News Archive: 1st quarter 2005

March 28 — More cars are on the move. After leaving Ft. Lupton last Friday, MSEX 7082 and 7083 arrived in Seattle today for transfer by barge to Alaska. The other two Princess cars refurbished over the winter - MSEX 7080 and 7081 - are supposed to leave Ft. Lupton later this week.

March 12 — The DMU prototype is on the move. Thanks to Mike McGowen for a photo of the freshly painted CRMX 2002 in Denver on its way to Pueblo for more testing. The 2002 will be joined in May by the new double decker DMU and coach.

March 5 — According to a press release by Colorado Railcar, the new double decker DMU and coach being built for South Florida RTA are to be displayed on the expo floor during the APTA’s International Public Transportation Expo Sept. 25-28 in Dallas. The press release also mentioned that the coach seating capacity had been raised from 200 to 218.

Also detailed in a separate press release, Colorado Railcar is previewing several new DMU concepts, including a single level walk-thru cab similar to the lower level cab on the double decker DMU, and an updated and more streamlined version of the Aero nose option that harkens to some of the more European designs. I will try to get more photos of the new concepts in the future.

Feb. 17 — Alaska Railroad has posted another RFP, this one for two additional bilevel dome cars to be delivered in 2006, with an option for two more in 2007. I have perused the text, which reads remarkably similar to last year's RFP (see the 1st Quarter 2004 news for details).

The RFP, number 05-25-45484, also mentions the cars currently under construction at Colorado Railcar, ARR 651 and 652, and says that the new cars are to be identical, with all approved changes incorporated within. You can download the RFP in .pdf format from Alaska Railroad's procurement page. The RFP closes on March 9, 2005.

Jan. 26 — Colorado Railcar in the news: Colorado Railcar is the subject of a Jan. 21 article in the Northern Colorado Business Report, which gives a little information about the Rocky Mountaineer order, and also highlights what the company's roll might be in the future of Colorado's commuter rail development. You can read the article on the NCBR website by clicking here.

Jan. 25 — I have now completed the page regarding the FRA Compliance of the Colroado Railcar DMU as part of the expanded DMU coverage. More updates to the DMU pages will be added as they are completed.

Jan. 18 — Last week, the Alaska Railroad opened up a new request for proposals (RPF) for the construction of two new single level dome cars, or the purchase of two used ones meeting the appropriate specifications (which we will see in a moment pretty much make used cars impossible to find.)

The document, RFP 05-02-45078, can be found midway through the Alaska Railroad's RFP page. It calls for two single level dome coaches, 89 feet long, with seating for 76-80 passengers in four to a table seating similar to the ARR's present single level domes, 551-554. The cars would have two restrooms - one ADA compliant - on the B end of the car, with a light kitchen on the opposite side of the aisle from the restrooms.

In keeping with the Alaska Railroad's recent propensity for unique features, the RFP specifies not only single piece glass windows in the body of the car, but glass roof windows in the vestibule as well. (I shall try to resist the urge to create a conceptual illustration of this one....)

Also of note is Alaska RR Invitation to Bid 04-85-44891 for the remodeling of former Florida Fun Train 50's themed diner 351 (see the other cars photo page) and the existing single level domes, 551, 552, 553 and 554. Not many other details are available through the site regarding that invitation.

Jan. 13 — Been thinking about taking a trip on the Rocky Mountaieer? See what you will be treated to in our newest photo feature, Rocky Mountaineer's Winter Wonderland train. Check out the Photos & Features page for more.

Jan. 11 — Thanks to Bob Focht for sharing his photos of freshly painted Alaska Railroad 651 and 652 that were taken during a recent visit to Ft. Lupton. These cars will look great on the Denali Star this summer.

Jan. 3 — Happy New Year! I am back from an exciting Winter Wonderland trip on Rocky Mountaineer, with plenty to pass along. The coming photo/writeup feature will have to wait until later in the week, but I will entice you with some updated roster shots of the 9506, 9507, 9509, 9521 and 9523. Until later, enjoy!