[jordanmkasla2009]

GO regularly runs trains at 93mph - the maximum speed possible of the MP40s.

I believe that MARC is only allowed to operate at 100mph with their diesels.

I don't think that 7mph is of any major importance.

Dan

to note the MP54AC is limited to 110mph so we won't be seeing 125mph under diesel power anytime soon

 

[kaptrice]

Because they need a thrill? Or because it gets them somewhere faster? You need to calculate how much time a GO train would save if it did accelerate further before beginning to brake. The math is not supportive of your argument. Big dollars in track and fuel costs, versus a few seconds shaved off the timings.

For balance, I am a bit surprised at how low the track speed limit is on some GO lines.... but I have seen the grid that tells engineers what speed to coast from after leaving each stop. The grid is more conservative than the track construction, and that's a deliberate calculation based on time versus fuel expense. the track isn't the limiting factor.



Not a good comparison. You are asking why we don't engineer and build highways to a higher standard. The answer - it costs a lot of money, and you can already do 120 fairly safely, if you choose to. And if your gas consumption were in the same range as a MP40, you might reconsider the choice.

- Paul

I don't suppose that trying to save on traction power costs will be as big a motivator in the future as saving on fuel is today, and the faster-accelerating trains of the future will also be able to spend so much more time at maximum speeds of 140 km/h. A TRAXX platform locomotive with maximum power 5600kW may haul a 5-car train, of weight ~350 tonnes including the loco, and with a starting tractive effort of ~315kN. Today's MP40PHs may, with output 3000kW, haul 12-car trains within striking distance of 800 tonnes and with about 370kN starting tractive effort. Some quick calculations can produce ballpark figures for a stopping penalty - i.e. how much extra time it takes to reach a distant point after coming to a stop and accelerating again, ignoring the time spent dwelling while stopped. For current trains, it comes out to well in excess of 200 seconds for a MP40PH and maybe a dozen seconds less for a MP54AC. The short electric train may do it in 90 seconds. Modern EMUs could halve that again, but I understand they aren't planned in the near future for pragmatic reasons.

I was really shocked at the old Uxbridge sub speed limits though. Do we know if they've been raised following the double-tracking project?

 

[Bordercollie]

I don't suppose that trying to save on traction power costs will be as big a motivator in the future as saving on fuel is today, and the faster-accelerating trains of the future will also be able to spend so much more time at maximum speeds of 140 km/h. A TRAXX platform locomotive with maximum power 5600kW may haul a 5-car train, of weight ~350 tonnes including the loco, and with a starting tractive effort of ~315kN. Today's MP40PHs may, with output 3000kW, haul 12-car trains within striking distance of 800 tonnes and with about 370kN starting tractive effort. Some quick calculations can produce ballpark figures for a stopping penalty - i.e. how much extra time it takes to reach a distant point after coming to a stop and accelerating again, ignoring the time spent dwelling while stopped. For current trains, it comes out to well in excess of 200 seconds for a MP40PH and maybe a dozen seconds less for a MP54AC. The short electric train may do it in 90 seconds. Modern EMUs could halve that again, but I understand they aren't planned in the near future for pragmatic reasons.

I was really shocked at the old Uxbridge sub speed limits though. Do we know if they've been raised following the double-tracking project?

Unless it's an express train, is the time saved would be marginal.

 

[Bojaxs]

Has MX started repainting the MP40's in the newer livery?

 

[drum118]

Has MX started repainting the MP40's in the newer livery?

A few have been done so far, but been some time one has been repainted

Edited: 607 + 615 + 647 that I have photos of. I believe 662 and up arrived in new colours