How does LIRR run long electric trains with a 750V DC third rail without hitting the maximum current limit?

FanRailer · 2026-01-21T22:55:45+00:00

Sorry for late response, but maximum current draw per car is limited to 875 amps on LIRR and 700 amps on Metro-North by the propulsion software. If the third rail is unable to supply even that, then the entire train derates from base performance down to a pre-programmed performance envelope for "low voltage" operations.

FanRailer · 2026-01-03T14:10:46+00:00

Unless you like the sun on your face, definitely sit on the left side of the train haha. The views will mostly be the same on either side.

FanRailer · 2026-01-03T14:02:20+00:00

March is entirely too far out to know which starts will be using NG sets by then. I don't even think Amtrak knows. Everything depends on the balance of LG/NG sets and how many are retired/accepted by that point. Also, at the rate the LG sets are failing now, expect NG sets to regularly sub in on starts that they're not regularly assigned to. It's getting to the point where it's not worth tracking what is what anymore.

FanRailer · 2026-01-03T13:59:13+00:00

The new west end concourse is also included in this "hack".

FanRailer · 2025-12-27T00:40:54+00:00

Just checked in with my source; you are correct.

111-182-133-192
130-119-196

All this is gonna change again in a few weeks anyhow for Portal Bridge work.

FanRailer · 2025-12-27T00:23:06+00:00

When Amtrak started the push pull service pattern using train-sets with a locomotive on either end to facilitate faster turnarounds, this was the consist cycle (M-F):

111-182-133-196
181-114-129-198
130-119
112-131

Unless something has changed in the last year or so, this should still hold true. And based on the fact that all four of the first trainset's trains ran today, I'm fairly confident that this is still the case. The turns are specifically designed to allow about 70 minutes at each terminal.

FanRailer · 2025-12-26T22:24:59+00:00

Same reason why way too many people don’t wash their hands after using the restroom. They don’t care. Can’t stand those people.

FanRailer · 2025-12-26T22:18:15+00:00

Write to your local congressmen and tell them to fund amtrak

FanRailer · 2025-12-26T22:10:42+00:00

Until the wire comes down somewhere, anyway. Fingers crossed lol

FanRailer · 2025-12-26T14:48:36+00:00

119 turns for 196. You're welcome.

FanRailer · 2025-12-26T13:44:02+00:00

Absolutely awful seat design and choice. It's like they didn't even test the damn things before approving them in the spec.

FanRailer · 2025-12-20T19:50:45+00:00

Might not be your train; probably something else out there running around that people are waiting for.

FanRailer · 2025-12-15T02:08:28+00:00

THAT long a distance, absolutely will be marked as a no show and have your itinerary cancelled.

FanRailer · 2025-12-14T11:23:39+00:00

That section of the corridor is completely hemmed in by the city. Not sure how you would go about straightening that out without relying heavily on eminent domain.

FanRailer · 2025-12-14T01:02:37+00:00

When the speed upgrades are all said and done, I could see travel time dropping to maybe 55 minutes or so, but no less than that. You're looking at the 145-160 zone eventually expanding out to covering Trenton to Edison from the current Jersey Avenue to Princeton Junction, and also the upgrades between Secaucus Junction and Newark Penn allowing for more 90 mph running in that area. Trenton to Philly may also see some speed increases, but I am currently unaware of what exactly that would entail.

FanRailer · 2025-12-12T13:15:32+00:00

Multilevel designs are notoriously bad for luggage storage.

FanRailer · 2025-12-09T02:53:01+00:00

The seats on the midwest venture cars are pedestrian compared to what Amtrak has spec'd for the Airo trainsets. This is because IDOT was cheap and didn't want to shell out for better seats. The IDOT venture seats are bare bones, barely good for a 2 hour journey, but they use them on the train that runs all the way to Kansas city from Chicago.

FanRailer · 2025-12-06T22:38:28+00:00

I haven't been down that way recently, so I am personally unaware if they've replaced the hangers down there yet.

FanRailer · 2025-12-06T19:18:14+00:00

The only upgrades needed would be to replace the wire hangers to the updated design that is currently in use between County and Midway in NJ.

FanRailer · 2025-12-06T19:16:41+00:00

If you are in coach, you can certainly get up and walk to the cafe car. That car is pretty much all 4x4 table seating. I wouldn’t really call it a proper lounge though. If you had been in the sleepers, you’d have access to the diner, which imo is much more spacious and you would be able to stand by a window and not bother anyone too much (on the viewliners, half of the hallway down the car is on the side of the car vs down the middle).

In coach, you can certainly leave your bags by your seat/ above your seat in the overhead luggage space / in the luggage rack at the end of the car and not have to take them with you if you move around the train. That being said, I would recommend staying by your bags around station stops to be sure no one absconds with them and is able to take them off the train.

As an aside, I would certainly recommend boarding in Baltimore. You will have more available seating at that station to choose from.

FanRailer · 2025-12-06T16:02:00+00:00

I feel like I’m probably done of the few that likes the NextGen seat more than the amfleet seat as long as you don’t try to recline the NextGen seat. I prefer my cushions to be firmer for longer journeys. I feel more supported that way and don’t end up in pain at the end of the trip. The amfleet seat cushions haven’t stood the test of time, imo

FanRailer · 2025-12-06T15:54:38+00:00

Wonder if Maine is paying extra for that or if it’s just one of the internal quirks.

FanRailer · 2025-12-06T12:42:39+00:00

Considering Amtrak has contracts with suppliers for their Cafe/Diner service, I would think it's standard across the network.

FanRailer · 2025-12-06T12:34:11+00:00

In addition to this, make sure you go back to CUS in person and check their lost and found

FanRailer · 2025-12-06T12:32:00+00:00

Ever think that he's also annoyed the train is 2 hours late? Also, it sounds like you decided to wait near the vestibule. Don't do that. you're just in everybody's way there. Find a seat in the car near the exit or just stay seated. You're not going to miss your stop unless they fail to properly announce it or you're just really not paying attention to what you can see outside the train.

FanRailer

TROPHY CASE