Introducing the New Amtrak Airo Trains

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  • Опубліковано 26 сер 2024
  • On December 15th, 2022, Amtrak released the details about the new Intercity Trainsets that will enter service in 2025. Branded “Airo,” these trains will be made up of Siemens Charger locomotives and Venture cars. Most sets will have a unique way of running on both electricity and diesel. They will run on the following routes:
    -Northeast Regional
    -Hartford Line
    -Valley Flyer
    -Downeaster
    -Keystone Service
    -Pennsylvanian
    -Palmetto
    -Carolinian
    -Empire Service
    -Maple Leaf
    -Adirondack
    -Ethan Allen Express
    -Cascades
    Trains Are Awesome!
    Image sources:
    -Exterior and interior renderings: Amtrak Media, found at: media.amtrak.c...
    Cascades rendering: Washington State -Department of Transportation, found at www.flickr.com...
    -Technical drawing: Sandy Johnston, found at / 1499396807096418306

КОМЕНТАРІ • 363

  • @pacificostudios
    @pacificostudios Рік тому +154

    I like the door design -- Amtrak is going for a clean European look; it looks like these will be plug doors, which are not common on American passenger trains. The red-white-blue scheme is fantastic, and will get a lot of attention.

    • @OnTheRailwayOfficial
      @OnTheRailwayOfficial Рік тому

      They don't look like European intercity trains at all!?

    • @pacificostudios
      @pacificostudios Рік тому +6

      @@OnTheRailwayOfficial- I'm talking about the doors. Since Metroliner, most American passenger trains have had sliding doors. Before that, regular hinged doors. (Superliners have hinged doors.)
      Plug doors are typical of European trains. Quieter, because they seal out wind better.

    • @teddynielsen
      @teddynielsen Рік тому +3

      @@OnTheRailwayOfficial they look similar to the ÖBB RailJet (Austria).

    • @ARod4374
      @ARod4374 Рік тому +3

      @@teddynielsen Even better, they're basically an adaptation of Railjet sets to American loading gauge and FRA standards.

    • @himbourbanist
      @himbourbanist Рік тому

      Siemens has done a great job with the venture coaches and it's really exciting to see Amtrak go all in

  • @bryanCJC2105
    @bryanCJC2105 Рік тому +95

    These kind of look like the new Canada Via Rail train sets. It's really nice to see Amtrak join the 21st century. I rode the Amtrak San Joaquin earlier this year and it was a very nice ride.
    I agree with you. I love trains with color. I really loved the CTA L cars that were done up in the vintage green/cream livery. Those were beautiful.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +9

      There’s a CTA train on the Blue Line right now with the green and white coloring! I’m publishing a video soon.
      And yeah, I think these are like a bigger and more complicated version of the VIA trains. I’m glad to see some train sets on this Continent for a change.

    • @jonathanj8303
      @jonathanj8303 Рік тому +8

      They're a version of the same Siemens product line as the VIA ones.

    • @jonathanj8303
      @jonathanj8303 Рік тому +2

      @@TohaBgood2 True.
      I always wondered why brightline didn't go for push-pull sets, at least on the initial four car configurations, but I guess the higher power to weight might be good for making best use of what chunks of faster track they have. And given the number of grade crossing incidents they've had, they and their drivers are probably grateful for always having a loco leading.

  • @omarmontes90
    @omarmontes90 Рік тому +30

    Siemens is a great company and boy these are long overdue! So glad America is finally taking train travel seriously. Amtrak needed a huge upgrade and hopefully it can be profitable but it should be subsidized and I don't think it should be strictly profits

  • @Dondo_Golden_Rose
    @Dondo_Golden_Rose Рік тому +45

    It feels like we are returning back to the era of creating modern streamlined passenger trains.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +20

      And that’s a good feeling

    • @cooltrainsinmontreal4883
      @cooltrainsinmontreal4883 Рік тому +8

      And we are returning to a near standard North American passenger train 75 years ago every railroad had EMD F units, and Budd stainless steel coaches, now the Charger and Venturer cars are the must have for passenger trains

    • @russellgxy2905
      @russellgxy2905 Рік тому +3

      @@cooltrainsinmontreal4883 And it'll be the first instance of locomotives and trains sharing builders since the Aerotrain (huh...fitting). The closest example in recent memory would've been Keystone Services hauled by AEM-7's, since their bodyshells were built by the same firm as the Amfleets and Metroliners

  • @FalconsEye58094
    @FalconsEye58094 Рік тому +18

    Something like this was needed most of all on the northeast corridor, I feel like the new trains will make people more excited to take it. We’ll see how much the comfort level changes, as just a ride down to Washington on the Amfleet is not the most comfortable. Maybe they’ll also give several other great routes a boost

    • @FalconsEye58094
      @FalconsEye58094 Рік тому

      @@TohaBgood2 thing is though, the cities have changed and have been bulldozed for the car. So I hope its not too little too late

  • @himbourbanist
    @himbourbanist Рік тому +5

    these really are the exact kind of refresh that Amtrak needs, particularly in the Northeast. Cannot WAIT to get on the Keystone Service or the NER at 30th Street Station and see one of these pull up. I'll miss the tin cans a bit (I've grown really fond of stainless steel American trains) but there's definitely plenty of those to go around still.

