Railrunner The train will start operating in June (according to current press). Test schedule runs and qualifying runs are currently in process. There will be no fare charged for the first ~ 90 days. Athearn is doing a new run in HO. The first run sold out in ~ 90 days. They will do the N version eventually. The differences in the loco body are relatively minor and do not justify the cost of new tooling.
They're conducting test runs once to twice a week during what they call they're scheduled times. Some people were concerned with delays the RailRunner might cause at some 13 rail crossings in the Albuquerque area; however, the trains are only taking some 30 seconds to approach and clear the crossings. The 9 stations between Bernalillo (550) and Belen are under construction, I would say 30-40% complete. If I hear anything else I'll post ASAP.
Here's a shot of the trainset yesterday (6/19/06) at the Sandoval County/550 (Bernalillo) station. They have been running the regular schedule (without passengers at this point) between 550 and Albuquerque this week.
Service starts July 14th, I'm gonna catch a ride down to alvrado station an eat lunch at Tucano's. (Brazzy BBQ place) Gunns
Maybe you can commute to, and from the steamer restoration by train? Wouldn't that be interesting! Boxcab E50
More than 5,000 people rode the RailRunner today. 2,000 people rode the RailRunner on the first day of service on Friday. So far so good!!
Hi All, Rode the "Runner" today (fri), had SRO on the trip in from Bernillo. The trains are being run with 3 car consists, as opposed to the two car sets that were planed. Every seat was filled and the asles were full. So my guess was 500 to 600 on the trip in. We ate lunch at the Brazilian BBQ across from Alvarado Station and caught the train back to Brenillo where the van was parked. The ride was smooth and with out incident. Of not was when Amtrack #3 (The Southwest Chief) arrived just before we boarded for the return trip, Alvarado station hadent seen that many pepole on the platform since the 50's...... Gunns ps Here is the web site of the service. http://www.nmrailrunner.com/
The Rail Runner had its 100,000th passanger yesterday and also reports that the trains are so full of passangers that there is usually standing room only. There is also a hearing to be held in Santa Fe at the Genaveve Chavez Community Center. The talk will cover the Santa Fe track expansion off BNSF at the La Bajada to travel North along I-25 instead of traveling all the way to Lamy onto the Santa Fe Southern trackage. The RailRunner is also looking to use BioFuel to save money on fuel prices. Details will follow in a few days.
WOW!! That kind of ridership in such a short period of time must be some kind of record. Again...I sure wish they would extend the line up here to the northwest...I might visit Santa Fe and Albuquerque more often then John
Now they're even talking about extending the line all the way North along US 285 to Espanola, NM, some 25-30 miles out of Santa Fe.
