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There are commuter double-decker coaches with the walk thru connection on the lower deck.(the opposite of superliners) I was thinking this design would be better for Amtrak than the superliners. Bigger rooms at least. Does not the TVG trains run a double decker train. Comment thoughts on a full double decker train with upstairs and downstairs walk thru connections. Too much swaying at the top, right?
Posts: 562 | From: Beaumont Texas | Registered: Jul 2005
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TGV trains (Duplex) have the entry door on the lower level (actually a couple of steps higher) but the car-to-car connection on the upper level I believe. Note that the lower level is slung between the trucks/bogies, so it does not extend the full length of the cars. For this reason you cannot have both upper and lower level car-to-car connections unless you increase the height of the vehicle. Note also that TGVs are articulated and thus have far less sway between a pair of cars than a non-articulated pair of cars.
I don't think it would make that much difference to space requirements as the void between the upper level and the truck on Superliners is used for equipment.
Geoff M.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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The commuter cars you refer to are called "gallery" cars. The second level is not a full floor, but a pair of balconies on either side of the car, with an open space between to allow sufficient headroom in the aisle of the lower level. This arrangement would not be workable for long-distance equipment, especially sleepers.
The other type of car with "first floor" connections between cars is the Bombardier car, which is more like a split level house. It actually has three levels. The car is a full double-decker between the trucks, and single-level over the trucks. Entrance doors are on the lower level, and you must climb two half-stairways to get to the upper level. This might be configurable into a sleeper or diner. The problem here is the need to go up and down stairs every time you pass through a car.
Posts: 614 | From: Merchantville, NJ. USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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The how about a full double decker articulated with upstairs and downstairs connections. What would be the pros and cons?
It would only be about 3ft taller than a superliner. About the same height or less than an auto-train. Smaller wheels.
Posts: 562 | From: Beaumont Texas | Registered: Jul 2005
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Cons: Height - Superliners are already restricted in some areas, so why limit them further? Materials - more height = more materials = higher build cost Weight - more material = heavier weight = higher fuel costs Loss of space - equipment can be housed in the voids. Think of the Superliner lounge car - the snack retail area would have to be expanded to accommodate an extra doorway.
Pros: One can pass between cars on either level... is that a benefit?
Smaller wheels aren't necessarily a "good thing".
The only other double deckers I've been on are the Dutch commuter stock, which have connectors on the middle level. This really isn't that much of a problem for most people, though I accept the mobility-challenged might find it arduous.
Geoff M.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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A true double deck coach would be higher than a three level auto carrier, which is about 19 feet. The current superliner is about 16' 6" high. That is with the bottom floor being no more than one foot above the rail. Generally, a single level coach has a floor level slightly over four feet above the top of rail. Add 15' 6" to that and you get 19' 6" There are a lot of places these things simply can't go. Washington Union station for one. The superliners barely fit into the First Avenue tunnels, and the wire over the tracks for the electrified portion is at 18' 6" if I recall correctly.
As Geoff M says in a very understated way, Smaller wheels are not necessarily a good thing. In fact, they are a very bad idea for a number of technical reasons in addition to the simple fact that the axle is spinning faster at any given speed.
George
Posts: 2808 | From: Olive Branch MS | Registered: Nov 2002
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Actually, the height of the Superliner is 16'-2", which probably was chosen as the best compromise between maximum applicability over the U.S. railroad network and maximum interior car space.
The Superliner will go anywhere piggyback service was or is operated. Check me if there are exceptions, but I believe it can access every major railroad line except some key locations on or near the Northeast Corridor with its catenary.
1. On the Boston & Albany, it can go as far east as Beacon Park Yard in Boston (low overhead bridge precludes Back Bay and South Station).
2. With track-one catenary power shut down, a Superliner was brought into lower-level 30th Street Station in Philadelphia for display.
3. On the Lake Shore route, I've read that it can go as far south on the Amtrak Connection in Manhattan as the location of the former 60th Street freight yard.
4. Off-limits on the Corridor are the New York river tunnels, an overhead bridge near Linden, NJ, the tunnel south of Baltimore station, and no doubt some other places.
5. Washington Union Station is open to Superliners. They operate there on the Capitol Limited and formerly operated there on the Cardinal when that train terminated in Washington. Virginia Railway Express operates out of Union Station with slightly lower (15'-11.5") Bombardier multi-level commuter crs.
-------------------- John Pawson Posts: 137 | From: Willow Grove, PA | Registered: Dec 2005
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