Thanks to Nat Baer and David Harris for the information.
Washington: Escalator Fix Up
Even though the Metrorail system is one of the best in the nation and second only to New York in the number of daily passen- gers, in the recent past 111 of its 588 escala- tors were under repair. Many customers are stepping rather than gliding. When the Metrorail system was built in the 1960s and 1970s, planners wanted to make it a truly modern system, which is why it is liberally stocked with elevators and escalators, all prone to dysfunctions.
A program to improve maintenance and replace defective escalators got underway in mid-2011. New moving stairways will be in- stalled at the Bethesda stations within three to five years. So far a real solution has not been found for this vexing failure prob- lem. Thanks to David Harris for the news.
Power Failures and Rail Service
In the Philadelphia area, Amtrak supplies electric power for seven of SEPTA’s com- muter rail lines, but its power facilities, put in place in the 1930s, are no longer reliable. Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor experienced
MICHAEL BJORK
With its pantograph stretched high to the sky, San Diego Vintage Trolley No. 529 is at the 12th and Imperial Transit Center in San Diego, Calif., on January 28, 2012. Built by St. Louis Car Company in 1946, No. 529 originally worked in the city of its birth before moving west to San Francisco. After retirement, it went to a collector in Lake Tahoe where it weathered the Sierra storms for many years before heading back to the sunny coast in San Diego in 2005. The car’s tall pantograph (necessary for running on the regular service lines of the San Diego Trolley) give it a somewhat top-heavy look, but the rest of the car retains its classic PCC lines. It operates almost daily on the Silver Line, a downtown loop where it mixes in with modern light rail vehicles. Five more PCC’s await restoration to join No. 529. For more details on the Silver Line and future plans for the vintage streetcar service see page 12.
many power failures in recent years, partic- ularly during the summer, sorely vexing many Amtrak customers. And unlike mod- ern installations, the antiquated catenary structure is not self-tensioning so the wire sags in hot weather and may get snagged by a pantograph.
Investment is badly needed to modernize and replace old rail transit facilities across the U.S. Alas, politicians seem not to notice that the nation’s transportation infrastruc- ture is slowly rotting away. David Harris is responsible for reminding me of this seri- ous problem.
Florida SunRail Has the Go-Ahead Many states are thankful that Florida’s gov- ernor turned down federal funds for high speed rail, as they benefitted from the real- location of the money originally targeted at the Sunshine State. It was expected that Florida Governor Rick Scott would not be in- terested in the new commuter rail project that would serve the heart of the state, but apparently with some guidance from U.S. Representative John Mica, the governor ap- proved the project.
The SunRail operation will start north of Sanford and run through downtown Orlan-
From Then to No To There and Back
FromThen to Now, ToThere and Bac
Visit us on the web or the k y to the images abo
www.transitgloriiamundi.com
VDs from (800) 428-7003 (800) 428-7003 36 E. 27th St., Dept. B-145, Baltimore, MD 21218 6 E.27th St.,Dept.B-145, Baltimore,MD21218
Visit us on the web ffor the key to the images above.
www.transitglor
amundi.com
best choice for accuracy, quality, selection and value Ask for our free catalog.
DVDs fromTransiansit Glort Gloria Mundi are the traction fan’s best choice for accuracy, quality, selection and value. Ask for our free catalog.
ia Mundi are the traction fan’
Vol. 1-Northern N.E. Don’t miss an issue!
Each issue of Railfan & Railroad Magazine brings the best of contemporary railroading and a touch of nostalgia, all illustrated with the finest photography. From main lines to short lines and everything in between, let Railfan & Railroad be your guide!
Carstens PUBLICATIONS, INC.
12 ISSUES FOR ONLY $37.95 SAVE 47%!
RAILFAN.COM (888) 526-5365
DVD-R 53 min. Music & Narration.
Color and B&W $2395 (postpaid)
$2495 (MA & ME postpaid) $2395 (Canadian postpaid)
DVD-R 63 min. Music & Narration.
Color and B&W. $2395 (postpaid)
$2495 (MA & ME postpaid) $2395 (Canadian postpaid)
Corgi Models and many other DVD’s, Videos & Books available.
E-mail us or Visit our Website and see our Online Catalog
Kennebunkport, ME 04046-1690
Seashore Trolley Museum P.O. Drawer A
(207)967-2712 e-mail:
carshop@gwi.net www.trolleymuseum.org
51
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60