  • @anitrain
    @anitrain Рік тому +7

    I liked the Venture car seats when I rode the Brightline. That was the nicest train I've ever been on.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +2

      Those are very nice!

    • @TFSIChristmas
      @TFSIChristmas Рік тому +1

      @@TohaBgood2 Ignore the haters.

    • @alex3yoyo
      @alex3yoyo Рік тому +1

      They also usually run on the 350 and 355 wolverines trains, they are indeed quite nice! I especially like the dedicated bike racks

  • @brianhubert8418
    @brianhubert8418 Рік тому +28

    These look amazing. But I'll admit I'm perplexed about the battery varient. The Empire Service, my home line, is definitely busy enough to warrant real electrification at least NYP-ALB in phase one. Any equipment would have to work on both OCS and the NYC 700 volt Underunning third-rail from Spuyten Duyvl to Croton-Harmon But there's so many upsides to more electrification from performance, lineside noise, the environment and lighter equipment that's easier on the track. I hope those in power really consider real electrification for more Amtrak corridors over the next few years. I like the dual-mode pantograph-diesel-electric ones though. They could allow Amtrak and its state-partners to phase in OCS where funding and the will and imagination are, at least on publicly owned trackage and then use the diesel-mode to bridge the gaps.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +15

      Hey, I’m team electrification all the way. Here in Chicago we’re getting 40 YEAR OLD locomotives converted to battery power. Which is going to be a disaster.
      Also, you live near a beautiful train line. I loved my trip on the Lake Shore Limited last year.

    • @stephenlaarkamp7344
      @stephenlaarkamp7344 Рік тому +6

      The way I've understood the idea is for it to be the el-cheapo route of running Empire Service trains using the Empire connection going into Penn Station, so instead of electrifying it (the sensible option, whether 3rd rail or catenary wire), the trains will operate on battery power charged by regenerative braking for use in Penn Station. I do agree, it is a dumb idea, and that the Empire Service should be electrified, at least mostly, but at the very least, it seems easy to gut the batteries and alter the train for catenary or third rail electric if they finally decide to electrify the Empire Connection, or the rest of the line for that matter.

    • @St0rmcrash
      @St0rmcrash Рік тому +6

      There are two reasons, one is that CSX owns most of the track so they get final say on electrification. Second is that Amtrak wants to keep their backup option to run the trains into Grand Central if the empire connection to Penn gets closed. Grand Central has a diesel ban in the tunnels and only has custom third rail for electric, and some of that same 3rd rail was put on the empire connection tracks in Penn to allow the 3rd rail equipment to work. The batteries allow operating into either station without relying on the third rail

    • @gregwhitney8820
      @gregwhitney8820 Рік тому +3

      It's nice to see a picture of what's to be built for the Empire Corridor, and other trains north from NYP.
      Definitely, electrify the line into NYP. And Croton-Harmon to at least Schenectady. West of Schenectady is more problematic, since the Water Level Route picks up the CSX freight traffic from Selkirk. Finally, there are ideas floating around to electrify CSX Buffalo Exchange St.-Niagara Falls, maybe run commuter trains over it, along with Empire Service and the Maple Leaf.

    • @InternetKilledTV21
      @InternetKilledTV21 Рік тому +1

      Totally agree as a NY canal resident. JIT power just makes more sense both from a utility sense and track maintenance sense. I can say with confidence there was no intelligent life involved in that decision. Deeefinitely only check-cutting.

  • @dennisforner6090
    @dennisforner6090 Рік тому +30

    Thanks for the update Thom - I fully agree re the new livery looks 'awesome'. It will be interesting to see if Amtrak will stick with the artist's impression for the new interiors? Great to see dual capabilities - provide a much quicker & smoother transition as well as improved travel time. I also like the livery for the proposed new Cascade trains. In relation to the name Airo I could only find that it is a Greek word meaning 'lifted up' or 'exalted'. As they say 'it's all Greek to me"..

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +4

      😂😂 “Greeks invented trains,” the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding would say!
      I’m excited for these trains. I wonder if there will be an option to order more if Amtrak expands service.

    • @dennisforner6090
      @dennisforner6090 Рік тому +2

      @@Thom-TRA Too funny - loved that movie. Amtrak certainly appears to be getting on with the job of both expanding its services & updating its train fleet & rail infrastructure in ita NE corridor.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +1

      @@dennisforner6090 your love for that movie is something you and Lindsey have in common!

  • @dexteralexander2437
    @dexteralexander2437 Рік тому +9

    Thom, I watched both Amtrak’s Airo video and yours. Your video is more informative than Amtrak’s, plus your video hit UA-cam an hour earlier than Amtrak’s, the time stamps say. Good job!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +2

      Hahaha, this is my favorite comment! Thank you!

  • @CreightonRabs
    @CreightonRabs Рік тому +8

    Hopefully that means these sets will also show up on the Heartland Flyer between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth. The Superliner cars on that route seem to be a little overkill for such a small route and the Airo sets would be a much better fit.

