MoTown Commuter Rail

Sub forum for Paper Railroads
User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

Update: the 5 GP38-2s that AA was planning on buying will not be purchased, instead MBTA has reached out to us about buying 5 of there gp40wh-2s. The GP40WH-2s will be heading to Toledo on an NS train from the NE tomorrow moring at 0200, and should be in TOL by saturday or sunday. They will be repainted in the AA shops, where a P32 and an F40PH have already been painted. also AA has sold its 4 F40PHs to MTRC and will repaint them in its shops with the p32s.

the 2 first engines will be released shortly this evening
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

F40PH 300-303
Image

P32-8 5000-5009
Image

first 2 units painted, the rest are in line
Last edited by Ypsi on Tue Jun 18, 2013 10:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
DT&I
Commodore Perry
Posts: 2972
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2011 4:26 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by DT&I »

GP35's 7800 and 7801 are delivered and in Orange Primer. You can repaint them, they were just given those numbers for fun.
I'm just here to put in time claims and complain

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

Expect an official announcement and release of a Spingarn timetable for Motown rail later this week. Plans are to run 10 5 car train sets on the Michigan line between DET and ARB, and on the Annie between ARB and TOL. Expect 6 trains each way on the MI Line, and 3 each way between ARB and TOL. (Recall that the connection between the MI lie and AA is good in Ann Arbor, and te trains will share a platform at AA) the P32s will be primary power with f40phs serving as backup
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

The first offical map of Motown rail is now out, all lines that are planned to be used are in color, and the rest are gray
Image

Lines to be open Febuary 1: Michigan Line, Ann Arbor Line (ARB south), and Pontiac Line

Lines to be open April 1: Plymouth Loop, Detroit Line

Station buildings:

Michigan Line
Detroit (AMTK) A, E
Dearborn (AMTK) A, E
Ypsilanti (Ypsilanti Freight House, platform built 2012) E, P
Ann Arbor (AMTK) A, E

Ann Arbor Line
Ann Arbor (AA, Ferry yard built 2010) A, E
Toledo (AMTK) A, E

Pontiac line
Pontiac (AMTK) A, E
Detroit (AMTK) A, E

Detroit line
Detroit (AMTK) A, E
Toledo (AMTK) A, E

Stations with platforms:

Michigan Line
Greenfield Village (AMTK) E
Canton (AA, built 2012) E, P

Ann Arbor line
Osmer (AA, built 2012) E, P
Ann Arbor north (AA, built 2012) E, r
Pittsfield (AA, built 2012) E, P
Milan (AA, built 2012) E, P, r
Dundee (AA, built 2012) E, P, r

Pontiac line
Birmingham (AMTK) E, r
Royal Oak (AMTK) E, r


Platforms to be built:

Ann Arbor Line
Howell (AA) trains station needs platform, can use building E, P

Plymouth Loop
Allen Park (--) E
Romulus (--) E
Plymouth (MQT) E, r
Livonia (MQT) E

Detroit Line
Wyandotte (--) E, P
Trenton (--) E, P
Monroe (--) E, r

A= Ticket agent E= e-ticket machine P= Park and ride r= Roof over platform

Platofoms listed as to be built will be started on Monday this week. and will all be done by April 1st for the Plymouth Loop, and Detroit Line opening.

any corrections please let me know, Timetables to be out for Michigan line, Pontiac line, and Ann Arbor line tonight or tomorrow.
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

TIMETABLE EFFECTIVE FEB. 1, MICHIGAN LINE:

Image
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

Image
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

Ann Arbor Line

Image
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

A few operating notes:

Note that no trains can be stored at the Howell Stations, so the first SB train on the AA line will start from AA, and the last NB train will end in AA

All Engines will face Detroit (AA line engines to face south i.e. Toledo)

The Michigan Line will operate with 6 trainsets flipping as needed (too busy for me to list :lol: )

Pontiac line, will have 4 train sets flipping as listed

2000-> 2001-> 2006-> 2005-> 2008-> 2007
2002-> 2003-> 2010-> 2009
2004-> 2011
2012-> 2013

Ann Arbor Line, will have 2 train sets flipping as listed

3000-> 3003-> 3004-> 3007-> 3008
3001-> 3002-> 3005-> 3006-> 3009

and trains are to be 5 car sets with an engine and cabcar. MTRC owns 75 ex metra commuter coaches, 5 P32-8s, 5 GP40-2WHs, and 10 F40PHs. So there will be 12 five car trains on the system during the course of the day.

Trains will be stored:
Detroit: 6 trains overnight
PNT: 2 trains overnight
Ann Arbor: 3 trains overnight
Toledo: 1 train overnight
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

So far Motown rail has a 94.5% on time record today, the first day of operations
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Saturnalia
Authority on Cat
Posts: 15385
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 7:54 pm
Location: Michigan City, IN
Contact:

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Saturnalia »

Where is the Plymouth Loop Timetable?

