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Testing of the ACS-64 at High Speeds Commences at Pueblo, CO


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http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/530/930/Amtrak-Siemens-Locomotive-Testing-ATK-13-081.pdf

PUEBLO, Colo. – The new Amtrak Cities Sprinter (ACS-64) electric locomotives are 

now in a comprehensive and rigorous testing program, and are being put through the paces 
before entering Northeast service this fall.
Today, Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman, Federal Railroad Administrator 
Joseph Szabo and Siemens Rail Systems President Michael Cahill traveled to the U.S 
Department of Transportation (DOT) Transportation Technology Center (TTC) facility in 
Pueblo, Colo., to get an update on the testing program and to observe a testing demonstration.
“These locomotives are the new workhorses of the Amtrak fleet in the Northeast and they 
must meet our performance-based specifications and reliability needs so we can keep the 
region’s people and economy moving,” said Boardman.
Two locomotives are at the TTC facility to undergo a series of tests, including maximum 
speed runs, acceleration and braking, operating with Amtrak passenger coach cars attached and 
testing the overall performance capabilities of the locomotive. Engineers are also validating the 
on-board computer system and software, as well as evaluate ride quality by using instruments to 
measure things such as noise and wheel vibrations.
A variety of additional tests and validation exercises are being conducted as part of the 
commissioning process to ensure the locomotive is operating and performing as designed and 
that it is ready to provide reliable service for Amtrak passengers. 
“Safety is our number one priority,” said Szabo. “Today’s testing regime demonstrates 
the extraordinary safety standards FRA requires manufacturers and railroads to meet when 
building passenger rail equipment. One in seven Americans lives along the Northeast Corridor 
and as demand for passenger rail service continues to grow across the country, we will continue 
to ensure that rail equipment is safe, reliable and efficient.”
In addition to the robust testing regime at TTC, a third locomotive will run field tests on 
the Northeast and Keystone Corridors this summer and be used for training Amtrak locomotive 
engineers and mechanical crews. A fourth locomotive will be tested in a climate-controlled 
chamber to determine how well it performs in extreme heat and cold temperatures.

 

 

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I also found two new videos apparently from someone who has access at Pueblo.

- Flyby video

- Video of info screen showing acceleration with 8 amfleets from stop to 125 mph.

I find the comments from the crew about the engine being "too quiet" amusing. #thatsthewayitshouldbe

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  • 5 months later...

 I saw 600 today at NYP, and 602 was at Sunnyside Yard (if I got the locomotive # right). So the order is coming in slowly.

 

if im not mistaken they are up to 606 but stopped due to a window issue follow the whole thread there

http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/55208-acs-64-heads-up/

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  • 2 weeks later...

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