?? Questions ??.
What is the (worse case) minimum range of DMU equipment? Can it run 434 miles with a safe reserve, or will a gas stop be necessary? How long and what facilities would be required?
Coupling and separating cars would be required at Essex Junction and Springfield. How big a deal is this?
Could trains be split and joined at Palmer? By not doubling back to Springfield and running directly into Boston, you could reduce trip time by 30 minutes.
The Colorado web site speaks of a low car with lower station platform requirements. Does this mean the equipment would have trouble at New Haven (with standard platforms)?
This web site does not address the question of running in reverse. No driving station is shown in trailer cars diagrams, and no reverse driver station is shown on the power car.
This web site shows 32 inch seat pitch, totally unacceptable for a 10 hour trip.
How big and secure is the overhead rack for storing large amounts of carry on luggage?
How good is handicap access? Many city transit busses today carry a built in lift: this capacity could add access at many small stations. Are there comfortable places to park occupied wheelchairs for long periods? Could this same floor space be used to store large suitcases or bicycles when not otherwise needed?
What is the capacity of the rest room holding tank.? Can it serve a full passenger load for 11+ hours? If just a hole in the floor is used, how well would that work at 25 below?
This web site shows a "Double Decker" height to be some 3½ inches more than a the "car carrier" found in freight discussions. Does this mean it wouldn't fit through the Bellows Falls tunnel?
As long as the brakes weren't locked up, can one power DMU tow a disabled one?
On the map, Springfield seems to be a natural "wye", with crossing north-south and east-west tracks. Is this the case?
Would it be difficult to turn equipment around (as opposed to a simple reverse) in New Haven? In Montreal? In WRJ? In Boston?
What are the scheduled maintenance requirements. Could they be performed comfortably during a 16 hour Boston layover?
Is there any reliability history available on this equipment? Any cold weather history?
Can equipment be cleaned and re-stocked in WRJ and elsewhere?
Are any of the above items showstoppers?
03/20/2007 19:24