As of Oct. 11,2008 the TRRA is experimenting with a new style of engine to replace it's aging fleet of EMD SW1500's which were built in the early1960's.
Rail Power #5400 is the engine that will be used by the Terminal for approx. two weeks.
Hopefully I will be able to give updated information in the near future to how well this engine is accepted by the crews and management of the TRRA.
Who needs green technology, We have green grass !
Well, I guess the Terminal won't be needing any new engines for a while. With the economy in the ditch and a cold hearted idiot in charge since Bill Broyles left last year, I don't see a very bright future for the TRRA any time soon. With thirty employees furloughed from the transportation department and more from a few other departments that I don't have details on also being let go, things just aren't going to be the same for a while. They say the grass is always greener on the other side. At the Terminal that is exactly the case since new sod was put down around the Murry building just before the decision was made to cut the work force. Along with a new sprinkler system to keep the grass green and trimming the trees to let more sun shine on a dark situation new awnings also had to be put up to keep the weather off of the managers heads when they stepped outside for a smoke. (I'm pretty sure smoking is not allowed in the new company vehicles) So yes, the grass is greener but there just aren't as many people around to see it.
* Brief Overview of Collision between Metrolink and Union Pacific on Sept. 12, 2008 *
Thomas visits the TRRA
Goodbye Thomas
Brakeman Maria Paule and Conductor Pam Fassler say goodbye to Thomas on Nov. 3, 2008
( Thanks to Dan Morton of the TRRA B&B dept. for captureing this special moment )
Thomas the tank engine at TRRA, Madison Yard in the early morning hours of Oct. 20th, 2008
