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Re: One More Nail In The Coffin For Amtrak On The Raton Pass Line
Author: Mike T.
Date: 12-17-2009 - 12:08
In Europe, there are plenty of main line steam locomotives equipped with cab signals, train stop, AWS or whatever is the local standard. Most mainlines in Europe have some form of backup in the cab to trackside signals, although it isn't universal on branchlines. The US is way, way behind the times in this respect, in fact, there were more lines equipped with cab signals or automatic train stop in the US in 1950 than there are today.
When you consider the cost of doing a major overhaul on an engine like 4449 or 844 (and I think the UP engines have UP cab signals, BTW), the extra cost of adding a PTC unit is minimal.
When you consider the costs that railroads have to pay out when Metrolink or Amtrak or MARC have accidents due to engineers not operating their trains IAW signal indications, preventing a few passenger train wrecks will cover the costs Amtrak and commuter agencies have to pay to equip their trains in just wreck prevention.
PTC should allow Amtrak to run faster in many places as the 79 MPH limit will no longer be in place due to lack of ATS or cab signals.
When you consider the cost of doing a major overhaul on an engine like 4449 or 844 (and I think the UP engines have UP cab signals, BTW), the extra cost of adding a PTC unit is minimal.
When you consider the costs that railroads have to pay out when Metrolink or Amtrak or MARC have accidents due to engineers not operating their trains IAW signal indications, preventing a few passenger train wrecks will cover the costs Amtrak and commuter agencies have to pay to equip their trains in just wreck prevention.
PTC should allow Amtrak to run faster in many places as the 79 MPH limit will no longer be in place due to lack of ATS or cab signals.
