I need help finding out the following information regarding the ACE:LA trains. Date the debuted? Length of route ? Timekeeping? Typical consist makeup and car numbers and different type cars seating etc?
I also am looking for the same information on the LRC equipment as operated by Via Rail Canada. Inaugural dates of service and also need information on the original power units from MLW?
Any help will be greatly appreciated it is for a book project I am working on. The complete roster information would be especially helpful THX Passengerfan
Not sure about total roster and dates but try going to Rails Canada directory and check out some sites there. Also, a site called Niagara Rails might also help.
The LRC locomotive was in planning stage with a small group from the CNR and three other companies in 1968. 1971 a prototype coach and locomotive were ready for testing. In 1981, VIA purchased a whole bunch of brand new LRC trains from Bombardier for the Windsor Corridor. In 1982, VIA purchased more LRCs for the joint Amtrak service the International.
Generally speaking, the LRC cars are numbered in the 3000 series with at least 2 different variations on the 1 paint scheme.
Thx Junctionfan thats a start. I have not had much luck with the Canadian RR societies. Sent inquiries to several months ago and still waiting for response. I am getting down to the final stages of a book I have spent twelve years working on that covers 312 streamliners and the dates they entered service rosters consists etc. The latest equipment is where I have gaps in information thinking I would easily be able to find it well guess what now I need it.
I understand that Bombardier based the design of the Acela passenger cars on the LRC cars, and they certainly look superficially similar, but I’ve never seen drawings of the Acela cars to allow a comparison. The nearly twenty years between build dates would suggest a lot of changes in equipment simply from what would be available.
The MLW LRC power cars used 16 cylinder Alco 251 engines providing both hotel power and traction power, about 3200HP for traction. It had a GE alternator and traction motors. It had four axles.
The Acela power cars were supplied by Alstom and were based on French TGV power cars. They use inverter controlled AC traction motors,
The first two ACELA revenue runs started in December, 2000, at least a year behind schedule. They left Washinton, DC ,I think, at 6 am and 7 or 8 am, Monday through Friday when first starting out. The morning schedule was adjusted several times due to trains being accepted for service and trainset availability because of technical problems(which are still being worked on even as the trains are sidelined). How do I know all of this…I WAS THERE, from when the first train was brought to the maintenance shop in DC, until the last trainset was accepted. I used to work on them all. The service actually started with trainsets #5 and #6 respectively. Trainset #5 made the debut run. Although trainset #2 was here in the NEC longer, it was a test train, with no interior in any of the cars. Trainset #3 was the same way. Hope this helps you in some way.
GLENN
A R E A L RAILROADER!!!
A R E A L AMTRAKER!!!