Cracks have been found [:(][:(]
This story was heard on WGN radio here in Chicago this morning.
So does this mean the entire service is cancelled forever, or is this just for a while?
Erik
From the Washington Post
washingtonpost.com
Amtrak Cancels Acela Service
Brake Problems Discovered on Some Rail Cars
By Lexie Verdon
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, April 15, 2005; 8:13 AM
Amtrak cancelled all its high-speed Acela Express trains between Boston and Washington today after discovering cracks in the brake components on most coaches, officials announced on the train service’s Web site.
Regular-speed trains, including the Regional, Clocker, Keystone, Empire, Metroliner and long-distance trains, will operate as normal, according to the statement. However, the Metroliner #102, which leaves Washington for New York at 10 a.m. was also cancelled today. It was not clear from the statement what caused that cancellation.
Amtrak said in its statement that the Acela problems were discovered during routine inspections and no brake failures or other problems have been reported. It did not give an estimate of how long it will take to fix the cracks. An early morning phone call to Amtrak officials was not immediately returned.
Acela service will not resume until the brake problem is corrected, the statement said.
On a typical day, according to Amtrak, the Acela Express makes 15 round-trips between New York and Washington and 11 between New York and Boston. That comprises 20 percent of Amtrak’s service to the three cities. The trains can carry 304 passengers.
This is not the first problem reported on the 150-mph trains, which were manufactured by Bombardier of North America, a Montreal company, and Alstom of Paris. Amtrak has reported a number of mechanical problems since the trains came into service in December 2000, and the manufacturers and Amtrak have battled in federal court about responsibility for millions of dollars of extra expenses and service troubles.
The most severe occurred in August 2002, when Amtrak cancelled all Acela service for about a week after inspectors discovered cracks in stainless-steel bracket ass
According to the “engineers” and “mechanics” at CNN they are braking system cracks. Kind of odd because during last night’s game between the Socks and Yanks, there were Acela Express ads on the electronic billboards behind home plate. Socks won by the way!
CNN did not say how long but they said that cracks were found in the brakes. [:(]
[quote]
Originally posted by erikthered
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I’m sure they purchased the ad long term not thinking the brakes may crack.
[quote]
Originally posted by mucable
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Last month TRAINS talked about the availability rate of the locomotives on ACELA service. Seemed to be awfully low to me.
For the old heads out there who have actually worked with mechanical and design engineers introducing (or demonstrating) new equipment, and who do not work with AMTRAK, how do you think your railroad would react to this kind of teething problem?
Erik
mucable and others.
The Amtrak press release on their web site shows a time of 3:00am, this morning. Figure someone notes the condition during the evening inspection and maintenance operation, evaluation and decision making process takes a few hours and then the word goes forth.
No doubt tough call, but it indicates very functional management.
Jay
…And they are talking about the passenger cars so if certain parts must be replaced or at worse redesigned… We’re talking about a massive numbers of parts, this will be an expensive repair and or redesign. [:0] Where will the money come from…and from what I read Acela is 20% of traffic in that area…A bunch. Bush adminstration has nixed any amount of money for Amtrak so we’ll see…how it will or maybe won’t be resolved. And this is the beloved NEC.
What kind of life expectancy is that component supposed to have? I don’t recall any ot the other railroads in Europe and beyond having any other problems with their equipment in that area or is it a common occurance?
I guess my question, the answer to which is apparently to be determined, is whether or not this is a design/manufacturing flaw or a maintenance issue. I’m sure both Amtrak and Bombardier want to get to the bottom of that one too.
So unfortunate for Amtrak though as Mineta is probably have a field day with this!
Mike
I find it interesting we run frieghts with thousands of cars and nary a word about brake problems.
Here we have a finely engineered train that is apparently not strong enough to withstand the rigors of high speed service.
I would speculate that this problem will wipe out the current shop budget for this year. What now?
If GWB knows I am sure it will harden his anti A/trak position [:(]
[quote]
Originally posted by HighIron2003ar
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…These parts of Acela must be of specific new design as were the brackets supporting the shock absorbers on the engines a year or so ago…They had cracks develope in those pieces and believe a redesign was necessary. The brake parts might be a similar problem.
Don’t worry – the administration in Washington will use our dollars to pay for everything. The Acela is the one train all the NEC politicians ride to get to the trough in DC. If they can’t get there on regular Amtrak, W will give up our money for the repairs.
The unions are making this up to get leverage on there contracts
Your post made me chuckle & what is there to say but you are RIGHT! [:p][:o)][:)]
[quote]
Originally posted by Jack P
God forbid those politicians should have to ride the lowly Metroliner! i think they should all be forced to ride the old mu’s. Now there’s a mode of travel that’s not politically correct!!!
If it cheers anyone up any… this sort of thing happens to airplanes, too, when they first go into service. Only no one hears about it…