FRA has issued a RFP to propose new midwest passenger locos 200 KPH (125 MPH) AC traction locos. Link sounds much like the California order of the EMD locos. Will be used on the midwest trains, & Pacific NW trains. Maybe they will finally solve the cronic shortage of Amtrak locos ?
The California order is for Metrolink, which means that they will be in suburban service. The new RFP appears to be oriented to intercity service which would require a higher top speed but not as much quick acceleration.
Amtrak wrote a spec for “New Generation Passenger Locos” a few years back. The Metrolink order is based on this spec-and there is no reason to believe this upcoming RFP won’t follow suit.
While EMD and MPI have or will have suitable designs based upon existing orders-it will be interesting to see if Bombardier, Siemens… or even Brookville will throw their hats into the ring.
As i read it the RFP is identical to the Metrolink order. Max speed, AC traction, HP, HEP max output, acceleration specs, etc. Brookville may have problems meeting these especially the HP, AC traction, & max speed.
It appears that the apparent long term common specifications allow for complete interchange of locos between commuters and AMTRAK. The only problem might be cab signaling and PTC ?
If they can run country wide then movements are much enhanced.
What acceleration does it specify?