So Who Should Preserve an Amtrak AEM-7?

Alan Walker · **Posted:** Wed Apr 29, 2015 6:39 pm

NH0401 wrote:

NY City Transit Authority sold (and may still sell) subway memorabilia, ranging from roll signs to brake valves.

For the nth time, Amtrak stated in its PRIIA document that any surplus equipment outside of the reserve fleet would be scrapped. This was done to address the concerns of equipment suppliers who did not want to be competing against second-hand rolling stock.

Dave

Two different missions-NYCTA's mission is to recoup as much taxpayer money through the sale of surplus equipment and material. They do indeed still sell surplus subway and bus hardware-everything from station signs to bus parts by the pallet. If it has value and is surplus, they'll list it.

As for equipment suppliers, it's equally possible that they do not want to have to continue to support equipment that is now very dated. There's a lot of expense related to maintaining stores of supplies that modern equipment does not use.

robertmacdowell · **Posted:** Fri May 01, 2015 4:28 pm

NH0401 wrote:

For the nth time, Amtrak stated in its PRIIA document that any surplus equipment outside of the reserve fleet would be scrapped. This was done to address the concerns of equipment suppliers who did not want to be competing against second-hand rolling stock.

One letter to your congressman could turn that right around. I certainly understand why (mostly foreign) electric locomotive suppliers would not want MBTA or Polrail to be able to buy used Amtrak equipment (and Amtrak should be in collusion with this market protectionism why?). But certainly, three AEM7s at 3 museums in 3 different states would certainly not create any competitive issue. IRM isn't going to back out on a purchase of a new Siemens unit because they were able to get a used AEM7.

Seriously. Every electric railway museum should send an RFQ to each of the locomotive builders for a next-gen 10,000 horsepower electric to be parked in a barn with an exhibit sign on it or haul 2 coaches of tourists at 15 mph. "Apparatus needs to be intact and of appropriate nature for 1970's era to permit historical study in future. Needs to produce happy memories and sense of nostalgia for 1980s rail passengers, and look good when families are posed in front of it for pictures." Just for kicks, spec steam heat.

cnj1524 · **Joined:** Sun Mar 24, 2013 11:29 am **Posts:** 55

What is the DC AEM-7 that is being saved?902 gone,with others

bory2502 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 11, 2015 7:51 am

Amtrak 915 is being delivered by AMTRAK to SRC today for delivery to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Delivery is suppose to be some time around noon today (6-11-2015).

Chris Edwards
Trainmaster
Strasburg Rail Road Co.

philip.marshall · **Posted:** Thu Jun 11, 2015 7:59 am

bory2502 wrote:

Amtrak 915 is being delivered by AMTRAK to SRC today for delivery to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania. Delivery is suppose to be some time around noon today (6-11-2015).

Chris Edwards
Trainmaster
Strasburg Rail Road Co.

Someone please get a photo of this!

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Thu Jun 11, 2015 9:06 am

philip.marshall wrote:

Someone please get a photo of this!

How much are you offering?

[dashes out door]
[dashes back in, puts boots on, dashes back out]
[dashes back in, grabs camera and tea, dashes back out]

Dougvv · **Joined:** Sat Aug 21, 2004 10:52 pm **Posts:** 914

Hi,

I recall a photo of a Strasburg diesel pulling a GG1 to the SRR's shop in Trains Magazine about 1970-1975. I do not recall why, but the GG1 could not make Harrisburg or Wilmington for the wheel drop pit (if I recall correctly). With a AEM-7 being moved across the SRR, it would be a neat display to see photos of the GG1 and the AEM7 being pulled across the SRR displayed side by side.

Something like across the years.... If there is a photo of the E44 being moved, it could be added also.

Just a thought.

Doug vV

Overmod · **Joined:** Thu May 24, 2012 1:37 pm **Posts:** 989

[duplicate of post below]

Overmod · **Joined:** Thu May 24, 2012 1:37 pm **Posts:** 989

Quote:

I recall a photo of a Strasburg diesel pulling a GG1 to the SRR's shop in Trains Magazine about 1970-1975. I do not recall why, but the GG1 could not make Harrisburg or Wilmington for the wheel drop pit (if I recall correctly).

If this is the incident I'm thinking of, one of the engine-truck bearings failed and ran up to red heat by the time it was discovered. The engine was moved off the main until repairs to make it safe to move on the main (presumably to Wilmington) could be made -- I don't know where those repairs were made, but I bet Kelly would know.

wesp · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 7:25 pm **Posts:** 1853

I think the photo is in Road to Paradise?

Wesley

Alexander D. Mitchell IV · **Posted:** Fri Jun 12, 2015 12:16 am

Photos by yours truly:

Mr. Marshall, where shall Jon and I send the invoice?

philip.marshall · **Posted:** Fri Jun 12, 2015 10:08 am

Thank you, Mr. Mitchell!

bory2502 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 12, 2015 10:50 am

That guy looks familiar getting out of the cab! Oh wait that's me. I will admit it did ride nice across our line.

Chris Edwards
Trainmaster, SRC

bigjim4life · **Posted:** Fri Jun 12, 2015 11:08 am

Wish it had been pulled in by steam...unless there's a coupling/clearance issue with doing it that way?

wesp · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2004 7:25 pm **Posts:** 1853

CR 4855, a GG-1, was taken to Strasburg under tow by SR 89 for wheel repair in December 1976.

https://www.facebook.com/StrasburgRailRoad/photos/a.405299350874.179311.83836765874/10152691578960875/

Wesley

So Who Should Preserve an Amtrak AEM-7?

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