Amtrak starts field testing first of four new passenger-car types

Amtrak's program to modernize its long-distance train equipment marked a key milestone this week when the first of four new passenger cars entered field testing.

The first car type in testing is a baggage car that will be used on all 15 long-distance routes across the national system, Amtrak officials announced yesterday in a press release. The updated design provides for improved reliability and maintenance, and better baggage loading and unloading procedures, they said.

The field testing program's elements include compatibility tests to ensure the baggage car couples cleanly with, and can operate through a curve with
out interference with numerous types of cars and locomotives. In addition, tests will be conducted for speed, stability, braking, noise, interaction of the wheel sets with the rail and actual baggage handling.

Field testing will continue through October, with the baggage car traveling on the Northeast Corridor and on routes to Chicago, New Orleans and Miami. The new baggage cars are slated to begin entering revenue service by year's end.

The baggage cars are part of a larger order for 130 single-level long-distance passenger cars, including diner, sleeper and bag-dorm cars being built by CAF USA of Elmira, N.Y.