Today I’m in central IL and I saw two Amtrak Lincoln Service trains (one in each direction) during my travels today…both had the normal six to eight single level (i.e. Amfleet type) cars but they now have TWO Genesis units where in the past they all seemed to have only one unit. The only thing I can think of to justify that change is that the speeds on sections of this line are now 110 and so perhaps a single Genesis can’t keep to that schedule…any thoughts? Thanks,
They use two units on the 110-mph Michigan service trains. Used to be that that was to have a leader at each end, but both are powered between Chicago and Battle Creek. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were for higher-speed operations.
It would be nice if they had enough trains running so having leaders on each engine would be necessary to maintain a tight turnaround schedule!
Thanks Carl, I agree it would be nice to require two units…one on either end…for turnaround speed but on the trains I am seeing down here the two units are both up front in “elephant style” configuration and I’m guessing they put two on to enable the trains to maintain 110 mph for a stretch.
Remember that the bilevel car and locomotive trainsets ordered for the Lincoln service are to set up with a locomotive at each end.