So let me get this straight as a fellow fan from Philadelphia land. DC is getting over 150 XDE40LFR (UGH LONG NAME) in 2011? WOW, I am glad that someone is looking into purchasing New flyer's newest line of New Flyers.
In case of the 2500s, they have the Cummins C-Plus with Voith? More likely its the C-Plus and that long 1st gear holding them back.
Quote from: mrpete on October 07, 2010, 10:45:49 PMHigh gearing allows for faster acceleration. Lower gearing ratios increases the overall top speed of the speed. Of course this is within respect to the terrain, wheels, engine, weight, and overall design as well.
Depends on the gearing of the transmissions and the differentials. Buses for mostly stop & go city operations have lower gearing (higher numerically, e. g. 4.11) for faster acceleration. Buses for mostly highway "express" services usually have higher gearing (lower numerically, e. g. 3.55) for a higher cruising speed but somewhat slower acceleration.
Ever notice that fire trucks are very loud. They have lower gearing for fast acceleration over short distances. So even when they are trundling down the street the engine sounds like its running at high RPM's; because it is.
In case of the 2500s, they have the Cummins C-Plus with Voith? More likely its the C-Plus and that long 1st gear holding them back.