Last Sunday just hours before the blizzard came into our areas. Mr. Almeida was brought to the attention by CSX dispatchers. That CSX trains were sent in South Philadelphia to pick up three Silverliner Vs at Rotem. They were so close to make the run; however, the mechanical issues “brake” on the Silverliner Vs cars forced the crews to postpone the delivery of the first three cars. To make matters worst, the weather during the evening hours of Sunday forced the crews hand to postpone the delivery of the first three cars. It is unknown as it stands now when SEPTA will get these first cars but from the looks at it they may have these cars by the beginning of next week. All i have to say is we shall see. Once SEPTA have received these cars, they will undergo at least 8 weeks of testing. When approved and no major flaws are found they should be in service by either late February or early March.
Just to recap, SEPTA is to receieve 120 Silverliner Vs to replace the 68 Silverliner II and IIIs in service. Both the Silverliner II and III has been running on waives issued by the FRA to keep these cars running. However come in 2012 these cars will be unable to operate. Hopefully the worst part of this Silverliner V orders is right behind us. Let’s hope the production will continue smoothly.