(erielack) NJT PL42 (fwd)

[Will Enser <alcoman_@_net.bluemoon.net>]

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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