Comments on: Oregon Iron Works Streetcar http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/ Transit in the Greater Seattle Area Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:21:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Brian Bundridge http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44294 Brian Bundridge Sun, 10 May 2009 14:21:15 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44294 Erik, I've had more issues with diesels than I have with steam locomotives. We burn oil (recycled oil with a diesel mix) at Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, primarily because the State of Washington does not allow steam locomotives to use coal for their primarily fuel source. Cinders from a coal burner sucks but if the locomotive has a good catch protection (to prevent fires and such) they should not have any issues with cinders and soot coming from the stack. A lot of the junk normally comes out when the engine is "cold" meaning it hasn't ran or moved to get the crap out of the smokebox. Train Festival 2009 will have 4 coal powered steam locomotives and our region's very own Southern Pacific 4449 from Portland, Oregon displaying there in July. http://www.trainfestival2009.com
Erik,

I’ve had more issues with diesels than I have with steam locomotives. We burn oil (recycled oil with a diesel mix) at Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad, primarily because the State of Washington does not allow steam locomotives to use coal for their primarily fuel source.

Cinders from a coal burner sucks but if the locomotive has a good catch protection (to prevent fires and such) they should not have any issues with cinders and soot coming from the stack. A lot of the junk normally comes out when the engine is “cold” meaning it hasn’t ran or moved to get the crap out of the smokebox.

Train Festival 2009 will have 4 coal powered steam locomotives and our region’s very own Southern Pacific 4449 from Portland, Oregon displaying there in July. http://www.trainfestival2009.com

]]> By: poncho http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44132 poncho Sat, 09 May 2009 04:42:09 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44132 brian, are you checking out the events at pdx union station tomorrow like the 4449? anyone noticed how quiet the modern streetcars are when the a/c is temporarily off? i wish they would turn it off when not in need. yes trimet is making service cuts, but compared to service cuts elsewhere they are quite minimal.
brian, are you checking out the events at pdx union station tomorrow like the 4449?

anyone noticed how quiet the modern streetcars are when the a/c is temporarily off? i wish they would turn it off when not in need.

yes trimet is making service cuts, but compared to service cuts elsewhere they are quite minimal.

]]> By: anonymous http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44114 anonymous Sat, 09 May 2009 02:59:34 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44114 Happens a lot here to. I guess most of these riders are "new" so they don't understand about transfers. That or they are willing to pay to sit for a couple seconds rather than walk the five minutes...
Happens a lot here to. I guess most of these riders are “new” so they don’t understand about transfers. That or they are willing to pay to sit for a couple seconds rather than walk the five minutes…

]]> By: L. Smith http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44111 L. Smith Sat, 09 May 2009 02:10:18 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44111 On MAX, it was extremely loud going through the tunnel with windows open. Perhaps that was a consideration here, since we're going to have so much tunnel.
On MAX, it was extremely loud going through the tunnel with windows open. Perhaps that was a consideration here, since we’re going to have so much tunnel.

]]> By: Mr Bradford (Brian) http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44104 Mr Bradford (Brian) Sat, 09 May 2009 00:00:59 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44104 You probably won't get this in time, but ask some questions about the WES debacle. It's a large part of why TriMet is making the service cuts that they are this year. And I'm not referring to dearth of ridership, its something far more sinister (and questionable). BTW, I noticed that Mr Smith has a beef on the Interstate Bridge replacement.
You probably won’t get this in time, but ask some questions about the WES debacle. It’s a large part of why TriMet is making the service cuts that they are this year.

And I’m not referring to dearth of ridership, its something far more sinister (and questionable).

BTW, I noticed that Mr Smith has a beef on the Interstate Bridge replacement.

]]> By: lazarus http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44093 lazarus Fri, 08 May 2009 22:25:23 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44093 I wouldn't *assume* anything because you know what happens when you do.... But the improved bogie design could be for a variety of reasons -- first and foremost being that it is simply a "newer" design that is improved over the previous generation design. Rail technology is constantly evolving. It’s only the uninformed (and those who wish to intentionally mislead) who think that rail tech is somehow static simply because trains have been around a long time. It could also be that the new design is more optimized for American conditions or maintenance practices. Who knows, and who really cares as long as it really is better……
I wouldn’t *assume* anything because you know what happens when you do….