  • @jmajette2
    @jmajette2 Рік тому +4

    I like that the armrests between the seats have been restored! 😊

  • @japanesetrainandtravel6168
    @japanesetrainandtravel6168 Рік тому +5

    Great news for Amtrak. As you know, VIA Rail will be introduce its own Siemens sets - but recently Ontario Northland also ordered three sets

  • @NonstopEurotrip
    @NonstopEurotrip Рік тому +3

    Excellent video Thom, very informative and this is a massive step forwards for Amtrak! 🥰

  • @plymouthlad38
    @plymouthlad38 Рік тому +6

    These new trains look good, more along the lines of trains I am more used to in the UK. As much as I enjoy using Amtrak there are things they could improve, but I do accept they are not helped by the fact they do not own most of the track they have to use and have to give way to freight traffic. Even so I hope to be able to use some of these newer trains on future trips to the US.
    I do like the double deck Metra and Amtrak trains, it is something we never seen in the UK. I hope you can do videos in the UK one day to go alongside your Dutch and Japanese videos. There is so much history on the London Underground / Tfl. We do not have the truly long distance trains Amtak have but we have 2 sleeper services from London, either upto Scotland or down to my home region of Devon & Cornwall.
    There is something very distinctive about the whistle / bells used on American trains. Just hearing the sound on your videos reminds me of trips to Chicago and Boston.
    Look forward to watching more of your videos.

  • @bobbyswanson3498
    @bobbyswanson3498 Рік тому +5

    really excited to see these come to north carolina. i think seeing such a futuristic looking train pull into raleigh union station will really catch some eyes and entice people to consider train travel

  • @TWIGYBNSF
    @TWIGYBNSF Рік тому +4

    Very nice! I kinda get the vibe that the new train reminds me of the X2000 from the 1990's testing. One power unit on one end and the other end is a cab coach like the X2000. I think it's a brilliant idea! I complemented this to Amtrak via social media and they said, "A classic feel combined with modern comforts."

  • @tritiumlabs373
    @tritiumlabs373 Рік тому +2

    I’m glad Amtrak is finally getting some nicer looking cars and locos, the old ones don’t look bad necessarily but these new one are so much more modern and just look more on par with the equipment in Europe and Asia

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому

      I’m excited to see them irl

  • @anthonywarrener1881
    @anthonywarrener1881 Рік тому +2

    Thank you for this wonderful news ! The new livery is stunning, and I can’t wait to see a complete rake of these carriages running into Baltimore and Washington D.C !

  • @michaelsullivan3581
    @michaelsullivan3581 7 місяців тому

    Thank you Thom! Can't wait to see and experience these trains in person! I'll obviously have to wait a bit!

  • @TheMetGuy
    @TheMetGuy Рік тому +1

    These trainsets are just beautiful

  • @TransportNut89
    @TransportNut89 Рік тому +3

    Reminds me of the mark 5 sets used on Transpennine Express in the UK

  • @flashrocket9158
    @flashrocket9158 Рік тому +3

    I can imagine what the overnight services would bring us.

  • @jackjohnson2101
    @jackjohnson2101 Рік тому +2

    Thanks for showing the Kalamazoo train station.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому

      It’s a good station!

  • @powgames
    @powgames Рік тому +12

    4:03 These seats look pretty similar to those used on the ICE 4 or those on the upcoming ICE L, at least based on their back- and headrests shape ^^
    I'm very excited to see more about the Airos overall, not really sure what to think of the C-sets tho, why not just use 3rd rail or install catenary?
    Anyway, great to see some progress for you guys overseas and greetings from Germany!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +8

      I love riding the ICE! I used to live in the Netherlands so I would ride the ICE 3 between Amsterdam and Utrecht on occasion. Excited for the ICE L, did you see the first pictures of it recently?

    • @powgames
      @powgames Рік тому +1

      @@Thom-TRA Yes i did, thats why i think the interior is comparable to that in the new american trains ^^ and not just the Interior, the ICE L as a push-pull train is fairly similar to the Airo and will fulfill sort of the same role :)

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +3

      @@powgames is it still the plan to use Talgo locomotives, or are they using Vectrons?

    • @powgames
      @powgames Рік тому +2

      @@Thom-TRA Yes :D
      In 2024 they will put the cars in service and put vectrons in front of it and in 2025 Talgo "plans" to deliver their locos. On unelectrified lines, dual mode vectrons will pull the trains, even when the Talgos are there...

  • @strredwolf
    @strredwolf Рік тому +4

    My guess on the "Airo" is that it harkens back to Amtrak's old "arrow" logo... and to their current ARROW ticketing system.
    Still, if you can do push-pull and not swap engines, even better.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +1

      That’s a clever thought. Maybe they wanted to name it Arrow but Metrolink beat them to it?

  • @michaelscott5155
    @michaelscott5155 Рік тому +2

    Thanks!

  • @torikicklighter1191
    @torikicklighter1191 Рік тому +1

    Looks great…so great to see a much better paint design one that is colorful, bright and cheerful!!!!

  • @cycloid2326
    @cycloid2326 Рік тому +7

    I still can’t wrap my head around why Amtrak thought putting battery tenders on Empire Corridor trains was a better idea than electrifying the Empire connection, which there are plans to do anyway to get Hudson line trains into Penn Station, and should be done regardless!

    • @AutumnBosco
      @AutumnBosco Рік тому +2

      Even worse, the empire connection already has active catenary wires! All main tunnels in/out of Penn Station have third rail and catenary, including the empire connection. So it just makes no sense why they are getting the battery ones when the infrastructure already exists for getting a pantograph equipped train from the empire corridor in to Penn.

