Comments on: WSDOT Request for Cascades Corridor http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/ Transit in the Greater Seattle Area Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:21:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Opinion: WSDOT and Amtrak Cascades - Seattle Transit Blog http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-36310 Opinion: WSDOT and Amtrak Cascades - Seattle Transit Blog Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:01:41 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-36310 [...] the Amtrak Cascades corridor, available to compete for this money. I recently went over what WSDOT has submitted for funding, which was just under $700 million. What this money will go towards are several new train sets, key [...]
[...] the Amtrak Cascades corridor, available to compete for this money. I recently went over what WSDOT has submitted for funding, which was just under $700 million. What this money will go towards are several new train sets, key [...]

]]> By: lloyd http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34697 lloyd Sun, 15 Mar 2009 01:00:58 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34697 The car bodies were built in Spain and imported to Seattle as empty shells where they were completed and furnished.
The car bodies were built in Spain and imported to Seattle as empty shells where they were completed and furnished.

]]> By: Chris Stefan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34604 Chris Stefan Sat, 14 Mar 2009 03:33:38 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34604 According to Talgo the Talgo XXI is FRA compliant as is the matching DMU/locomotive. Not sure about "Buy America" how did the original Talgo sets comply (or not) with the requirement?
According to Talgo the Talgo XXI is FRA compliant as is the matching DMU/locomotive.

Not sure about “Buy America” how did the original Talgo sets comply (or not) with the requirement?

]]> By: Lloyd http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34590 Lloyd Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:14:21 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34590 Has the FRA had a change of heart on Talgo crashworthiness? And where would this all fit with the "Buy America" laws?
Has the FRA had a change of heart on Talgo crashworthiness? And where would this all fit with the “Buy America” laws?

]]> By: Chris Stefan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34347 Chris Stefan Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:57:26 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34347 The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PL42AC" rel="nofollow">PL42AC</a> by Alstom would be an alternative to either the GE P42DC or the MPI MP36PH. However so far New Jersey Transit is the only customer.
The PL42AC by Alstom would be an alternative to either the GE P42DC or the MPI MP36PH. However so far New Jersey Transit is the only customer.

]]> By: Chris Stefan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34342 Chris Stefan Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:29:06 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34342 Even if that is all we get, that still would be huge. Hopefully we will get the new trainsets as well. I'd love to see the Talgo XXI here. I don't know if Talgo has an FRA compliant electric locomotive for the Talgo XXI but if they do I suspect the Talgo XXI would embarrass Bombardier's Acela on the NEC.
Even if that is all we get, that still would be huge. Hopefully we will get the new trainsets as well. I’d love to see the Talgo XXI here.

I don’t know if Talgo has an FRA compliant electric locomotive for the Talgo XXI but if they do I suspect the Talgo XXI would embarrass Bombardier’s Acela on the NEC.

]]> By: CriticalWonk http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34265 CriticalWonk Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:02:04 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34265 Nice! Just got a call from a friend who is on the train from Seattle to the Bay Area. He has the day to enjoy the ride and is very much enjoying it. Think if the time could be shortened...even as you suggest incrementally.
Nice! Just got a call from a friend who is on the train from Seattle to the Bay Area. He has the day to enjoy the ride and is very much enjoying it. Think if the time could be shortened…even as you suggest incrementally.

]]> By: Ben Schiendelman http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34216 Ben Schiendelman Wed, 11 Mar 2009 23:20:30 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34216 I'd only expect us to get Vancouver and Point Defiance.
I’d only expect us to get Vancouver and Point Defiance.

]]> By: Ken Baker http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34201 Ken Baker Wed, 11 Mar 2009 23:00:00 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34201 The Talgo 350 would be nice too! I would think that the Talgo 22 would fit on the NEC...
The Talgo 350 would be nice too!

I would think that the Talgo 22 would fit on the NEC…

]]> By: Brian Bundridge http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34175 Brian Bundridge Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:42:51 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34175 Seth - To date, the Talgo XXI/21 has not been to Pueblo. It is estimated that a train set will be sent here late this year or early 2010.
Seth – To date, the Talgo XXI/21 has not been to Pueblo. It is estimated that a train set will be sent here late this year or early 2010.

]]> By: Seth http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34168 Seth Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:19:24 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34168 Brian - According to the Talgo website the XXI's power unit is FRA compliant, however I'm not aware that it's actually been tested in Pueblo? Can you fill us in on this? Thanks Seth
Brian – According to the Talgo website the XXI’s power unit is FRA compliant, however I’m not aware that it’s actually been tested in Pueblo? Can you fill us in on this?

Thanks

Seth

]]> By: Chris Stefan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34166 Chris Stefan Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:18:09 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34166 Ah, well then any chance of having the P42 qualified for the Talgo limits? Whatever they buy to replace the F59PHI they are going to have to qualify it for the Talgo speeds. Though I suppose with the Talgo 21 trainsets it comes with its own Talgo designed DMU. Still the old trainsets aren't worn out yet so they need something to pull them.
Ah, well then any chance of having the P42 qualified for the Talgo limits?

Whatever they buy to replace the F59PHI they are going to have to qualify it for the Talgo speeds. Though I suppose with the Talgo 21 trainsets it comes with its own Talgo designed DMU. Still the old trainsets aren’t worn out yet so they need something to pull them.

