Quote:
Originally Posted by Busy Bee
Now if they could get some new dedicated trainsets (see Siemens Brightline) with a sweet orange paint scheme homage to the Milw Road...
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If they wanted to expand service, Wisconsin could probably buy a few of the 100 Charger locos that Amtrak still has an option to purchase, over and above the 75 they've already ordered. Those 75 won't be fully delivered until 2024.
Not sure whether Caltrans/IDOT still has an open option on any Viaggio coaches or not.
This route currently doesn't run with motive power on both ends. I'd like to see some of those new cab cars like Caltrans ordered (but IDOT declined) on the Hiawatha. Easy way to add a little capacity. Plus there is no need for Business Class or a full cafe car, as this is really just a glorified commuter route.
ETA - perhaps as the Midwest coalition starts to get their new Viaggios, they can temporarily repurpose the Amfleet cars that Illinois paid to have rehabbed for the Lincoln Service for use on the Hiawatha, and permanently retire those god-awful Horizons.
Here's a shot of a Milwaukee Road Hiawatha with mid-1950's livery-
img src - wikimedia