But the improved bogie design could be for a variety of reasons — first and foremost being that it is simply a “newer” design that is improved over the previous generation design. Rail technology is constantly evolving. It’s only the uninformed (and those who wish to intentionally mislead) who think that rail tech is somehow static simply because trains have been around a long time.

It could also be that the new design is more optimized for American conditions or maintenance practices.

Who knows, and who really cares as long as it really is better……

]]> By: Brian Bundridge http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44077 Brian Bundridge Fri, 08 May 2009 21:40:49 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44077 The tour went very well and most of your questions were answered. I'm on max heading to beaverton then checking out WES
The tour went very well and most of your questions were answered. I’m on max heading to beaverton then checking out WES

]]> By: John Jensen http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44076 John Jensen Fri, 08 May 2009 21:23:09 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44076 Well it's not like uninformed people off the street go in and buy streetcars -- let's assume it's optional for a reason (cost). It can't be like brakes or a transmission in that those are required to operate a vehicle.
Well it’s not like uninformed people off the street go in and buy streetcars — let’s assume it’s optional for a reason (cost). It can’t be like brakes or a transmission in that those are required to operate a vehicle.

]]> By: lloyd http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44072 lloyd Fri, 08 May 2009 21:07:22 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44072 I see this often in West Seattle within 3 or 4 blocks of the CA and AK junction and also along The Ave in the UDistrict - cash fare w/ no transfer - remarkable!
I see this often in West Seattle within 3 or 4 blocks of the CA and AK junction and also along The Ave in the UDistrict – cash fare w/ no transfer – remarkable!

]]> By: Gary http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44070 Gary Fri, 08 May 2009 20:35:12 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44070 Seriously... why would they offer "improved bogie redesign" and not just make it standard. It's like brakes, or transmission on your car. If it's something expensive and cool and truly not something everyone would want, they should say so...ie. like "Computer controlled air suspension." or "Dual gas suspension with double bogie axles..".. If it's way more complex for a very minor benefit you might not choose it. As I understood the initial posting it was to get some interesting answers to Street car's unexplained questions. And no I've never wanted a pony.. they bite.
Seriously… why would they offer “improved bogie redesign” and not just make it standard. It’s like brakes, or transmission on your car.

If it’s something expensive and cool and truly not something everyone would want, they should say so…ie. like “Computer controlled air suspension.” or “Dual gas suspension with double bogie axles..”.. If it’s way more complex for a very minor benefit you might not choose it.

As I understood the initial posting it was to get some interesting answers to Street car’s unexplained questions.

And no I’ve never wanted a pony.. they bite.

]]> By: joshuadf http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44069 joshuadf Fri, 08 May 2009 20:30:11 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44069 <a href="http://twitter.com/merlyn/status/1733019233" rel="nofollow">Random transit tweet</a> unrelated to this thread: <blockquote cite="merlyn"> Girl gets on bus, pays full fare, gets off two blocks later. Wtf? Bus driver says "happens all the time" </blockquote>
Random transit tweet unrelated to this thread:

Girl gets on bus, pays full fare, gets off two blocks later. Wtf? Bus driver says “happens all the time”

]]> By: ST Linker http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44054 ST Linker Fri, 08 May 2009 18:23:05 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44054 I'm an extreme rail enthusiast. Thanks for putting up the link! I shared it with all my railfan buddies.
I’m an extreme rail enthusiast. Thanks for putting up the link! I shared it with all my railfan buddies.

]]> By: Erik http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44052 Erik Fri, 08 May 2009 18:10:51 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44052 May I assure all of you that travelling behind a stinky coal burning steam locomotive looses its "romance" pretty quick. Get a couple of cinders or soot particles in your nose or mouth and you pine for a diesel (or better yet electricification) real soon. Although since a Talgo does produce its own "hotel power", they could run behind a steam loco with no need for an assisting diesel.
May I assure all of you that travelling behind a stinky coal burning steam locomotive looses its “romance” pretty quick. Get a couple of cinders or soot particles in your nose or mouth and you pine for a diesel (or better yet electricification) real soon.

