On Monday, February 15, 2016 at 10:29:02 AM UTC-5, rcp...@gmail.com wrote:   
      
   > The real issue is that for lower voltage (12.5 kV as against 25 kV) and   
   lower frequnecy (25 Hz against 60 Hz), you need more, larger and specialist   
   (ie not off-the-shelf) hardware, so getting the job done is significantly more   
   expensive.  If you have a    
   large network already running on the legacy system, it doesn't make economic   
   sense to change it (hence the German/Swiss/Austrian networks remain at their   
   absurdly low frequency), but for the much smaller network in the US, it makes   
   more sense to work to    
   eliminate the low frequency sections to reduce long-term costs.   
      
   Regarding Amtrak's ex-PRR NEC, would anyone have any idea of the dollar   
   amount needed up front to convert it from 25 Hz to 60 Hz, and then the   
   savings and payback time?  Would a frequency change impact the signal   
   system, any rolling stock, or auxiliary equipment?   
      
   Has Amtrak ever explained why it has stuck with 25 Hz?   
      
   How has the conversion of the NJT Morris & Essex lines worked out   
   in service?  (I question that after having sat in a dead train for an    
   hour.)     
      
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