[ 01-02-2018, 07:24 AM: Message edited by: Moderator ]
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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posted
Playing the game, using these top 10 I would order them differently with a few comments:
1. Hunter 2. Brightline - important because this will be the test case to see if an essentially privately inspired and funded passenger rail operation can succeed. This could be a game changer for corridor rail if it can convince the naysayers. 3. Cascade 501 - if any incentive was needed to get PTC going sooner rather than later, this is it. Of concern: would it also result in more government rules and regulations on train operations. 4. Autonomous train - this will happen and will change railroad operations as we know it. 5. Siemens-Alston. - can Seiments now prove themselves as the dominant (only?) player in passenger equipment. 6. Summer of Hell - that wasn’t. It probably demonstrates what good management can do with a typical inefficient government influenced operation. 7. GE Transportation 8. Disasters - we get them every year 9. C&O 1309 - this could have been ranked highter if it was broader to include all steam locomotives currently in restoration. 10. CRR 800 - must have been included as a nod to Cindy Sanborn getting it done in spite of Hunter.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
I would have to make the Cascades 501 derailment the #1 story for 2017.
I look at the Cascades as one of Amtrak's premier passenger trains, not only because of Talgo equipment but also I think the Cascades represent an overall upscale look and feel for an Amtrak train system. Coupled to this would be the popularity of the Cascades routes and Northwest train travel.
However, I think many people may think twice about Amtrak and that new, upgraded equipment doesn't always mean a safe rail trip. The 501 derailment, perhaps, could leave a lasting and negative image that might carry over to other Amtrak trains.
The following is another example of how Amtrak's popularity may be significantly declining, although I hope that won't be the case.
1. Cascades 501 - it happened in my backyard and one day before I had a ticket on 501. 2. Amtrak's new management team - experience and a fresh perspective, let's give it a try. It couldn't be worse than... 3. Amtrak's old management team - a decade of inertia and failure even with $8 billion dollars of ARRA money. Insert face/palm emoji here.
Other stories, in no particular order: 4. Brightline - the only thing that will stop this train is the ocean 5. Virginia - writing the textbook on how to build local, state supported passenger rail service 6. Hoosier State demise - writing the textbook on how to not provide local service 7. Coal - the decline in coal production will change the future of railroading. How will Amtrak be impacted?
Posts: 831 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jan 2011
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posted
Vincent, I like your top 7 much better than Trains’, especially 2, 3, and 6.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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posted
OK, likely I posted this to the wrong topic, but we do not have a general freight railroading topic here at this site. But since I posted to a passenger site, how say we modify the TRAINS topic to read "Top Ten 2017 Passenger Rail Stories.
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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