    • @richmartin1427
      @richmartin1427 Рік тому

      @@AutumnBosco I thought the same thing. The overhead goes as far as the third rail so this would make more sense.

    • @richmartin1427
      @richmartin1427 Рік тому +2

      @@TohaBgood2 they currently use dual mode p32 on the Empire Service as these have third rail shoes and the electrification on the west side connector only goes outside the penn station tunnel. After the line meets up with the Hudson line at Spuyten Duyvil the line is electrified with third rail as far as croton-Harmon, but with underrunning third rail as opposed to overrunning third rail. All other service in penn station uses overhead catenary, and any trains using penn that go beyond electrification limits change to a diesel locomotive, usually at DC union station or New Haven.

  • @Davo32795
    @Davo32795 Рік тому +1

    i hope the hybrid design means we can see more electrifed lines where amtrak or the states owns the rail.

  • @TheMetGuy
    @TheMetGuy Рік тому +3

    When these awesome train sets enter service in 2025 I might ride one, The horn should still be a K5LA

  • @TheMetGuy
    @TheMetGuy Рік тому +1

    Those Airo sets look awesome, Thanks for the info

  • @harrisonofcolorado8886
    @harrisonofcolorado8886 Рік тому +1

    1:40I actually went on the RailJet three years ago and when I saw these new Amtrak trains, I thought,"Hey, they seem to have done the same thing as they did to the RailJet"!

  • @JamesTrifolium
    @JamesTrifolium 5 місяців тому +1

    A - Amtrak
    I - Intercity
    R - Regional
    O - Overcrowding

  • @adventuresofamtrakcascades301
    @adventuresofamtrakcascades301 Рік тому +3

    I'm so happy this is finally happening because a lot has to be changed

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +2

      I see you’ve adjusted your profile pic accordingly haha

    • @adventuresofamtrakcascades301
      @adventuresofamtrakcascades301 Рік тому +1

      ​@@Thom-TRA because I was so obsessed with that beautiful look on these Airo trains

  • @drshallow69
    @drshallow69 Рік тому +2

    My prediction
    A - Amtrak
    I - Intercity
    R - Rail
    O - I have no clue

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому

      I love spelling “I have no clue” with an O

    • @Daniel-hj8el
      @Daniel-hj8el 2 місяці тому

      OPERATIONS Dude

  • @Slipperyisimproving
    @Slipperyisimproving Рік тому +3

    Amtrak has revealed new trainsets to replace their outdated passenger cars. They're called the Airo. They are getting another colorful era.

  • @MarkBustos2
    @MarkBustos2 Рік тому +1

    Amtrak is better off helping the MTA to adding more tracks and 3rd rail between Penn Station to near by Spuyten Duyvil and Croton-Harmon to Albany. MTA Metro North's Hudson Line can be extended from it's current terminal Poughkeepsie to Albany. Afterwards adding AC electricity or DC over wire electricity.

  • @cncpgreatlakesdiv4896
    @cncpgreatlakesdiv4896 Рік тому +2

    awesome new sub thx for the update.😊😊👍👍

  • @bennygstrainvideos
    @bennygstrainvideos 9 місяців тому

    I can't wait to see these trains. They look so cool. Amtrak really needs more colorful trains. I want to be an Amtrak conductor one day, and hopefully I get to be a conductor on these new trains.

  • @jeff7597
    @jeff7597 Рік тому +7

    I doubt it's really a factor in why they're already allocating new sets to the Downeaster (as opposed to just replacing the aging Amfleet Is), but an interesting thought at least is that if Boston ever does build the North South Rail Link, I'd venture (no pun intended) a guess that Amtrak will either make the Downeaster a northern extension of some Regional trains, or at least through run it to NYC as kind of a New England version of the Keystone.

    • @CreightonRabs
      @CreightonRabs Рік тому +4

      The problem is that when Massachusetts went ahead with the "Big Dig" highway project, there was talk of a north-south rail link connecting the two MBTA regional rail systems, but that fell through due to money problems (because, of course). Talk about a missed opportunity...

    • @xiii-Dex
      @xiii-Dex Рік тому

      There's a proposal to electrify the MBTA commuter system by 2040, including the MBTA tracks that the Downeaster uses by 2024. So at least part of the route could be done before these trains even are running.
      Of course, that's if the bill passes, and as with anything you never know what the whims of funding will be.

  • @TheRailwayDrone
    @TheRailwayDrone Рік тому +2

    Airo comes from the Greek which means to lift. And I cannot wait either. Hopefully we won't have any of the issues on the east coast that they seem to be having in the midwest.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +1

      What do trains have to do with lifting things though?

    • @TheRailwayDrone
      @TheRailwayDrone Рік тому +1

      @@Thom-TRA The hell if I know. You gotta ask Amtrak about that lol...

    • @TheRailwayDrone
      @TheRailwayDrone Рік тому

      @@TohaBgood2 I've been on those Railjets and I absolutely LOVED IT!

  • @petterzachrisson2746
    @petterzachrisson2746 Рік тому +3

    AIRO, Amtrak intercity rapid operation, maybe?

  • @saphirengine
    @saphirengine Рік тому +1

    Thanks for the info!

  • @railfanning.productions
    @railfanning.productions Рік тому +1

    Awesome video! I can't wait to see these trains in action!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +2

      I can’t wait either!

