Two more new trainsets to support Brightline’s expansion of service to Orlando, Fla., are on their way to the passenger operator. The Bright Pink 2 and Bright Green 2 trainsets, which departed Siemens’ Sacramento factory on July 8, were photographed Saturday, July 16, on CSX Transportation’s Henderson Subdivision (Evansville, Ind.-Nashville, Tenn.). Brightline had said it expected the equipment to take 10 to 14 days to be delivered.
These are the second and third of the new trainsets to be delivered; the Bright Blue 2 trainset arrived in February, becoming the first equipment at the company’s new Vehicle Maintenance Facility near Orlando International Airport [see “News photos: Brightline’s first Orlando train …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 8, 2022].
The consist probably came the usual UP route from central California. Sacramento to North Platte. Then North Platte to East St Louis. Up the CSX to Terre Haute and turned south to Henderson. If the CSX Illinois Sub was open at East St Louis it would have turned south at Vincennes instead.
I don’t know the details of the routing, but if Brightline had any say in it, I wouldn’t be too surprised if the Midwest routing was partly for “Free” advertising. That way people who might someday head to Florida for vacation will see that and think “Hey, that looks like a cool way to get around! I should try that!” Or get people thinking “Hey, that’s slick, how can I get one of those running here?” Brightline has indicated they’re looking at other city pairs to serve in the future.
Of course, other reasons are also possible, particularly if Brightline doesn’t have any say in the routing. Since it’s not moving on the end of a regular freight consist, maybe there’s a speed or handling restriction and the longer route is required to accommodate that.
Brightline’s new trainsets are taking a circuitous route through the Midwest from Sacramento, California to Florida. A more direct route through the Sunbelt would save time and mileage.
I can just imagine the sweet scent of the new trains’ interiors filling my lungs and sinuses.
10 – 14 for delivery? This train is essentially a unit freight train. This will be a great example of what is wrong with the US rail freight system today. STB and Pols need to have all sightings that will show the delays. Have no idea what the speed limits for this train but that can be factored in. What are the Amtrak speed limits on new cars and locos from Siemens that have not been accepted?
Normal passenger train speeds would have the transit time 6 – 8 days.
These are the 3rd and 4th sets from the second batch. Red 2 is stationed in West Palm Beach. Blue 2 is in Orlando. Number 5 will be Orange 2.