]]> By: Brian Bundridge http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34138 Brian Bundridge Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:49:24 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34138 Yes, they are but they aren't officially qualified for the Talgo speed limits. Only the F59PHI and the NPCU (aka, cab car) can do these speeds from the last that I have heard. For those that don't know, the Talgo can operate at a higher rate of speed in certain segments of the right of way. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3346765993_6102c065dd_o.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3346778459_acc3bf248c_o.jpg The speed limits can be pretty dramatic as shown above. Locomotives that operate on the Talgo are "supposed" to obey the standard passenger train speed limits (P) instead of the Talgo speed limits (T)... Freight trains is pretty obvious (F) British Columbia and Oregon does not "honor" the higher Talgo speed limits and thus must operate at the traditional passenger speed limits
Yes, they are but they aren’t officially qualified for the Talgo speed limits. Only the F59PHI and the NPCU (aka, cab car) can do these speeds from the last that I have heard.

For those that don’t know, the Talgo can operate at a higher rate of speed in certain segments of the right of way.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3346765993_6102c065dd_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3346778459_acc3bf248c_o.jpg

The speed limits can be pretty dramatic as shown above. Locomotives that operate on the Talgo are “supposed” to obey the standard passenger train speed limits (P) instead of the Talgo speed limits (T)… Freight trains is pretty obvious (F)

British Columbia and Oregon does not “honor” the higher Talgo speed limits and thus must operate at the traditional passenger speed limits

]]> By: Brian Bundridge http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34134 Brian Bundridge Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:31:33 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34134 I don't think so since Sound Transit just finished that particular project last Summer. Passenger trains can do 50mph after Royal Brougham now but it quickly goes to 40mph for a curve just South of Spokane Street. Since the COSTCO expansion, there is no way to widen the curve for faster trains. There would be too much mitigation with the new gas station and car wash facility there now. The terminal used to only be 20mph for all trains to Spokane Street.
I don’t think so since Sound Transit just finished that particular project last Summer. Passenger trains can do 50mph after Royal Brougham now but it quickly goes to 40mph for a curve just South of Spokane Street. Since the COSTCO expansion, there is no way to widen the curve for faster trains. There would be too much mitigation with the new gas station and car wash facility there now.

The terminal used to only be 20mph for all trains to Spokane Street.

]]> By: Chris Stefan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34133 Chris Stefan Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:26:21 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34133 I've certainly had the experience of Cascades pulling into the station extremely early, so I suspect there is a fair bit of padding in the schedule.
I’ve certainly had the experience of Cascades pulling into the station extremely early, so I suspect there is a fair bit of padding in the schedule.

]]> By: Brian Bundridge http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34132 Brian Bundridge Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:25:48 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34132 Videos of Talgo 21/XXI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi0zEbcQIeA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YUxAV0NecI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt_t4_u0Nv0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6huStYOUehw That sure is quiet for moving at these speeds! Another interesting video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCUeWu3xy4w The facility it is coming out of is the gauge changing facility. And finally, Talgo's corporate video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF7krSxJ71A
Videos of Talgo 21/XXI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi0zEbcQIeA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YUxAV0NecI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt_t4_u0Nv0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6huStYOUehw

That sure is quiet for moving at these speeds!

Another interesting video –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCUeWu3xy4w
The facility it is coming out of is the gauge changing facility.

And finally, Talgo’s corporate video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF7krSxJ71A

]]> By: Chris Stefan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34130 Chris Stefan Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:21:41 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34130 Aren't the P42 qualified all the way up to 79mph? Also does anyone know what motive power Amtrak uses on the Southwest Chief? Supposedly that train has sections of greater than 79mph running due to ATS installed by the ATSF long ago.
Aren’t the P42 qualified all the way up to 79mph?

Also does anyone know what motive power Amtrak uses on the Southwest Chief? Supposedly that train has sections of greater than 79mph running due to ATS installed by the ATSF long ago.

]]> By: Chris Stefan http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34129 Chris Stefan Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:17:26 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34129 I'd rather have the Talgo 350 ... I do wonder what Talgo could do with a double deck coach using the North American loading gauge? I also wonder if those Talgo 22 double deck coaches could fit on the NEC?
I’d rather have the Talgo 350 …

I do wonder what Talgo could do with a double deck coach using the North American loading gauge?

I also wonder if those Talgo 22 double deck coaches could fit on the NEC?

]]> By: Erik http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34126 Erik Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:58:21 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34126 I just want once of these on the early departures http://www.talgo.de/Nachtzug.htm so I can crawl back into bed and sleep all the way to Vancouver, BC or Portland.
I just want once of these on the early departures

http://www.talgo.de/Nachtzug.htm

so I can crawl back into bed and sleep all the way to Vancouver, BC or Portland.

]]> By: Erik http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/03/10/wsdot-request-for-cascades-corridor/#comment-34124 Erik Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:54:39 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=3433#comment-34124 Does the "track and signal improvement" possibly include over- or under-pass projects (grade-crossing elimination) for the line as it leaves Seattle-King Street for the south; the portion of the line in SODO until Spokane street where there are many at-grade crossings?
Does the “track and signal improvement” possibly include over- or under-pass projects (grade-crossing elimination) for the line as it leaves Seattle-King Street for the south; the portion of the line in SODO until Spokane street where there are many at-grade crossings?

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