Although since a Talgo does produce its own “hotel power”, they could run behind a steam loco with no need for an assisting diesel.

]]> By: Ben Schiendelman http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44051 Ben Schiendelman Fri, 08 May 2009 18:09:34 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44051 I tend to agree, lazarus. :)
I tend to agree, lazarus. :)

]]> By: lazarus http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44049 lazarus Fri, 08 May 2009 17:51:40 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44049 I think the people on this blog are not "extreme rail enthusiasts", although they certainly are transit and urban planning enthusiasts. It just happens that rail transit is going through a revival nationally, and what is new and exciting in the PS region is almost exclusively rail (with a little BRT).
I think the people on this blog are not “extreme rail enthusiasts”, although they certainly are transit and urban planning enthusiasts. It just happens that rail transit is going through a revival nationally, and what is new and exciting in the PS region is almost exclusively rail (with a little BRT).

]]> By: Brian Bundridge http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44047 Brian Bundridge Fri, 08 May 2009 17:48:28 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44047 Arrived into pdx 15 Minutes early. Thanks for all the comments!
Arrived into pdx 15 Minutes early. Thanks for all the comments!

]]> By: Colin Chaddock http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44042 Colin Chaddock Fri, 08 May 2009 16:58:26 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44042 If not the Pento, what plans do they have for higher capacity streetcars? Does anyone know how they compare price-wise to other streetcar manufacturers?
If not the Pento, what plans do they have for higher capacity streetcars?

Does anyone know how they compare price-wise to other streetcar manufacturers?

]]> By: Lloyd http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44041 Lloyd Fri, 08 May 2009 16:52:58 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44041 I use #501 and #508 whenever I go to PDX for the day, and they never are THAT cool, though I DO love our WashDOT Talgos!! I'll miss the trip along the Narrows, though.
I use #501 and #508 whenever I go to PDX for the day, and they never are THAT cool, though I DO love our WashDOT Talgos!! I’ll miss the trip along the Narrows, though.

]]> By: Lloyd http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44040 Lloyd Fri, 08 May 2009 16:47:54 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44040 Now, Ben. I hope you are exaggerating for emphasis here ("asking what people 'want'"...). Improved suspension and comfortable seating are not "gold plated" extras - personally, I'm disappointed in the seating on the Link trains, though I will ride of course. KCMetro's and ST's buses have far more comfortable seats than the new trains, IMO. I'd also prefer windows that open on the trains since we only need AC about 20 days a year here IF we can get "flow through" natural AC from windows; again, I'll not whine to the Seattle Times about this. But to me AC is "gold plating" here in Pugetopolis, in buildings, cars and transport vehicles.
Now, Ben. I hope you are exaggerating for emphasis here (“asking what people ‘want’”…). Improved suspension and comfortable seating are not “gold plated” extras – personally, I’m disappointed in the seating on the Link trains, though I will ride of course. KCMetro’s and ST’s buses have far more comfortable seats than the new trains, IMO. I’d also prefer windows that open on the trains since we only need AC about 20 days a year here IF we can get “flow through” natural AC from windows; again, I’ll not whine to the Seattle Times about this. But to me AC is “gold plating” here in Pugetopolis, in buildings, cars and transport vehicles.

]]> By: Ben Schiendelman http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/05/08/oregon-iron-works-streetcar/#comment-44038 Ben Schiendelman Fri, 08 May 2009 16:26:04 +0000 http://seattletransitblog.com/?p=5049#comment-44038 Seriously? Doesn't everyone want a pony and/or a jetpack? How much does it cost, how much are taxpayers willing to pay before the cacophony of "gold plated" comments kill a vote? Asking what people 'want' is kind of ridiculous.
Seriously? Doesn’t everyone want a pony and/or a jetpack? How much does it cost, how much are taxpayers willing to pay before the cacophony of “gold plated” comments kill a vote? Asking what people ‘want’ is kind of ridiculous.

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