Subject: Push Pull Operation (11/21/1988)
[11/5/86] Mr. Laird advised that Amtrak will be putting push-pull trains in service at San Diego and at Atlantic City. This means that if private cars are handled, they will have to have HEP to be included within these trains. The cab-control cars are being built from old Metroliners.
[12/29/86] Push-Pull Operation - The service contemplated for Atlantic City, and the service for San Diego will soon be changed, as mentioned last time. What I forgot to mention was that not only will the full HEP requirements have to be met, but that this also includes the 27-point train line connector. In addition, of course the main reservoir supply line will also have to be passed through your car.
I am now reminded by one of our members, Russell B. Fox, that there is an added complication. Amtrak is now installing an MU train line receptacle, adjacent to each of the 27-point connectors. These are used by the cab control unit to relay information back to the locomotive. Apparently the MU connectors and the 27-point connectors are identical. You will be able to differentiate them because the covers are painted black on the MU receptacle and blue on the 27-point connectors, and of course red on the 480-volt receptacles. You can download a larger version of this image.
[3/2/87] Push-Pull Trains - The date for starting push-pull train service at San Diego and perhaps Atlantic City, has been put back until October 1, 1987. Private cars will be handled behind the push-pull control car, but not behind the locomotive. As a consequence, neither full H.E.P., nor the MU line will be immediately required. All additional handling expense, such as turning the train, running around your car, and other switching, will be for the private car's account. We will attempt to convince Amtrak that private cars be allowed behind the locomotive, since you are no more isolated there than you are behind a Superliner.
While we are on the subject of push-pull trains, in my last bulletin I advised that the 27 point connector and the MU connectors were identical. This is, of course, incorrect, and I received a nice letter from Dave Murray of Pyle-National explaining the differences. While the pins numbers remain the same, they are rotated, and there is a key in the outer periphery of the connector - it is at a different angular position for each of the different kinds of 27 point connectors. There is even a third key used on the AEM-7 locomotives.
[11/21/88] MU Jumper Kits - Power Parts reports the availability of MU jumper kits for Atlantic City and San Diego. Write them for details and prices.
Paul L. DeVerter II
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