Hi everyone. I was out Train Watching in Downers Grove on Friday, and we saw the light of a westbound Amtrak, which meant 347 was fast approaching. It flew through with Amtrak 128 in charge, and Amtrak NPCU 90219 at the back. I wish I could say it’s pushing hard on the rear. It was a nice sight seeing the NPCU! NPCU’s are starting to run on Train #'s 347 and 348 a lot. They even lead the trains at times. I haven’t seen one lead yet, but I am hoping to soon! Here is a photo of the train that I took with 128 and 90219: http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=110469 Take care everyone. [:)] Nick
yeah i was on that train, as well as many other rail buffs. Wont see my face, i was sitting on the opposite side. Last car I believe. Let me do some checking.
NPCU’s (aka Cabbage cars) have been in use on Chicago-Milwaukee and Chicago-Detroit trains for a while. I have seen them leading their train several times when I observe them on my ride from work on either the Southwest Service (Detroit trains) or UP West Line (Milwaukee trains).
NO matter how you put it, it was still better when there was something under that cowling…
I’m lucky. I live near the MBTA in Massachusetts. F40s galore. Even rebuilt a few (same specs as before, none of the strange add-ons or modifications.) Pure F40s.
so enlighten me…what’s an NPCU…?
F40 rebuilt into a control-baggage car without power plant. Gives the engineer better protection in the “Push” mode than a regular cab-coach. (and the passengers too!)
I think it is a great idea.
It was pioneered on the Long Island Rail Road, and TRAINS had an article about it. The LIRR took their and others’ first generation diesels, F-units and PA’s and used them to bracket trains with the newer road-switcher power on the front for push-pull operation. In the LIRR application, they also often provided hotel power for the lights and air-conditioning.
Nice pix. Thanks [:o)][:p]
[quote]
Originally posted by Jimitrain
[
Actually, the cab cars initially in use on the LIRR (early 1970s) were de-motored Alco FA1s and FA2s from Western Maryland, SP&S, New Haven, and L&N. When modified by GE, they kept their control stand, diesel engine and generator. They were handsome units, and fit in well on LIRR’s all-Alco roster.
The engine/generator only supplied electricity for lights, heat and AC. The passenger cars used in push-pull service were de-motored electric multiple-unit cars. These had become surplus after all electric operations were standardized on M-1 cars; the former MP-72s (and MP-74s) were ideal choices for the push-pull fleet because they had car-to-car electrical and train control connections.
Some years later, the Alco 244 engines were replaced by smaller, quieter, more fuel-efficient diesels. LIRR added a few F-units to the cab car fleet in the late 1970s.
Of course, they are all gone now.
[quote]
QUOTE: Originally posted by spbed
Nice pix. Thanks [:o)][:p]
Thanks, spbed. [:)]
I’ve gotta chime in too and say nice photo Nick! You could make a post card out of it. [8D]
Thanks, Chris. [:)] I’d like to do that. I found a spot on the Railpictures site where you can make any photo you have on the site, into a post card: http://www.railpictures.net/postcard/index.php?id=110469 Please let me know if that link doesn’t work. Nick
Good news, I sent myself a postcard of the picture, and it worked, aside from the postcard winding up in my “junk e-mail” folder. I got that fixed though.