Quote:
Originally Posted by Quixote
And yes, it would be cool if they could integrate this with the SIR, which uses B Division rolling stock. Can’t the FRA make an exception and allow NYC Subway cars to use this corridor’s tracks? They’re letting Caltrain operate lighter vehicles as part of the system’s electrification.
|
Not that simple... NYC subway cars are tin cans on wheels, which is what FTA allows. They can do this because the elaborate signaling systems on transit lines make big crashes very unlikely. Grade crossings are uncommon on metro systems, and where they do exist the operating speed is usually limited. FRA, even with the new alt-compliance rules, still requires extensive Crash Energy Management (crumple zones), etc for mainline rolling stock because rail mainlines are not protected with elaborate signaling and any crash that happens will involve significant speed and/or mass involved, so potentially a greater loss of life.
Not to mention that there's a difference in the loading gauge too. If you ran a subway car on the Metro-North, there would be a huge gap at every platform. If you can a freight car on the subway, it would collide with every platform edge.
If IBX is a mixed freight/transit operation, then it makes sense to use mainline rolling stock similar to what Metro-North and LIRR use, except the interior layout would be different. Even then, you'd likely need gauntlet tracks to address the loading gauge issue.