From: stephen@sprunk.org   
      
   On 10-Jan-16 12:36, hancock4@bbs.cpcn.com wrote:   
   > Stephen Sprunk wrote:   
   >> One of the things that's frustrating about Amtrak is that they tie   
   >> numerous projects together into one mega-project, then complain they   
   >> don't have the funding and do nothing, whereas they _do_ have funding   
   >> for one project at a time, and its benefits would fund the rest.   
   >   
   > Could you elaborate on some examples of the above?  Thanks.   
      
   The first that comes to mind is constant-tension catenary, switching to   
   2x25kV, switching to 60Hz, and upgrading to 150mph+.  Any of those could   
   be done independently, and at least two of them would save enough money   
   to pay for the other(s) later.   
      
   The result is that most of Amtrak's trackage is still on   
   variable-tension at 11kV 25Hz at 125/135mph, aside from the   
   newly-electrified section in RI/MA and (recently) one short section in   
   NJ.  In contrast, MNRR long ago upgraded their trackage to   
   constant-tension at 2x12.5kV 60Hz, so it's not like Amtrak could think   
   it's impossible.   
      
   S   
      
   --   
   Stephen Sprunk         "God does not play dice."  --Albert Einstein   
   CCIE #3723         "God is an inveterate gambler, and He throws the   
   K5SSS        dice at every possible opportunity." --Stephen Hawking   
      
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