Hornell = EL Alsthom Plant = EL WNYP line = EL NJT = Mostly EL Kudos to listmember Steve Timko! Will in Buffalo - ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 04 Mar 2005 11:37:59 -0500 Subject: NJT PL42 LYNN BRENNAN Two PL42 AC class locomotives leave Hornell this morning on a test drive, along with a Comet V railcar that was along for the ride on a compatibility test. The locomotives are part of a 33-car order for New Jersey Transit that Alstom's Hornell operation expects to deliver by the end of March, completing the $175 million project. <italic>By LAWRENCE HOVISH - STAFF WRITER</italic> HORNELL -The first two PL42 AC class New Jersey Transit locomotives rolled out of Hornell this morning on their maiden voyage. Product Line Manager Dave Woolever said while two of the locomotives are being tested in Colorado, it's a first for Hornell. "It's big," added Test Manager Tré VanDyke. "There should be a sign on them that says 'Made in the U.S.A.'" The two locomotives and a Comet V railcar left about 9 a.m. today and were expected to travel back and forth to Belvedere in Allegany County several times before returning around 5:30 p.m. today. Besides Alstom officials, representatives from New Jersey Transit, track inspectors from Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad and operators from the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad were also aboard. VanDyke explained each 4,000 horsepower locomotive boasts General Motors engines and Alstom's state-of-the-art AC traction. Thirty-three locomotives were built has part of the project, he said, and each will do a 100-mile test drive. The Comet V went on this trip as part of a compatibility test, Woolever said. VanDyke also noted Alstom is thankful to Bill Burt and Steve Timko of the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad, who have been very helpful in providing operators and track for the test runs. Without operators, he said, the trains could not go beyond Alstom's own test tracks. But like opening a car up on the highway, the trains need a good-sized trip to ensure everything is in order. Human Resources Manager Carl Hilsdorf said the vehicles were finished by Jan. 1, which means the project met its goals. VanDyke noted vehicles will be delivered the end of March. The delivery will mark the end of a $175 million project. The contract was awarded in September 2001. ------------------------------
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