Missouri Amtrak Service

[DaveKCMO]

Yes, they're setting the stage for a catalyst program of sorts. Big federal infusion from the new administration to woo states into their federally-obligated match for service. There's more than Ohio on their list, I'm sure, but the rest just hasn't been leaked. I know they are still very interested in closing the gap between Newton KS and OKC and a dedicated direct run between KC and CHI to compliment the SW Chief's schedule (so you'd probably have an AM and PM departure in each direction).

[smh]

That sounds real nice. Any chance the service speeds up since it wouldn't be part of the Chief?

[normalthings]

That sounds real nice. Any chance the service speeds up since it wouldn't be part of the Chief?

I would remove Mendota, Princeton and Galesburg Illinois. Keep Ft Madison, Iowa and La Plata MO. Add Carlton, MO.

I recall going 90mph+ across Missouri. I wonder if the new Siemens equipment would be able to go faster.

[Chris Stritzel]

That sounds real nice. Any chance the service speeds up since it wouldn't be part of the Chief?

I would remove Mendota, Princeton and Galesburg Illinois. Keep Ft Madison, Iowa and La Plata MO. Add Carlton, MO.

I recall going 90mph+ across Missouri. I wonder if the new Siemens equipment would be able to go faster.

Considering that Brightline uses the same locomotives and coaches and will go 125mph in the future, I imagine ours can too.

[DaveKCMO]

I doubt a new KCY-CHI train would travel faster than the Chief since it's more about track conditions than equipment. That Chief segment across Illinois has a special exemption for going over 79mph that goes back to when it was run by Santa Fe. According to Wikipedia, the Superliners (Chief equipment) top out at 100mph. A separate train would probably not use that equipment since there are other options out of Chicago (like the Horizon cars used on the River Runner).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superliner_(railcar)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horizon_(railcar)

The other terminus of the Chief (LAX) is a maintenance base for Superliners, so that might negate using that equipment in favor of Horizons. Since the state DOTs purchased the new Siemens equipment (with some federal money), it's unlikely a KCY-CHI train would use those unless Missouri or Illinois is providing operational support. That leaves the crappy Horizons.

If Amtrak is footing the bill instead of a state DOT, I would anticipate they would maximize ridership and pick the stations that meet those goals rather than travel time. Generally, they don't want stations to be closer than 20 miles except in urban areas and don't really shy away from anything else. You forgot to mention Marceline MO, which was added as a flag stop on the Chief a few years ago due to local lobbying efforts (Walt Disney, etc.).

[normalthings]

I doubt a new KCY-CHI train would travel faster than the Chief since it's more about track conditions than equipment. That Chief segment across Illinois has a special exemption for going over 79mph that goes back to when it was run by Santa Fe. According to Wikipedia, the Superliners (Chief equipment) top out at 100mph. A separate train would probably not use that equipment since there are other options out of Chicago (like the Horizon cars used on the River Runner).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superliner_(railcar)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horizon_(railcar)

The other terminus of the Chief (LAX) is a maintenance base for Superliners, so that might negate using that equipment in favor of Horizons. Since the state DOTs purchased the new Siemens equipment (with some federal money), it's unlikely a KCY-CHI train would use those unless Missouri or Illinois is providing operational support. That leaves the crappy Horizons.

If Amtrak is footing the bill instead of a state DOT, I would anticipate they would maximize ridership and pick the stations that meet those goals rather than travel time. Generally, they don't want stations to be closer than 20 miles except in urban areas and don't really shy away from anything else. You forgot to mention Marceline MO, which was added as a flag stop on the Chief a few years ago due to local lobbying efforts (Walt Disney, etc.).

Amfleet 1 and other single-level cars may be replaced soon. Would be nice if those new cars were used here.

https://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2 ... uperliners

[normalthings]

The US platform has construction tape and one side of tracks were ripped up

[DaveKCMO]

The US platform has construction tape and one side of tracks were ripped up

I notice that over the weekend. With reduced frequency, I'm sure they're taking the change to make some needed repairs. The longer Chief consist usually uses that north side, while the River Runner uses the tracks on the south side of the platform.

[gfisch95]

Do we know when the new cars will be in service? I've got a few upcoming rides on the River Runner this Spring and Summer and wondering if there's a chance I will see them.

[DaveKCMO]

Do we know when the new cars will be in service? I've got a few upcoming rides on the River Runner this Spring and Summer and wondering if there's a chance I will see them.

Amtrak provides no notice, to my knowledge. I rely on message boards and Twitter.

[shinatoo]

Do we know when the new cars will be in service? I've got a few upcoming rides on the River Runner this Spring and Summer and wondering if there's a chance I will see them.

Amtrak provides no notice, to my knowledge. I rely on message boards and Twitter.

What twitter accounts should we follow?

[DaveKCMO]

Do we know when the new cars will be in service? I've got a few upcoming rides on the River Runner this Spring and Summer and wondering if there's a chance I will see them.

Amtrak provides no notice, to my knowledge. I rely on message boards and Twitter.

What twitter accounts should we follow?

Twitter:
@RAILMag
@rail_pro_mag
@RailwayAge

Forum:
https://www.amtraktrains.com/

[normalthings]

Has there ever been any serious talk about connecting KC to Omaha?

[DaveKCMO]

Has there ever been any serious talk about connecting KC to Omaha?

Only on message boards.