I'd like to call your attention to RailPictures photo 181446, by Robert Pisani, from March 28, 2007. It shows an NJT ALP44 actually leading a GP40PH and a Comet cab car, through Hillside, NJ, on the NS Lehigh Line, which lacks catenary as well. Because Comet cab cars can control both diesel locomotives and electrics in push-pull service, I believe NJT has developed a means by which an electric locomotive can control a diesel, and vice-versa. This would make the upcoming New York to Atlantic City, NJ service more viable, because such trains must reverse direction on the Northeast Corridor at Frankford Junction (Philadelphia) to access the A.C. line, as well as switch from electric to diesel power. If the above thesis is indeed fact, the engine crew needs only to change ends, and the leased Amtrak P40 tows the train, and now-trailing ALP44, south. However, on the return trip, the ALP44 would be in the lead, and need to control the pushing diesel, with the reverse being the case from Frankford Junction to NYP, where the P40 would have to control the pushing ALP44. By the way, cars for the new A.C. service will be highly upgraded, NJT-style Bi-Levels.
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What are these ALPs doing out on the Raritan line in the first place?
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Gerald, I heard they had a tug of war and the diesel won. This reminds me of the old days when I had an HO gauge layout with no overhead wires. I ran my GG1 as if it was a diesel.
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Outstanding photo. You were very lucky. It looks like ALP-44 #4412 has its stripes again.
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