South Florida RTA DMU 702

In new paint for Florida Tri-Rail, and showing off its new window in the restroom (behnd the doors). March 12, 2005. Photo by Mike McGowen.

Florida Dept. of Transportation's first set of DMU vehicles is bound to be historic. The first car, purchased in early April, 2004, was already steeped in history when the ink dried on the contract.

In 2002, Colorado Railcar unveiled its revolutionary DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) demonstrator CRMX 2002. This was the first commuter vehicle to meet the stringent FRA 49 CFR Part 238 compression load requirements. In Feb., 2002, the frame of the prototype survived an 800,000 pound load test to meet that standard. This self propeled car is tougher than the average freight locomotive!

DMU was envisioned as an affordable, practical extension of the manufacturer's normal business. One look at the demonstrator unit reveals its obvious development from the single level dome. The otional wraparound windows that are a trademark of the ultradome design are found on the demonstrator, as well as the aero nose option. The interior was layed out to show several different configurations.

The 2002 spent several years demonstrating the DMU concept to current and potential future commuter operators in most major metropolitan areas in the US. The car also made trips to Vancouver, BC, and Alaska. It is presently (as of early 2004) in revenue service on Florida Tri-Rail, having been purchased by FL-DOT for a test program that will include the 2002, the first double decker DMU to be built, and a double decker trailer.

In 2005, the DMU prototype was remodeled and repainted forits new owner. Modifications included the removal of the service bar in the back half of the car to make way for more ADA tiedowns, and the addition of a window in the restroom.

DMU Interior. Photo by Richard Silagi.

Click here to take a photo tour of the inside of the DMU demonstrator, which I caught up with at Portland Union Station in the summer of 2003.