 |
Re: New life for old Caltrain fleet
Author: FUD
Date: 11-16-2024 - 19:19
AZebra Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What about their MP40 locomotives and the
> UTDC/Bombardier cars? Did they electrify to
> Gilroy, or are these now for SJ to Gilroy only. or
> are they going to Peru or elsewhere?
>
> It's been a long time since I have had reason to
> think about Caltrain, so just curious.
Nobody has tried to hide that the wires end at Tamien. The Gilroy runs will remain diesel indefinitely, or at least until Caltrain can get some FLiRTs (or whatever they're talking about buying) with batteries and pantographs so they can run off-wire to/from Gilroy then recharge once back on the Peninsula. Sounds like a good setup, but it'll take a while to get organized (and paid for) so the newer diesels (MP40s) will keep running between SJ and Gilroy.
Remember, Caltrain only owns the line north of Tamien. South of that it's UP. Wires will not go up over UP tracks until hell (in the form of 3+ deg warming) arrives then freezes over.
Incidentally, if you want to see a dual-power battery & overhead train operating today, check out this YT of the spur line serving Elon's Tesla plant near Berlin.
-------------------------------------------------------
> What about their MP40 locomotives and the
> UTDC/Bombardier cars? Did they electrify to
> Gilroy, or are these now for SJ to Gilroy only. or
> are they going to Peru or elsewhere?
>
> It's been a long time since I have had reason to
> think about Caltrain, so just curious.
Nobody has tried to hide that the wires end at Tamien. The Gilroy runs will remain diesel indefinitely, or at least until Caltrain can get some FLiRTs (or whatever they're talking about buying) with batteries and pantographs so they can run off-wire to/from Gilroy then recharge once back on the Peninsula. Sounds like a good setup, but it'll take a while to get organized (and paid for) so the newer diesels (MP40s) will keep running between SJ and Gilroy.
Remember, Caltrain only owns the line north of Tamien. South of that it's UP. Wires will not go up over UP tracks until hell (in the form of 3+ deg warming) arrives then freezes over.
Incidentally, if you want to see a dual-power battery & overhead train operating today, check out this YT of the spur line serving Elon's Tesla plant near Berlin.
