russellgxy2905]

The F40's continue to have spirit!

[@harlander-harpy]

On August 31st Seattle's Sound Transit opened an 8.5-mile, 4 station extension of the 1 Line. In September, Sound Transit restored two daily round trips of the Sounder commuter rail's north line In November, Sound Transit began running test trains on the 2 Line's i90 extension. This will connect Bellevue to Seattle on the world's first floating rail bridge in late 2025 Also in November, Sound Transit began running test trains on the 2 Line's 3-mile 2 station Redmond extension set to open in early 2025 Finally, in November, the USDOT granted the Seattle Monorail with $15m for accessibility improvements at it's Westlake Center station

[@devinboney2346]

MNR got two SC42-DM delivered and they’re already out for testing

[@Trainfan1055Janathan]

Please preserve at least one Arrow III in operating condition.

[@KCDash4400cw]

Welcome back GE B23-7

[@soniomagr5498]

This Season on the Railroad.

[@nolantherailfan5048]

2:46 Cybertrain

[@goldgamercommenting2990]

Imagine Amtrak having a new F40PH-4C That would be wicked and sweet!

[@amtrak713productions8]

Supposedly we are getting p42cs 9700-9709 Also p42dcs 65,66,67,91,156 and 80 tonners 1000 and 1100 have been retired and are pending scrapping or being sold Also 161 is a total loss already stricken from the roster Also another first for amtrak the p42c 9700-9709 will have functional dynamic brakes 9700 is still in its testing phase unknown when it will be put into service

[@WorldwideRailfan]

I heard that 18 P42Cs are planned, alongside 5 HHP-8Cs for NEC services. Additionally, I believe the engine blocks are drilled on the P42Cs, so no dynamic braking. That being said, they will retain HEP generators to provide power for their trains

[@mrvwbug4423]

@@WorldwideRailfan I thought P42s took HEP off the prime mover? I assume these cab cars will have the prime mover removed (ala the Cabbage Cars) or rendered inoperative

[@00Zy99]

1000 and 1100 look to be in good condition. But I suppose that's what happens when an engine is assigned to the maintenance shops-just look at the shop switcher the Southern Pacific had for Sacramento.

[@00Zy99]

@@WorldwideRailfan Dynamic braking doesn't rely on the prime mover. It just uses the electric motors in reverse, and feeds the energy generated into massive banks of resistors to be dissipated as heat. Theoretically, stuffing it full of batteries would be useful as a booster, instead of just wasting all of that energy. It's one of the few uses for battery-electric locomotives that I can see.

[@CTrail1711]

What about the Shore Line East THRU service restoration?

[@CalebCosta-210]

RIP pan am

[@RailfanMax66]

Ayeeee my vid of the PHIs :3

[@gb9727]

I thought the Exo Charger would be called "SCX-42"

[@WorldwideRailfan]

Yeah makes sense, "EC-42" is an odd classification

[@exerosis5758]

Nooo RIP arrow 3s you will be extremely sorely missed.

[@Rickybnsf]

3:06 No shot my railfan homie's video made it into a worldwide railfan video

[@CedarLakeRailfanner]

I'm here

[@Rickybnsf]

@CedarLakeRailfanner :D

[@mamarussellthepie3995]

Very cool

[@ChamplainDivision]

Hey, Sam, see if you can find out why NS did the TAG Heritage unit when everyone knew D&H sentiment was running four to one. Something about NS owning the D&H trackage and property, but not owning any rights to the D&H name and heraldry may be to blame.

[@louisvillerailfan]

I’d love to hear about any Front Range Passenger Rail news in the future!

[@WorldwideRailfan]

Coming soon!

[@louisvillerailfan]

@@WorldwideRailfan Sweet!! Can't wait!

[@mrvwbug4423]

I wouldn't hold my breath on that one with the change in administration. Turning a single track dark territory sub into a 110mph passenger line is going to require funding that only a transit friendly administration would be willing to provide.

[@chooch1764]

@@mrvwbug4423 Two things to keep in mind, 1.) The states that support passenger/transit rail have their own funding too. 2.) We the people have a right to write to Congress and tell them to stop passenger/transit rail budget cuts from happening. More and more people rather take the train nowadays with Amtrak having about 33 million passengers in fiscal year 2024.

