Tri-Rail Downtown Miami Test Train and More!

After finding out that Tri-Rail's downtown Miami test train 'SFR 698' was running, I went down to Miami to see it on the FEC tracks. The train had one engine and two coaches, and I wonder if this is how they'll operate once service starts in the autumn. July 5 was the last day of scheduled testing, though more test days may follow soon. I managed to catch SFR 698 four times on three runs in Hialeah and West Little River, but I only had time to set up the tripod for two. Along with the test train I also caught a southbound Tri-Rail, said train returning to the depot, and an FEC train.
Trains:
0:00 - Tri-Rail 'SFR 698' Test Train northbound @ Iris diamond
1:03 - SFR 698 southbound departing Metrorail Transfer
2:29 - Tri-Rail P623 departing Metrorail Transfer
3:21 - Tri-Rail P623 equipment move @ Metrorail Transfer
4:16 - SFR 698 northbound @ 22nd Ave
4:43 - FEC PM1 outbound @ 22nd Ave
6:05 - SFR 698 southbound @ 22nd Ave

[@RailFireProductions]

Thanks for sharing. I thought no one had documented this. It’s good to finally see this happening after years of talking and planning. Apple Maps shows MiamiCentral as being both a Brightline and a Tri-Rail stop even though it currently doesn’t serve both. It’ll be nice to see the gap of service be filled to downtown and to prove the station designation true.

[@42ndStreetShuttle]

I’m sorry did I read that right? DOWNTOWN MIAMI LINK FINALLY HAPPENING?!?! Every time I go to MiamiCentral on Brightline I always see them doing construction on the Tri-Rail platforms but no Tri-Rail trains so I’m happy it’s finally happening

[@THEMORTEMREX3699]

Nice I like that video

[@ncard00]

With Brightline now leading in passenger rail, we need somebody else to handle double tracking, electrification, and speed increase of the freight network…

[@Southfloridaeverything]

We Are Your New Subscribers!

[@nyonas3908]

What are they testing?

[@HueyRailfanning]

They're testing train size, signalling, and doing crew training on the route so that Tri-Rail can start service from Metrorail Transfer into downtown Miami later this year

[@sammydavis991]

When will it start?

[@HueyRailfanning]

was planned for this fall but due to even more delays it’ll be Q1 of 2024

[@Floridamadeaj]

507 shouldve been leading bro

[@TrainsAndPlanesGuy]

Why do 820 and 821 sound alike

[@HueyRailfanning]

I think one of the chimes on 821 isn’t working and is completely dead so it sounds a bit different

[@TrainsAndPlanesGuy]

Oh

[@mattyo8828]

The train in that second clip is NASTY
🤮

[@HueyRailfanning]

they’re getting a new train design and that will hopefully hide all the dirt and muck 😂

[@AllAboardRailfan.1]

Great content, thanks for being there. 🚂🚃🚃🏝