  • @billtherailfanner455
    @billtherailfanner455 Рік тому +2

    These New Trains Look Amazing In My Opinion. The Exterior And Interior Looks Awesome. I Can’t Wait For These To Enter Service In 2025.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +1

      I can’t wait either!

    • @bnsflover7062
      @bnsflover7062 Рік тому +1

      Eh

    • @billtherailfanner455
      @billtherailfanner455 Рік тому

      @@bnsflover7062 I Know There Are People Who Think These New Trains Are Boring Or Ugly Or Both, But Don't Forget People Said The Same Things About The Genesis Locomotives When They Were New, And Now As Of 2022, Many People Got Used To Them And Now Like Them. The Same Thing Will Happen With The Chargers, There Will Be People Who Will Not Like Them At First, But Then They Will Get Used To Them Over Time And Will Appreciate Them More Than They Did At First. While I Am Sad To See The Genesis Locomotives Retire, But Not Everything Can Last Forever. That Is Why Locomotives Get Replaced By Newer Ones Over Time. There Are Positives About These Trains, They Are More Better For The Environment, They Have Faster Acceleration, And Are A Bit Fast With A Top Speed Of 125 Miles Per Hour. I Am Not Trying To Be Mean Here, I Am Just Explaining My Opinion, If You Still Don't Like These New Trains, I Respect Your Opinion.

  • @michaelcreek3813
    @michaelcreek3813 Рік тому +2

    Seems like they named the B and C series backwards. B should be the battery trains, C should be catenary trains, and then D for diesel.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому

      That is an excellent point

  • @meltrain
    @meltrain Рік тому +2

    These are nice trains.
    I just don't understand why the electrical equipment is in a coach instead of the locomotive.

  • @nixcails
    @nixcails Рік тому +1

    I'm going to pop my Parliament hat on and make a few points of order.
    - AIRO I can only assume since nothing in the Oxford English Dictionary points towards it is a makers/operators brand for the new units. Siemens seem to have this o suffix thing going on with Desiro, Desiro City going on.
    - as for RailJet it's actually a shared brand used across central Europe mainly but push/pull loco Driving carriages/DVT (Driving Van Trailors) are common across Europe from Ireland towards the Eastern curtain.
    The concept of having a diesel motor car and an electric pantograph on another is not uncommon but I guess since the Amfleet design goes back to the Penn Central Metroliners of the 1960's this will appear to be quite revolutionary. My intercity has pantographs on the loco (driving car) at each end with diesel generating motors under the passenger cars. Of course the idea of just hooking up to the juice wire is good in theory but there will have to be enough juice in the wire to service existing and new services. Why some GB Bi-Modes still operate diesel under the wire until power supply upgrades are done.
    As regard the seats. It's like a new bed or a sofa. The old stuff was nicely worn in. The new stuff is still a bit firm on the back and backside. Also I don't know if the same crash and impact assessment apply to Amtrak than in the EU but seat design has had to change to allow for accident safety.

  • @Perich29
    @Perich29 11 місяців тому

    Those old Am Fleet cars send them to Arizona so we can use them for starter trains on the route from Phoenix to Tucson.

  • @MetraFan402
    @MetraFan402 Рік тому +4

    I wish I could see them on the Hiawatha

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +2

      There should be venture cab cars coming on the Hiawatha soon

    • @MetraFan402
      @MetraFan402 Рік тому +2

      @@Thom-TRA oh thank goodness

  • @LouisChang-le7xo
    @LouisChang-le7xo 3 місяці тому

    Honestly multiple units are proably a good idea

  • @chromediesel444
    @chromediesel444 Рік тому +2

    Sounds fitting they would recieve the first few batches right before FIFA 2026.

  • @Dogod2
    @Dogod2 Рік тому +4

    Maybe Amtrak will help MBTA with electrification - Maura Healey (our incoming Governor) has talked about electrifying commuter rail here.

  • @kevinhoward9593
    @kevinhoward9593 Рік тому +7

    LOL never clicked on a video so fast. they look like the Via Rail corridor trains. this will make the historic engine change in DC useless.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +3

      I am honored haha. They’re very similar to the VIA trains!

    • @gregwhitney8820
      @gregwhitney8820 Рік тому

      Thus, their use on the Northeast Regional extensions to Norfolk, Newport News, Richmond and Roanoke. And Virginia and CSX are partnering to expand capacity on the Washington-Richmond line, for freight, Amtrak and VRE.

  • @Daniel-hj8el
    @Daniel-hj8el Місяць тому

    Lets hope the seat cousin on new Airo train little or no difference from padded Amfleet coaches - business class cars 🤞

  • @edwardjones4870
    @edwardjones4870 Рік тому +1

    Thom: A few hours ago I read an article about the new train sets in the online Washington Post. I wondered whether you were aware of the Amtrak announcement and, not to my surprise, you were right on top of it. I don’t know why they are called Airo. Coincidentally, they share a name, albeit a different spelling, with the Eero trains at Dulles Airport that were named after Eero Saarinen, the architect who designed Dulles. On another subject, you may have noticed the “missing tooth” in the Northern Virginia section of the Washington Metro map. As a longtime DC resident, I can tell you the story behind that. I haven’t seen a video on Metro where I could post the latter, so if there is a way I can communicate directly with you, please let me know. Many thanks for all your wonderful videos!

