The 98 Via Rail LRC cars will be upgraded. These cars were built between 1981 - 84 and have travelled an average of 5 million kilometers each. The work will begin 2008.09 and end in 2012. This should add 20 years to their lifespan. Some features of the rebuilts - emergency shut-offs for ventilation and high voltage systems emergency washroom call buttons attendant call button at every first class seat more reliable and easier to operate door mechanisms improved lighting in vestibule wheel slide protection system 3 level LED interior lighting and reading lights automated layover heating and AC system new paint scheme redesigned interiors and washrooms wider seat trays improved banking controls new wiring throughout car new car monitoring including remote access diagnostics new door controllers powered end doors in LRC 3's air conditioning and heating controls * etc. * (each side of the car will work independently and adjust according to the position of the sun) Press release - http://tinyurl.com/65ggk9
The Alco engines are gone, and I had been wondering how long their cars would last. I hadn't expected this.
