[off topic] I agree with AntonioFP45, the NEC will never be gotten rid of, with gas at $3 a gallon, (remember, electric locomotives [:)] ) I cant think of anything that would strike more fear in to an oil shake’s heart than watching an acela speed past his office doing 150 en-route to Boston. [Back on topic]
Yes, the Hi-level lounges are still in use, but they are in a decrepid state.
Hi Levels are still in use on the Heartland Flyer. A typical consist is a P42, Hi Level 39957, Super Liner-I 35001, Hi Level 39952, and cabbage car 90229 (sometimes another P42 runs in its place). Railpictures has several pictures of them, some of which I’ve taken.
Amtrak should just give the NEC to States they can put in 30 Billion Dollars that they need to get into A-Shape again.[:)]
I heard that CalTrains the State of CA to Buying 24 to30 Superlines 1 Cars Built in 1979 to 1981 from Amtrak, They looking at Beech Grove Shops for Cars that they need.[:)]
As of this writing it’s Oct 2006 and I still see one or two Heritage cars being used on the Silver Star when I see it whipping by.
I’ve spoken with Amtrak personnel at Tampa Union Station and have read some interesting info regarding Amtrak’s car fleet a while back. 1. The Amfleet II and Superliner cars were designated to supplement and later replace the Heritage Fleet cars back in the 1980s. ( According to Amtrak’s employee newspaper back then, the rebuilt Heritage cars were slated to be used for 10 years then sold or retired.)
Many of the Amfleet IIs are now in dire need of a complete overhaul or replacement.
I just find it fascinating that a number of the Heritage cars the Amfleet IIs were replacing are in better shape, mechanically.
Yes, congress has been starving Amtrak for 3 1/2 decades which is a major factor here. Seems like Amtrak’s best years were in the early 1980s when the Heritage cars were rebuilt, Amfleet II and Superlineers made their debut.
The only Heritage cars left roaming around are those that don’t have toilets in them. They were too expensive to modify for retention toilets. So, some of the old 10-6 sleepers are now dorm cars and the old diners still soldier on as well.
The original plan was to replace the diners with Viewliner cars. Of the three Budd prototypes, one was a diner. But, there was insufficient money to buy them and the ROI wasn’t as good as for the sleepers. The Viewliner sleepers have a higher capacity than the 10-6s where as a diner is a diner, new or old.
I read in the recent trains, that Amtrak is reconfiguring some Amfleet II cars in to diners so they can retire the Heritage diners. Since they are going to pre-plate food, they probably don’t need the full kitchens the Heritage diners have
Oltmannd,
I agree that as far as overall quality the Amfleet cars are excellent, especially considering that the design was spun-off from the 1967 Budd Metroliner MU cars. Amfleet II cars indeed have aged more gracefully. That stainless steel construction is a great Budd trademark. Interestingly that Metroliner design was intended for short and medium distance trains in urban corridors, hence the small windows (rock throwing was a commong problem in the NEC). The windows on the Amfleet IIs are "slightly larger than in the original Amcans and Metroliners, but not by much.
My main complaint was the riding qualities of the Amfleet trucks, which IMHO are inferior. I understand the economic benefits of the simplified assembly and fewer parts, but the riding qualities are the price that was paid. I’ve ridden Heritage Budds and “Amcans” on the East coast and I’ve always noticed the difference, especially at high speed. The other feature I didn’t like about the Amcans was the low ceilings, small windows, and overall smaller interior… Again, understandably it’s economically beneficial for maintenance and fuel mileage, especially with the lighter weight of the Amcans…
[quote user=“AntonioFP45”]
Oltmannd,
I agree that as far as overall quality the Amfleet cars are excellent, especially considering that the design was spun-off from the 1967 Budd Metroliner MU cars. Amfleet II cars indeed have aged more gracefully. That stainless steel construction is a great Budd trademark. Interestingly that Metroliner design was intended for short and medium distance trains in urban corridors, hence the small windows (rock throwing was a commong problem in the NEC). The windows on the Amfleet IIs are "slightly larger than in the original Amcans and Metroliners, but not by much.
My main complaint was the riding qualities of the Amfleet trucks, which IMHO are inferior. I understand the economic benefits of the simplified assembly and fewer parts, but the riding qualities are the price that was paid. I’ve ridden Heritage Budds and “Amcans” on the East coast and I’ve always noticed the difference, especially at high speed. The other feature I didn’t like about the Amcans was the low ceilings, small windows, and overall smaller interior… Again, understandably it’s economically beneficial for maintenance and fuel mileage, especially with the lighter w
I agree, guy.
You rode the Metrloners? I used to go “ga-ga” over those trains! Back then those MUs were, imho, the sleekest looking trains on the rails. My regret is that I never got to ride one. Back in the early 70s they were supposedly among the few trains that hit 100mph. I had assumed that since they had those heavy Budd trucks with traction motors that the riding qualities would be good, especially if people were paying more to ride than they would a “Clocker” train. I think Stephen posted earlier this year that the “Metros” also rode a bit rough. But the NEC tracks were a bit worn under Penn Central.
As for today even though it looks clean, that peel and stick look does leave a bit to be desired. Apparently with skyrocketing costs its likely cheaper.
Just a quick update for the year.
It’s February 2007, and as a railfan I’m still glad to see the Florida Amtrak trains running with Heritage cars.
I regularly see the Silver Star and on my last trip to Orlando got to see the Silver Meteor. I wonder how much longer those seasoned cars will soldier on. Budd has indeed left its mark on railroad and industrial history.
I do hope I get to ride on them before they’re gone.
How did the high-levels ride compared to the ordinary sitting cars.