    • @edwardjones4870
      @edwardjones4870 Рік тому

      Please note that I did NOT mean your personal email address.

  • @dennisthebrony2022
    @dennisthebrony2022 Рік тому

    I think the C-Series ALC-42E will also have third rail shoes built in the locomotive itself as well, so they can be used to pull Long Distance Amtrak Trains (Like the LakeShore Limited) into Penn Station, to replace the P32AC-DMs on that service

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому

      They’re going to use battery for that, not third rail shoe. None of them will have third rail shoes.

    • @dennisthebrony2022
      @dennisthebrony2022 Рік тому

      @@Thom-TRA then how are the LakeShore Limited locomotives gonna be replaced?

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому

      The Airo isn’t for overnight trains like the Lake Shore Limited. It’s for daytime trains.

    • @dennisthebrony2022
      @dennisthebrony2022 Рік тому

      @@Thom-TRA So will they eventually order standalone ALC-42E Dual-Modes to replace the remaining P32AC-DMS hauling the Lake Shore Limited on the Albany to Penn Station segment?

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому

      @dennisthebrony2232 I don’t know, by then it may be time for a whole new generation of locomotives

  • @gerogyzurkov2259
    @gerogyzurkov2259 Рік тому +1

    It makes sense to do something similar that reviewers say is one of the best intercity and best sleeper trains in all of Europe.

    • @raleighsheffield841
      @raleighsheffield841 Рік тому +1

      Was on an OBB Railjet as recently as October this year. Definitely one of the finest and most comfortable train sets in Europe and I've ridden nearly all of the high speed trains in Europe. While Railjet's top speed is only 143 mph it makes up for its "slow" speed by being extremely comfortable.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +2

      My last trip on the Railjet was in 2018. 10 hour trip from Zürich to Budapest, and it flew by (pun intended). Great trains, excited for the Amtrak version.

    • @gerogyzurkov2259
      @gerogyzurkov2259 Рік тому +1

      @@TohaBgood2 They need to get Nightjet rolling stock also.

  • @iamme453
    @iamme453 Рік тому +1

    Interesting. Why (excluding phenomenal expense) has electrification not been extended through to Florida? I'm being Devil's Advocate here. BUT, isn't most of Europe electrified?

  • @Sidicas
    @Sidicas 2 дні тому

    Airo because of air suspension between the wheels and the cabin for a lot smoother ride?

  • @RailfanTurner
    @RailfanTurner Рік тому +1

    Terrific video and news!

  • @divox9pqr
    @divox9pqr Рік тому +1

    It would seem practical to use the B1 dual power train set with long distance services running the NE route…ie Silver Meteor/Star, Crescent, and Cardinal. That way they wouldn’t need to change engines in Washington DC. This would save time. Maybe you can explain Amtrak’s logic here.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +2

      The cars used on overnight trains (Amfleet II, Viewliner I & II) are not as old as the cars being replaced here. I think given their age it wasn’t worth spending the extra money to develop a sleeper variant of these cars.

  • @nolantherailfan5048
    @nolantherailfan5048 Рік тому +1

    This is so exiting

  • @theflyingduckman3608
    @theflyingduckman3608 Рік тому +3

    AIRO: Amtrak Intercity Rail Operations?

  • @josefw.1934
    @josefw.1934 Рік тому +1

    They should throw one on the heartland flyer, i mean its got one loco on both ends because they can’t turn it around, so the airo would replace it perfectly

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +1

      I don’t think it’s part of the plan, but these would be good for that! Probably good for the new Gulf Coast service as well.

  • @CTrail1711
    @CTrail1711 Рік тому +3

    Where is the press conference available?

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому

      In the links in the description!

  • @marcogeurts9881
    @marcogeurts9881 Рік тому +1

    Die AIRO rijtuigen lijken bizar veel op de Railjet rijtuigen

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +1

      Tja, als ze door de zelfde fabrikant gebouwd worden… ze zijn wel wat breder en waarschijnlijk iets comfortabeler, dat is dan weer het voordeel van treinen hier in de VS.

  • @Fec421fan25
    @Fec421fan25 4 місяці тому

    Nice

  • @metra130productions3
    @metra130productions3 Рік тому +3

    Hi

  • @sebastianbarthel2393
    @sebastianbarthel2393 Рік тому +1

    It's like in Switzerland where the control car has the same front design like the locomotive. I live in germany but control cars belongs here to the extinct Species.

    • @hirampriggott1689
      @hirampriggott1689 Рік тому

      Is a control car a bad thing? Why would you need two locomotives when one can do the job?

  • @drgwnut
    @drgwnut Рік тому +2

    Thom - Do you think the long distance (i.e., sleeper) trains will get some sort of variant of these? Thanks for the updates!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +3

      They are working right now to prepare an order for double-deck long distance cars. These will replace the Superliners.
      As for the Amfleet IIs, the cars we see on single-floor long distance trains, I think those will stick around for a while.

    • @TheFarix2723
      @TheFarix2723 Рік тому

      @@Thom-TRA I thought the development of new double-decker cars was canceled after a test car miserably failed a structural safety test. I figure that Amtrak will instead adopt a variation of the NightJet's sleepers and have a more consistent-looking fleet.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +2

      @@TheFarix2723 those were for regional trains in California and the Midwest, about 10 years ago. They were replaced by the venture cars. This is completely separate.