Also, the new connection at Romulus is finally in. Cutover yesterday, just in time. Ran into problems with some underground utilities.
Thornapple River Rail Series - YouTube
Safety today is your investment for tomorrow

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

Read back and you will know the whole story, Plymouth loop and Detroit line to open on April 1st I believe. Crews are currently busy building platforms which are also listed in this thread
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Saturnalia
Authority on Cat
Posts: 15385
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 7:54 pm
Location: Michigan City, IN
Contact:

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Saturnalia »

YpsiAmtrakBoy wrote:Read back and you will know the whole story, Plymouth loop and Detroit line to open on April 1st I believe. Crews are currently busy building platforms which are also listed in this thread
Good because we need to make sure it's right. Mis-cue I guess. We went in a put it in ASAP, it's only rated Class 1 :shock:

We will be installing better turnouts (45 MPH, Limited-Clear is the most restrictive signal a train can get leading in) and the speed limit will be 45 on the curve was well. Beat that AMTK @ CP482 :twisted:

Oh yeah, we're doing both switches. Who owns the NS there?
Thornapple River Rail Series - YouTube
Safety today is your investment for tomorrow

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

Michigan line Weekends:
Image

Flipping of the 2, 7 car trains sets:

101-> 102-> 105-> 106-> 109-> 110-> 113
100-> 103-> 104-> 107-> 108-> 111-> 112
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

Station platform construction is going smoothly for the MTR crews, they are making platforms for a 3 door stop at each station. All 3 of the platforms on the Detroit line are done, and the crews have finished Allen Park and are working on the platform in Romulus. The Romulus platform is just east of the diamond with a parking lot south of the rails. E ticket machines have been installed at all stations on the Michigan line, Ann Arbor Line, and Pontiac line; with the rest being in storage until a week before the stations open on April first.

All 20 engines are currently in service (10 P32-8, 4 F40PH, 4 GP40WH-2, and 1 F59PHI) with plans to buy some back up/ switching power when the 2 new lines open.

Expect more trains to run on opening day for the Tigers and for playoff time at the Joe. on normal sports nights trains operate per timetable.
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

The Plymouth loop, Detroit Line, and Northern End of the Ann Arbor Line are all ready to be opened on April 1st. All platforms are done with eTicket machines installed. Will be running test trains over the next fews weeks.

Time tables for Plymout loop and Detroit line to be released this afternoon.
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Saturnalia
Authority on Cat
Posts: 15385
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 7:54 pm
Location: Michigan City, IN
Contact:

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Saturnalia »

YpsiAmtrakBoy wrote:The Plymouth loop, Detroit Line, and Northern End of the Ann Arbor Line are all ready to be opened on April 1st. All platforms are done with eTicket machines installed. Will be running test trains over the next fews weeks.

Time tables for Plymout loop and Detroit line to be released this afternoon.
We're ready on the Plymouth Line. Let us know if there are any problems with freight interference. We're gonna run as usual for the start (with commuters getting 1st Priority), but if we have problems we can adjust the freight schedule.
Thornapple River Rail Series - YouTube
Safety today is your investment for tomorrow

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

Alright MQT good to know. Motown rail will only go north from Romulus, then east from Plymouth. Since its a loop We will operate in a circle with one train set a day
Image

and the Detroit Line, Operating with 2 train sets back and forth:
Image


New Lines to go online April 1st

Train Numbers are:
1000s/100s- Michigan line
2000's- Pontiac Line
3000's- Ann Arbor Line
4000's- Detroit Line
5000's Plymout Loop


Also Motown Rail Is releasing its first slogan:

"Motow Rail, The South Eastern Michigan Transit Authority"
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

User avatar
Saturnalia
Authority on Cat
Posts: 15385
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 7:54 pm
Location: Michigan City, IN
Contact:

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Saturnalia »

FYI, passenger speed from Romulus to Plymouth is 79 on both mains, 25 on the wye in Plymouth. Then it varies from 75 to 65 on the south main from Plymouth to Rougemere.
Thornapple River Rail Series - YouTube
Safety today is your investment for tomorrow

User avatar
Ypsi
The Bestest Railroadfan... fan
Posts: 5510
Joined: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:13 pm

Re: MoTown Commuter Rail

Unread post by Ypsi »

roger that MQT. I planed for an average speed of 65mph between stations. the rest is padding/ haulling @$$ :lol:
"Ann Arbor 2373 Calling... Milkshake. Over"

All Aboard Amtrak: Northbound, Southbound, and My Hometown

Post Reply