Return of the Fl 9

Trains Magazine Transit
1

Train’s posted that Amtrak is considering returning some stored fl 9 to service this summer. I know at one time cdot had 6 of them stored. Most of these units were in pretty bad shape. I also remember seeing some stored at the dead lines in Harmon NY. The remaining units are pretty well scattered across the north east, with the bulk of them out of service.

Amtrak would need to move quickly to have them ready for the summer.

I would think if the units are returned to service that they would run GTC to Harmon / Croton, then be cut off the train. Yes I know Amtrak operated a fleet of 10 units and they ran thru to Albany. The empire service has seen alot of upgrades since though days. You would have to question the reliability issues of the remaining units.

Any thoughts?

2

I predict they will run Albany - GCT so Amtrak can maintain them and so they can fit into a pool with any leased MN or ConnDOT bi-mode locomotives, as well as their own bi-modes used with cabcars or as second units. As well as avoid additional switching delays.

But cannot they modify their own bi-modes to have nose doors?

3

I read that loco buyers had a choice: put a toilet in the loco nose or a hatch door. MN chose the hatch door and Amtrak chose the toilet. For pretty logical reasons.