[@maas1208]

​@@chooch1764 Plus there are some Republicans who are in favor of Public Transportation

[@Earth_Number_12]

i expect CSX ALL GRAY Heritage unit

[@RJCormanRailfan]

Caltrain made the right decision to electrify using overhead wires instead of that stupid battery-electric nonsense. Also, IF battery electric locomotives do become a thing, it will like be on short lines like the Grand Canyon Railway, where the hills can actually charge the battery. Besides, it's not like that locomotive would be going from coast to coast anyway.

[@00Zy99]

That decision was made before battery-electric was considered an option. It just took this long to get here!

[@JustATeenageRailfan]

The F40 cal trains is keeping is 919 and it’s unlikely that it will end up being saved

[@SevereWeatherCenter]

What’s going to replace the Amfleet II long distance cars?

[@mrvwbug4423]

Airo sets

[@00Zy99]

@@mrvwbug4423 I was under the impression that Airo was just for Amfleet I and Horizon, and Amfleet II and Viewliners are coming next. A definitive order for those hasn't been developed yet.

[@mrvwbug4423]

@@00Zy99 Viewliner IIs aren't going anywhere anytime soon, they're less than 10 years old. They started receiving them from CAF in 2015. It's the Superliner replacements that they've not awarded a contract for. And those Superliners are really showing their age, I just rode the California Zephyr yesterday and today and dated doesn't begin to describe them.

[@00Zy99]

@@mrvwbug4423 The Viewliner Is ARE getting older, though (and doesn't that make ME feel old). Given the length of procurement cycles, it's going to be more convenient to just order replacements for ALL single-level long-distance at the same time, and have the delivery rate be such that by the time the order comes around, the Viewliner IIs will be due for AT LEAST a major overhaul. Figure 5-10 years for gathering funds and getting a contract ready. Then another 5-10 for delivery of Amfleet II and Viewliner I replacements. Now, its time for the Viewliner II to get replaced. Amtrak is doing something similar with motive power (unfortunately). The ACS-64 electrics are coming due for their mid-life refresh, but it is planned to replace them with the multi-mode sets for corridor work, since that will apparently be cheaper. Here's hoping that at least some of them find new homes in commuter service (MBTA, MARC, I'm looking at YOU).

[@mplsmike4023]

I don’t like that P42s and P32DMs are now considered old. What does that make me?

[@reddog1015]

Boomer

[@kzooaviation]

Chat is this guy a nerd?

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

No

[@buildintotrains]

only the best kind of nerd

[@kzooaviation]

@@buildintotrains fr

[@cryorig_transit05]

@@buildintotrains Facts

[@SouthernCtRailfan]

@@buildintotrainsagreed

[@KeeganStevens]

How Come They Have To Drill The Prime Movers?

[@WorldwideRailfan]

It's because of some California law that prevents old polluting equipment from continuing to operate. I guess it doesn't apply if the equipment leaves the country

[@mrvwbug4423]

@@WorldwideRailfan *sad Metra noises* You know Metra would've slurped up all those F40s from CalTrain if they could've. Pretty sure other than the I-ETMS gear they're identical in spec to Metras (i.e. lapped brakes, separate dynamic braking)

[@qjtvaddict]

Arrow won’t be missed

[@WorldwideRailfan]

They are indeed long overdue to be replaced. They are pretty cool from a railfan standpoint though

[@TWF1003]

Neither will you.

[@trainsbytracks1346]

trainsbytracks (trainsbytracks)

[@counterfit5]

Trainsbytracks? Trainsbytracks !

[@blackking7512]

The Metro North Chargers ain't doing to well with 3rd rail testing.

[@TWF1003]

Seriously! you forgot to include the WES commuter rail phase 4 repaints. 1st Pensyfan and now you. what do you people have against covering WES commuter rail news!?

[@qjtvaddict]

It’s trash

[@WorldwideRailfan]

Did WES get a new paint scheme?

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

​@@WorldwideRailfan apparently

[@mrvwbug4423]

pretty sure 99% of anyone doesn't know WES exists and probably 80% of Portland doesn't know it exists haha

[@TWF1003]

@@WorldwideRailfan Yes. i literally sent you a private instagram message discussing it with links to relevant sites and everything.

[@CaliforniaCoastlineProductions]

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