METRA Locomotive Wish List

[NewFlyerMCI 107]

33 minutes ago, Busjack said:

I know you were only linking to the YouTube posted by Metra, but, in general, since they painted it, why didn't they paint it in Metra colors?

Metra is apparantly really short on power. If I understand correctly from looking at other forum topics & Metra documentation, 5 were painted this way to get them in service as quick as possible (although, judging by the recent topic, that has sort of backfired) and the other 16? are not yet in service, awaiting full paint jobs.

https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/about-metra/leadership/board_meetings/20180912/13_board_presentation_-_rolling_stock_procurement_update_-final.pdf

[Busjack 1593]

2 hours ago, NewFlyerMCI said:

Metra is apparantly really short on power. If I understand correctly from looking at other forum topics & Metra documentation, 5 were painted this way to get them in service as quick as possible (although, judging by the recent topic, that has sort of backfired) and the other 16? are not yet in service, awaiting full paint jobs.

https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/about-metra/leadership/board_meetings/20180912/13_board_presentation_-_rolling_stock_procurement_update_-final.pdf

You didn't really answer the question, but the comments on the YouTube page may have:

The initial six locomotives received an express paint job instead of the full Metra fade motif in order to get them into service as quickly as possible.

[NewFlyerMCI 107]

3 hours ago, NewFlyerMCI said:

Metra is apparantly really short on power. If I understand correctly from looking at other forum topics & Metra documentation, 5 were painted this way to get them in service as quick as possible (although, judging by the recent topic, that has sort of backfired) and the other 16? are not yet in service, awaiting full paint jobs.

https://metrarail.com/sites/default/files/assets/about-metra/leadership/board_meetings/20180912/13_board_presentation_-_rolling_stock_procurement_update_-final.pdf

 

1 hour ago, Busjack said:

You didn't really answer the question, but the comments on the YouTube page may have:

The initial six locomotives received an express paint job instead of the full Metra fade motif in order to get them into service as quickly as possible.

These basically say the same thing?

[Busjack 1593]

11 hours ago, NewFlyerMCI said:

 

These basically say the same thing?

This way≠express paint job, although IMO, Metra could have painted them orange and blue like the 1990s versions,

[BusHunter 2176]

On 1/13/2019 at 4:40 PM, trainman8119 said:

Wow, they actually got it out there !!!. The 405 junk wouldn't air up on the inaugural trip at Grayslake. It has

been said that 405 is probably the worst MP36 they could have wrapped in terms of performance.

Then this pair (73-405) crapped out at Bensenville on Friday afternoon and had to be dragged back downtown.

Also, the F59PHIs have not been doing too well on their passenger trips. They have crapped out twice already, the first on

the curve across Canal Street on its initial trip.

 

That's the hangup with new equipment. You basically have to work out the kinks. But these are used engines and that makes one wonder if they were working why the former agency sold them. Usually you sell something for a reason. They need to run them with the other engines to see if they do experience problems. Why you would put used unproven engines on the road alone seems to boggle the mind but if they are as desperate for equipment as is alluded to here that explains it. 

[Busjack 1593]

3 hours ago, BusHunter said:

makes one wonder if they were working why the former agency sold them.

If you had read the postings, it was because the state got a grant to convert it to high speed rail and got Chargers for Amtrak. No mystery there.

[richii0909 11]

Saw PHI59 yesterday in union station

[NewFlyerMCI 107]

24 minutes ago, BusHunter said:

But these are used engines and that makes one wonder if they were working why the former agency sold them. Usually you sell something for a reason. 

Caltrans got 22 shiny new Siemens Chargers, which seem poised replace the P42DC to become the next commuter and long-haul passenger locomotive for the US. They only needed 15 to operate the Pacific Surfliner, so they have a surplus in case of emergencies. This way, they made a little more money. What I can't figure out is if they were rehabbed during their time in California.

[trainman8119 150]

I was able to run 91 before the storm.

Its nice from a comfort standpoint. Quiet and ride smooth. 

They load slow...slower than the 400s.

For now, they are a little hard to stop because of how the brake handle is set up.

There are currently 2 or 3 operating on their own. A new batch will run as double headers when they are finished being converted.

The only truly good thing about 405 (the Pumpkin) is the heat. Loads and runs super slow.

In response to the comment on the 400s being trailers. They are a little more reliable right now than 100s. That is why you see

so many FP59s paired with them.

 

 

[richii0909 11]

In Metra's wish list they wanted to convert DC motors to AC motors. On which locomotives did they plan on doing this? The F40's seem to take off just fine, being they run at notch 8, but do the 400's have DC motors? They take off slow and if they do have DC then AC could help them off the line like the F40's.

[John7 10]

[NewFlyerMCI 107]

1 hour ago, John7 said:

I just saw this. These will be interesting. Does Metra not have the funds to just acquire new locomotives?

[andrethebusman 585]

So is this the beginning of the end for approximately 100-135? 21 ex Amtrak, 15 ex BNSF.

[busfan2847 135]

19 hours ago, andrethebusman said:

So is this the beginning of the end for approximately 100-135? 21 ex Amtrak, 15 ex BNSF.

Should be 150-173 first as the only F40PH-2 not to have been rebuilt by Progressive to F40PH-3. After that the oldest F40PH-3 r/b from 2009 and 2010 are 100-123.

There are also another 3 F59PH on order from Progressive. They were bought last October. the 21 F59PHI and 3 F59PH just about covers 150-173.

[busfan2847 135]

On 2/20/2019 at 2:48 PM, NewFlyerMCI said:

I just saw this. These will be interesting. Does Metra not have the funds to just acquire new locomotives?

It is a choice. In the RFP announced in January 2018 they wanted either 12 new or 15 re-manufactured locomotives. Apparently the later came in cheaper and gave them more locos.