Passenger Trains > Speaking of the Del Mar Bluffs

A few weeks ago

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Nice PR shot for Amtrak. Nothing says "See America" like running along a beach.

Question: Why does Amtrak keep operating the "Cabbage" cars on the Surfliner trains, when in push-pull with locomotives on both ends. Is there that much checked baggage? Do these consists require extra locomotives? Is there a better way to do this?

Wow, looks like there's barely 20 feet between the track and the cliff by the locomotive.

Don't think Amtrak wants to waste a powered loco on the north end of these trains. and the cabbages are the only choice. 

BTW, the ocean side of these tracks serves as an unofficial walking/biking trail, and as an access point to the beach from the adjacent Del Mar neighborhood. I have been on it a number of times....I always get off the trail if a train is coming. The Amtrak hoggers will sound their whistle if they see anyone one the trail.

King_Coal Wrote:
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> Nice PR shot for Amtrak. Nothing says "See
> America" like running along a beach.
>
> Question: Why does Amtrak keep operating the
> "Cabbage" cars on the Surfliner trains, when in
> push-pull with locomotives on both ends. 

The Cabbage cars (NPCUs) are having some teething issues related to PTC, but are required on some trains for the baggage/bike space.

KM-ML4000 Wrote:
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> King_Coal Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Nice PR shot for Amtrak. Nothing says "See
> > America" like running along a beach.
> >
> > Question: Why does Amtrak keep operating the
> > "Cabbage" cars on the Surfliner trains, when in
> > push-pull with locomotives on both ends. 
>
> The Cabbage cars (NPCUs) are having some teething
> issues related to PTC, but are required on some
> trains for the baggage/bike space.

Nope, nothing wrong with the cabbages on this route. That problem is in northern California.

King_Coal Wrote:
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> Question: Why does Amtrak keep operating the
> "Cabbage" cars on the Surfliner trains, when in
> push-pull with locomotives on both ends. Is there
> that much checked baggage? Do these consists
> require extra locomotives? Is there a better way
> to do this?

The "second" engine is on break-in miles. Once it achieves IIRC 1,000 miles it can go solo.

Whatever happened with the authorities clamping down on people walking along/crossing the tracks in that area?  I had read there was quite a battle going on between residents and town officials against that increased enforcement.

Residents, visitors won

Great news, thanks