Re: San Rafael: Start for SMART unclear
Author: Crossing Over
Date: 09-23-2016 - 15:21
An Observer Wrote:
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> Not to mention that the crossing predictor
> circuits now have to be realigned for the higher
> passenger speeds and that all has to work. The DMU
> performance needs to be addressed during the
> warranty period, bunch of little things that a
> normal shortline doesn't have to address.
One thing to keep in mind that aside from the shunts needing to be moved out, the relatively light weight of the DMUs on new rail can cause VERY intermittent performance issues. That's why most Class 1s required at least a minimum of 12 axles for light power moves (either 2 ea. 6-axle units or 3 ea. 4-axle units) to permit high speeds through crossing. If less than 12 axles, then crossing must be either flagged and/or 15 mph speed (depending on the RR specs). BNSF is minimum 12 axles of light power and I would suspect UP is similar.