How often does a Genesis Engine have to be refueled?
I've been given different answers to this question. Once, I was told that the locomotive can make an entire long distance trip on one take of fuel. I have my doubts about this.
First example, the 14. I've taken it from LAX to SAC several times. Twice, I thought I saw what was a fuel truck on the wayward side of the train-can't be sure-it was very late and I was tired. Other times, I don't think it refueled in SAC.
Second example-Once I got off the 2 in Tucson and they refueled and another time they didn't.
Is refueling scheduled in the timetable?
One other quick question about Genesis Locomotives: When there's multiple locomotives coupled to eachother, does the way there facing matter. Typically I see them coupled in opposing directions.
Calling all locomotive experts!
------------------ Patrick
Posted by tubaallen (Member # 2057) on :
First of all, the way the engines face matters not at all. I think they just tend to face the way they do to ease operations in the yard and such. This way there is always a cab facing either way.
As far as refueling, I am not an expert, but I believe they theoretically can make a whole trip most of the time. But you're right, they do refuel, and usually on a schedule. For instance the CZ refuels at SLC, and DEN, and sometimes OMA.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
When I rode the Sunset Ltd in 1999 (LAX to ORL), it stopped to refuel at Kirby, Texas (just east of San Antonio)
Posted by rmiller (Member # 341) on :
SW Chief refuels at Argentine Yard (Kansas City) and Albuquerque.
Posted by john1082 (Member # 2068) on :
This begs a question: Will they sometimes refuel at a given location, not because they need fuel, but because it is cheaper at a particular location and then bypass locations where fuel is more expensive?
Posted by efin98 (Member # 1943) on :
I think they would refuel at those points since it is already built into the schedule to spend a little more time at those stations. Those areas do seem to have the cheapest prices for fuel since they are major cities. I wonder, do any of the single level routes have refueling points along the way? I would guess that Albany would be since it is a major switching point and the Boston Section of the Lake Shore Limited does have some rough terrain ahead.
Posted by tubaallen (Member # 2057) on :
I'm not sure about the single level routes. My guess would be yes. Albany would make sense to me, especially because they do some switching around of engines here. The NY section of the LSL gets a different engine...one that has the third rail power ability.
The only thing I disagree with is that fuel is cheaper in the bigger cities. This could not be further from the truth...in general city fuel is much more expensive. Sometimes because of the restrictions of pollutants.
Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :
I rode the BOS section of the Lake Shore Ltd in 1998, and yes, they did refuel at Albany.
Posted by Amtrak288 (Member # 1967) on :
In February 2002, on the #49 Lake Shore Limited, we had to refuel in Elkhart, Indiana. Anyone ever see this happen before. Also, Albany is generally where the refueling takes place for the Empire Corridor Trains (saw this back in 2000 on another trip there)so its safe to say that the Lake Shore most likely refuels there as well if necessary.