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).]
LateShoreLimited Member # 2025
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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.
Eric Member # 674
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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.
LateShoreLimited Member # 2025
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Amtrak was sued or was threatened with litigation by some of the freight companies.
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
Amtrak207 Member # 1307
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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
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