Here's a link.....New Kawasaki rail cars going to D.C.
New Kawasaki rail cars going to D.C. (http://journalstar.com/news/local/new-kawasaki-rail-cars-going-to-d-c/article_23816ff8-b3b6-5a5a-8806-efe4e57dded3.html)
Journal Star
12 11 2013 1600 CST
WMATA took delivery of first car (7006) on 12 18 2013. Word has it 2 other cars (7004-7005) have also been delivered and are in the shop being mated, the 4th car (7007) is to arrive sometime late next week.
(http://i.imgur.com/Cw0VEj6l.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/Cw0VEj6.jpg)
Prototype car 7006 spotted on the north end of storage track 1 in Greenbelt Yard.
So, is this going to be an 8-car test train?
Chargerdodge9
So, is tis going to be an 8-car test train?
That what I thought at first until someone in another forum said he recalled that the first set would remain in Nebraska as reference during production.
Okay, that make sense. So I'm going to assume this will be a four car Train. I know the 7000s are going to be like an A-B-A-B|A-B-A-B set.
Chargerdodge9
Okay, that make sense. So I'm going to assume this will be a four car Train. I know the 7000s are going to be like an A-B-A-B|A-B-A-B set.
In the strictest sense they are not A-B+A-B or A-B+B-A sets as various subsystem are shared across all of the cars in the 4 cars of the set.
Like their married pair cousins they share various subsystem across both cars in the set. They are more like A-C+C-B. The A car has one group of subsystems, the B car has another group of subsystems and the C car has a third group of subsystems. All of the subsystems must be present to allow operation in revenue service.
This does complicate matters somewhat in that an A-C+C-A set can not be operated in revenue service because it lacks the subsystems of a B car, the same would apply to a B-C+C-B set.
This is why they can not be coupled into 6 car revenue trains.
You know, I never understood why train cars are arranged like that.
Chargerdodge9
You know, I never understood why train cars are arranged like that.
Very simple, cost. It is far cheaper to spread the various subsystems across multiple cars then it is to pack all of them in each car. No need to put a hotel power inverter in each car if the same one can provide hotel power for 2 cars. No need to put an air compressor to pump up the brake reservoir in each car if one can pump up the reservoirs in more then one car. No need to put the various subsystem needed for automatic train control in each car if you never intend to operate single car trains. One of the reasons why WMATA went with "married quad" was to eliminate the costs related to maintaining the redundant cabs and the various subsystems need to support it, they also did it to increase passenger capacity.
And these are also 75 foot cars right?
Chargerdodge9
And these are also 75 foot cars right?
Yes. The dimension. (width, height and length) is the same as the existing rolling stock. The reason why is because all of the maintenance infrastructure in the shops (servicing bays, lifts, hoists, turntables for removing trucks and inspection pits) is configured for married pairs with 75' long cars.
WMATA Press Release (http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=5633)
For immediate release: January 3, 2014
MEDIA ADVISORY/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: Metro to welcome first 7000-series train
Testing period to begin immediately
FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY
On Monday, Senator Barbara Mikulski, Senator Ben Cardin, Governor Martin O'Malley, Mayor Vincent C. Gray and other officials will join Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles to welcome the arrival of the first 7000-series train and a new era of safety, comfort and convenience for Metrorail riders. The modern cars will fulfill a critical National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendation by replacing Metro's oldest, the 1000-series, while also adding train capacity.
The first train will be tested for several months before the new cars enter passenger service.
WHAT Arrival of first 7000-series train for testing on Metro
Photo opportunity, tour of train, brief remarks
WHO
Senator Barbara Mikulski
Senator Ben Cardin
Congressman Steny Hoyer
Congresswoman Donna Edwards
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff
NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman
Governor Martin O'Malley
Mayor Vincent C. Gray
Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker, III
Japanese Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae
Metro Board Chair Tom Downs
Kawasaki CEO Hiroji Iwasaki
Metro General Manager & CEO Richard Sarles
WHERE
Greenbelt Metrorail Station (platform level)
WHEN
Monday, January 6 at 10:30 a.m.
NOTES
Members of the news media planning to attend should RSVP in
advance by calling (202) 962-1051 or emailing metronews @ wmata.com.
This event will take place outdoors. Please dress appropriately.
###
Metro to Debut Newest Rail Cars (http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/01/06/metro-to-debut-newest-rail-cars/)
The Associated Press
06 06 2014 0644 EDT
WNEW FM 99.1
According to the above Associated Press story it will be more then just a photo opp, it will also be a "ceremonial first ride".
I would love to be there for this one.
WMATA might leave them at the platform for a while for the public to see after the dignitaries have left to get out of the cold.