The first Brightline locomotive successfully completed initial track testing and moved for the first time powered by its Cummins diesel-electric engine on a quarter mile long track at the Siemens manufacturing facility in Sacramento, California. This signifies another major milestone for the production of Brightline’s trains as the company has now approved production for all locomotives currently being built by Siemens. Here is a video of the locomotive moving for the first time: “The operation of the locomotive and its passing of the initial track testing has demonstrated Siemens’ engineering expertise and given us a high degree of confidence that the Brightline service will be exceptionally reliable,” said Gene Skoropowski, senior vice president of railroad operations for Brightline. “Brightline will be the only passenger rail service in the country to have such dynamic and modern trains that will offer Americans a new and modern experience in train travel.” In addition to running the diesel engine for the first time, approximately 45 areas were tested on the Brightline locomotive. These included: functional tests of the air and braking systems; software installation for all systems; locomotive doors; fire detection systems; audible warning devices; communication systems; interior and exterior lighting; as well as empty and fully loaded weight verification. The static and dynamic testing of the locomotive was done over a three-week period. The first completed trainset is expected to leave Sacramento and be delivered to Brightline at its West Palm Beach maintenance facility later this year. Brightline is scheduled to begin express inter-city service between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in mid-2017. The IntraCoastal provided the perfect backdrop as this bride and groom said their vows last weekendwhile passing boaters shouted their congratulations. (NPBL Photo)
Love home-style cooking and friendly service? Then head over to Flamingo Cafe, a favorite dining spot in Palm Beach Gardens since 1992. With a loyal following -- which includes us, by the way -- they are open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week (and serve both all day). Even better than the food are the friendly wait staff. Give them a few visits and pretty soon they'll be calling you by name. Just down from Trader Joe's, tell them North Palm Beach Life sent you. (NPBL Photo)
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ABOUTExploring what to see and do in North Palm Beach and the South Florida area. Your hosts are Pam and Gerry Barker. GERRY PRONOUNCED GARYArchives
April 2024
YouTube ChannelCategoriesListen to Chapter One of "Panama Palmer"
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