Why was Talgo trainset bracketed by Amtrak cars during movement?

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

In the “Passenger” column of the February 2013 issue of “Trains” magazine was an article concerning the movement of the new Talgo 8 trainset to Pueblo, Colorado, for testing. I am puzzled as to why six Amtrak cars were used to bracket the Talgo (3 ahead and 3 at the rear). Do any of the forum members know the reasoning and/or requirements for such a configuration?

Will.

2

Will,

The extra cars were used to provide braking during the journey from Milwaukee to the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colo., since the Talgo trains had not yet been certified by the Federal Railroad Administration. Once testing is complete, the Talgo set should be pulled by a locomotive from Pueblo to Seattle without the aid of buffer cars.

–Matt Van Hattem

3

Thanks Matt. I should have figured it was something logical like that.

Will.