    • @BeeBee-pl9ly
      @BeeBee-pl9ly Рік тому

      @@Thom-TRA any reason why mid west and west get more newer trains than the NEC area?

  • @mateojames3231
    @mateojames3231 Рік тому +1

    AIRO
    Amtrak
    Inter
    Regional
    Operations.

  • @brooklynelite5428
    @brooklynelite5428 Рік тому +1

    This time Train set is beautiful as well as the old acela I can't say too much about the dolphin face not matching train set. What would have been nice is if the whole entire amtrak network was electrified.

  • @AussieTrainsVlogs
    @AussieTrainsVlogs Рік тому

    I would of preferred more talgo trains for the cascades.

  • @christopherreiff3192
    @christopherreiff3192 2 дні тому

    I think all the Empire Corridor trains except Lakeshore Limited trains will go to Grand Central

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 дні тому

      No they won’t

    • @christopherreiff3192
      @christopherreiff3192 2 дні тому

      @@Thom-TRA Even tho u say they won't, IK that there are Enough of those trains that can go to Grand Central, plus all of of train set's will sit north of NYC

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 дні тому

      @@christopherreiff3192 why would they when all other Amtrak trains go to Penn? Doesn’t make any sense

  • @Rebelnightwolfe
    @Rebelnightwolfe Рік тому

    I see Amtrak is still reluctant to do all electrification. At least most if not all of the tin cans will finally be replaced with a more modern fleet.

    • @hirampriggott1689
      @hirampriggott1689 Рік тому

      Most rail routes Amtrak runs on are owned by privately owned freight rail companies like CSX & BNSF. These companies do whatever they want.

  • @agungheryadi4226
    @agungheryadi4226 Рік тому +3

    I cant believe that the ACS-64's will gone very quick

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +5

      I know… I love those locomotives. The could totally stay on the Keystone, which has no diesel sections. Hopefully they’ll be sold to a different railroad so they can live a long life. Sadly it won’t be Metra…

  • @steamroddsroundhouse2080
    @steamroddsroundhouse2080 Рік тому +1

    Thats great to hear that, these new trains are coming out, I gotta say the liveries are much needed though. Sometimes being in tin cans kinda blends in what California is, but tbh I would love to see these trains in California more though, Or at least clean them to give a nicer livery!

  • @EpicThe112
    @EpicThe112 Рік тому

    This will not affect long distance services that need to have locomotive replacements in Washington DC Philadelphia 30th Street and New Haven Union Station the Vermonter to St Albans, VT historic Terminus of the route Montreal Quebec.

  • @KirillShore
    @KirillShore Рік тому +2

    "A greener future uses diesel" Ah, good old amtrak. Still just as stubborn as when you were created.

  • @adithyaramachandran7427
    @adithyaramachandran7427 Рік тому

    Why is there a need for D sets ? A, B, and C should be sufficient. Batteries can still be useful outside the northeast.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +2

      Because there is no electric infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest. Batteries are heavy, expensive, and take up passenger space. It’s the best option for the unfortunately unelectrified region.

  • @damnimloomin
    @damnimloomin Рік тому

    It would be cooler if they used the existing trains to pilot new routes/ expand the network (even if it’s just additional frequency) since they have the maintenance ability and a fleet of cars and trains. Amtrak should use Tampa as a FL hub and run inter city service to Orlando, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami and Pensacola/ maybe New Orleans? Since Tampa is a “back in station” and it’s a large city it would make a ton of sense to run trains to all over the state if they’re fast enough and frequent. if Amtrak made deals with freight companies by adding tracks and maybe even electric wires so Acela trains can compete with brightline. there is enough people realistically to keep both services alive for locals or tourist’s if the stations have direct links to all commercial airports in FL.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому

      It’d be even cooler if they did both!

  • @maestromecanico597
    @maestromecanico597 Рік тому +1

    Pantographs AND transformer in that first coach.

  • @MrReed89
    @MrReed89 10 місяців тому

    This makes me wonder why people don't seem to complain about Brightline's Venture Coach seats. Maybe Brightline knows something Amtrak and IDOT doesn't. Is Amtrak taking inspiration From Florida? I kinda think so.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  10 місяців тому

      I found the Brightline seats and Amtrak seats to be very similar. And comfortable in both cases.

  • @drdewott9154
    @drdewott9154 Рік тому +2

    I'm just baffled that they don't electrify that tiny little bit of Penn Access needed for the empire corridor trains, and rather invest in an entirely different type of train with batteries exclusively for this! Just seems expensive and cumbersome, and not at all good for flexibility.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +3

      Hey, these days it’s cool to pick a “sustainable” alternative that’s NOT electrification. Picking the flexible, future-proof option that’s a little more expensive now but will be cheaper down the line? Nahhhhh.
      In all seriousness, let’s hope this is just a phase. Albeit a very expensive one.

    • @drdewott9154
      @drdewott9154 Рік тому +2

      @@Thom-TRA True. I mean heck even here in Denmark where I'm from, support for rail is lacking, electirifcation schemes are getting cancelled in favour of battery trians on some regional lines, and the newly elected government cars more about "green" aviation (well as green as methanol fueled aircraft can be I guess) rather than high speed rail, despite the country being of an ideal size, and having a (just now cancelled) plan for high speed rail improvements and integrated timetabling, swiss style. But no! Ur gurr new highway green cause less gas burnt, and aar gaar green plane go brrrr.

