Quote:
Originally Posted by Busy Bee
It's official. The planned use of bi-level coaches on Amtrak regional trains in multiple trains is out in favor of single level cars built by Siemens after bi-level crash worthiness proves too difficult to accomplish under FAA guidelines:
Thursday, November 09, 2017
Siemens in, Nippon Sharyo out of Caltrans pact
I for one am thrilled. Not only do they look better, single-level coaches function better considering bi-level coaches are not needed on longer distance routes with no capacity issues.
|
The NGEC had to alter the weight limitations on the PRIIA 305-003 single-level specifications in order for Siemens' equipment to be compliant.
-Single-level coach weight went from 104,000lbs. to 126,200lbs., an increase of 21%.
-Single-level cafe car weight went from 111,000lbs. to 133,200lbs., an increase of 20%
-Single-level cab/baggage car weight went from 108,000lbs. to 137,200lbs., an increase of 27%.
One wonders if Nippon-Sharyo had been given the same increases in allowable weight whether Rochelle would be turning out new bi-levels today.
Siemens has been angling for a while to convince Amtrak that the Viaggio Comfort should be the Amfleet replacement car. This gives Siemens a chance to showcase the car without Amtrak having to spend a dime to test them out. Plus if an acceptable bi-level design does appear (Amtrak needs a Superliner replacement at some point as well) Caltrans/IDOT/MDOT could sell their single-level cars to Amtrak for long-distance coaches.