DMUs in Fla.
The Tri-Rail commuter line in South Florida is getting diesel multiple units, or DMUs, which are basically combination locomotive-passenger cars. This means more frequent trains for riders and lower costs for the transit agency.
It also makes commuter-style lines on existing tracks more economically viable elsewhere in places like Nebraska and New Mexico. DMUs, combined with track upgrades, could allow rail to replace commuter planes between regional hubs and smaller cities by reducing the cost of operating trains. Unlike true commuter lines that operate mostly to bring people from home to work and back every day, these trains would cause fewer problems with the freight lines that own the tracks because the trains would be more evenly spaced out throughout the day, corresponding to flight schedules. With biodiesel, these DMUs could be non-polluting as well. What's not to like?
Post Author:
rj3 | 11:16 AM |
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There are very few (one train a day on one line into Leeds, out of a 1000+ page national timetable!) traditional locomotive hauled diesel commuter trains in Britain; everything not electrified is DMUs, and has been for years. The last locomotive worked London commuter run went over to DMUs in 1991, some lasted in Manchester a few year longer.
As for the "what's not to like", railfans hate them; a DMU just isn't as photogenic as a proper locomotive at the front of a train, preferable chucking out loads of environmentally unfriendly black smoke!
The Germans are even experimenting with a freight DMU, with self powered container flats.
I can't quite understand why the US railway companies have not used DMUs for years. I have seen pictures of locos hauling five coaches and have thought that should be a DMU turn.
It is a far more efficent way to run a passenger service and the latest DMU technology in fact produces a train which can out-perform most loco hauled trains. Just look at the Bombardier Voyager units or the Alsthom Adelante to see some superb 125 mph capable DMUs.
Mind you a loco hauled train i.e a Class 50 and Mk 2 coaches did have far more character than a Thames Turbo (if not the reliability...)