    • @drdewott9154
      @drdewott9154 Рік тому

      @@TohaBgood2 Nah the Overton window is moving more right by the day and the government is being lobbied by a techbro think tank, all while they're constantly stingy and penny pinching, not wanting to change the status quo either, apart from with taxes and privatizing and reforming bits of welfare.
      Oh yeah and we have neo nazis too, some less openly than others.

  • @christopherreiff3192
    @christopherreiff3192 8 місяців тому

    Are there gonna be some other upgrades for some other services besides the ones that where included for this video

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  8 місяців тому

      They are ordering new cars for long distance services

    • @christopherreiff3192
      @christopherreiff3192 8 місяців тому

      Oh okay, im sure the ALC-42 will still be the main locomotive for all of these long distance trains in the future@@Thom-TRA

  • @waynecopple385
    @waynecopple385 Рік тому +1

    They look sharp. I hope Amtrak takes the trouble to actually wash them occasionally. And yes, the Venture car seats are crap.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +2

      I disagree about the seats. I ride them twice a month and for a 3-4 hour trip, I find them very comfy. I don’t need a long-distance quality seat for a regional trip.

  • @SonjaBrannen
    @SonjaBrannen 2 місяці тому

    these will be used in bostonand bigger cities

  • @JStock1032
    @JStock1032 4 дні тому

    I can't find how many seats in each coach. Any help?

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  4 дні тому

      I don’t know if that’s known yet

    • @MrMarshmallow26
      @MrMarshmallow26 День тому

      Depends on which variation each car gets. Economy has 69/72 seat options with 1/2 wheelchair space options, Business has two variations of 49 seats and 1 wheelchair space (one variation is the APV/Battery car), the cab car has three Economy variations with 34/52/52 seats and 1 wheelchair space in each variation. The cab car variation with 34 seats appears to have baggage compartments. And then there's the cafe car with 22 seats and 2 wheelchair spaces. All this info can be found on a Siemens assets PDF by searching "Siemens Venture PDF" and selecting the PDF titled "VENTURE TRAINSETS Redefining the intercity rail experience" -- Cascades also has a few additional variations by scrolling down more. Hope this helps.

  • @cooltrainsinmontreal4883
    @cooltrainsinmontreal4883 Рік тому +1

    AMTRAK Diet Siemens trainsets look like the Via Rail 5 car sets with the SC-42 and cab cat. ALSO note that Ontario Northlands Railroad in Northern Ontario will be getting three sets of their own replacing 50 year d equipment with Siemenc trains

  • @vader97100
    @vader97100 Рік тому

    Does this mean the Sprinter ACS-64’s will no longer be needed and sold since the Airo train sets will have Phantographs?

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +2

      I believe most of them will. They’ll need to keep some for trains like the Crescent, Silver Service, Cardinal, and Vermonter.

  • @fairportrailfanproductions8801

    Wait…does that mean the P32s will get scrapped?!? 3:04

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому

      Eventually. I’m sure they’ll save some. But they’ll be getting old!

  • @ryanbahrami
    @ryanbahrami 11 місяців тому

    i like desl betr becuz it smoc and smoc cool so ye

  • @alternative890
    @alternative890 Рік тому +1

    So I guess both these will be diesel and electric?? Also with the long distance passenger trains will they still look like the normal Amtrak ones we have today? Those will remain diesel right? Will those long distance passenger trains still be around? Everything should remain diesel because it is the most efficient fuel source that replaced steam.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +1

      That last point isn’t exactly factual

    • @alternative890
      @alternative890 Рік тому

      @@Thom-TRA this will be for all Amtrak trains? Or will the long distance ones remain the same?

    • @alternative890
      @alternative890 Рік тому

      I thought that was true diesel is efficient. It replaced steam.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +1

      @@alternative890 it is, but electricity is even better. When trains brake, they can return energy to the system.

    • @alternative890
      @alternative890 Рік тому

      @@Thom-TRA how much longer will diesel be around ?

  • @TheFigsTravel
    @TheFigsTravel Рік тому

    When is this trainset going to start rolling on the San Joaquin?

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому

      It won’t be running on the San Joaquin

    • @TheFigsTravel
      @TheFigsTravel Рік тому

      That sucks! I've been waiting on it since I saw this video: ua-cam.com/video/kHlrxut4Wcw/v-deo.html

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому +1

      Those are different trains actually, but very similar!

  • @douglasconnolly6357
    @douglasconnolly6357 Рік тому

    0:32-0:35 "... and there going to be built by semen????!!!!!!" Oh, Siemens. I had to listen to that a second time!

  • @aeschynanthus_sp
    @aeschynanthus_sp Рік тому +2

    Great. The word "airo" means 'oar' in Finnish, and now I picture those trains with oars sticking out of the windows.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Рік тому

      Certainly effective if the bridge is open

  • @user-nc5gt5ut2d
    @user-nc5gt5ut2d Рік тому

    They do look ok. I just hope the lack of a fix train set does not lead to capacity flexibility issues in the future. Speaking as someone who is currently booked onto a sold out capitol limited. I guess these are not for long distance though and fixed train sets might make more sense with more rapid corridor type service.

  • @kinocchio
    @kinocchio Рік тому +1

    Siemens makes the best trains.