Passenger Trains > Acela issue today

Relatives aboard a northbound regional this afternoon tell me that an Acela broke both pantographs between Bridgeport and New Haven and passengers were transferred to the regional. How might both pantographs break? Could Acela operate with one?

Posted from iPhone

The Acela trains have operated with power from just one of the two power cars on many occasions. It's part of the snowy weather protocol.

In this case, it's possible the pantograph snagged the wire. In which case the train isn't going anywhere.

I was on an Acela some years ago where the pan on the rear power car kept messing up. We stopped several times while they attempted to get it fixed and each time it messed up again. We finally made the last dash with only the front power car operating and needless to say did not do the 150 in the sections where it is permitted though he keep at 125 to 130 without any problems.

Sharon Evans
Glen Allen, VA

one reason why conventional motors don't operate with the lead pan ... when it gets damaged and breaks debris contacts and damages the pan in the down position

Posted from Android

These things will happen, I guess; but, I always feel bad when Acela service is disrupted. It's normally such a nice experience---especially if you're fortunate enough to be in 1st. Class.

Love the speed; love the huge windows; enjoy the "free" food and unlimited open bar. and on, and on, and on.

Joe



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/17/14 14:42 by floridajoe2001.

floridajoe2001 Wrote:
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> These things will happen, I guess...

====================================================

Still happening. Happened on Day One of Acela service. The very first one
broke a pantograph on its return trip from Boston to Washington. With only
one in service, the next days' Acelas were protected by Amfleet-Metroliner
consists.

I had ridden that first day's trip north, WAS-BOS in First Class no less,
and with George Warrington from BWI to NYP; but when the pantograph on the
return trip broke down, I was approaching San Francisco on an American Airlines
767...had to be at work the next day!

-GP



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/17/14 16:02 by GenePoon.

I was on those first runs as well -- up and back (with an very important business meeting in Boston during the day) -- business class up, first class down. Great memories -- that was my birthday and such a trip was a birthday celebration beyond all.

Ahh, memories.

GenePoon Wrote:

> Still happening. Happened on Day One of Acela
> service. The very first one
> broke a pantograph on its return trip from Boston
> to Washington. With only
> one in service, the next days' Acelas were
> protected by Amfleet-Metroliner
> consists.
>
> I had ridden that first day's trip north, WAS-BOS
> in First Class no less,
> and with George Warrington from BWI to NYP; but
> when the pantograph on the
> return trip broke down, I was approaching San
> Francisco on an American Airlines
> 767...had to be at work the next day!
>
> -GP

I was on the inaugural trip Baltimore - BOS and return to Baltimore, no recollection of broken pantograph. This was the inaugural public trip, not a demonstration trip. Still have the tickets and Amtrak cocktail glass. I was also on the inaugural Metroliner trip Baltimore - PHL still have the Metroliner coin given to passengers, I believe that was 1968.