Passenger Trains > Three units now standard on AutoTrain?

Last several days have featured three units on each consist. Usual, seasonal train size of 15 passenger cars and 20-25 auto carriers. Although one day had 28 carriers.

I wonder if this is the result of loco delays en route over the past week or so? The same units turn and go south.

Posted from Android

Maybe CSX told Amtrak to make sure no engine failures so northbound train doesn’t get delayed and then caught behind track work in NC/VA that goes to mid Sept.

Posted from iPhone

Usually pulled from a pool of P40’s.

814/815/830/831/832/835

Plus one P42 supplementing that pool and occasionally a B32.

Posted from iPhone

Yes, 508 (a P32-8) and a P42 (174, as I recall) have been the extra units so far

If it take FOUR diesel units so that the train operates on time, then do it.   

Amtrak stupidly puts 45 car trains out there with two units, and nine car long distance trains out there with one unit.  Failures are going to happen due to the age of the units and poor maintenance.  

Generally, even at peak times, two units are sufficient to haul a 48-50 car train.  So, the three units were unusual, back and forth.  Last night just two units went south, of the three that came north.

And, two units came north this morning with an unusual 14 passenger cars and 24 auto carriers. It will be interesting to see if they add a car in Lorton, or go south with 14. There should be an extra P40 there. too.  Unless it relayed north for service.

All the units in he world won't keep Amtrak on time if poor dispatching by CSX, or breakdowns by their trains, foul up the system, which is the case far more often than loco breakdowns.