Will they find a replacement for the equipment? I imagine that they will make do with the baggage, express, and roadrailers for now.
What is the likely fate of the rest of the MHC's? The bargin bin or scrapper's torch?
Ostensibly, they are withdrawing from the freight business; however, from the healthy consists of #3-4 and 5-6 that pass through town, I really must wonder if they have had second thoughts.
[This message has been edited by Gilbert B Norman (edited 04-21-2003).]
Those companies helped finance the express Trak cars so Amtrak will have to finish out the contract....they obviously have no money to buyout the contract
------------------ P42DC #53063
Posted by LateShoreLimited (Member # 2025) on :
the 1400 and 1500 series cars have all been taken out of service. CSX and the NS will not allow Amtrak to run them....might as well dump them. Mail is only being handled on 7 trains in the country and might go away all together.
Posted by Eric (Member # 674) on :
Mr. Norman is right about 3 and 4, though. They haul quite a few RoadRailers and former-ExpressTrak cars in every consist. I wonder the same thing about the freight business. I'd be willing to bet Gunn has checked the numbers, and may stick with the USPS.
Posted by LateShoreLimited (Member # 2025) on :
Amtrak was sued or was threatened with litigation by some of the freight companies.
Posted by Amtrak207 (Member # 1307) on :
MHCs are 14 years old and have a habit for derailing in western NY. They are probably going to be freight cars or fenders by next year.
Now that Amtrak has exited the express business, excess capacity can be carried in 1750-series mail cars, and 71200 series box cars. Even the mail contracts are falling under scrutiny. All that extra tonnage slows down a train and adds terminal time. At least Mr. Gunn has realized self-sufficiency is a fairytale and gotten back to hauling passengers.
F40PH #757099-8
March 29, 1976-August 17, 2001
Requisecat in pacis
Around 2.5 million miles to go