Metro North Harlem Line:
A Trainz Classics Original (Page 2)
By Alfred Barten
Push-pull involves a powered unit at one end of a train and a control cab at the other end. When pulling, the engineer drives from the locomotive (power unit); when pushing, the engineer drives from the cab control car. For the technically inclined, this form of operation is NOT considered multiple unit (MU), though one might suspect it was just another version of this widely used method of control.
For its long distance push-pull operations, e.g., Wassaic to Grand Central Terminal, Metro North uses dual powered AC Genesis P32 diesels. These trains stop at stations in the non-electrified zone and Southeast, then run unhindered to Grand Central Terminal with possibly a stop at 125th Street in Manhattan. These are morning and evening rush hour trains. Mid-day operations use the FL9 push-pull setups for all non-electrified stops from Wassaic to Southeast and back. Passengers to/from points south change to/from multiple unit M7 or M3 trains.
Pullman ACMU commuter cars dating back to New York Central days. I rode these between New York and Hartsdale for my summer jobs in my collegiate days. This shot is from the Scarsdale station platform.
MU operation is Metro North's dominant mode of power. The newest trains are made up of alternating Bombardier M7A and M7B units. The A units have cabs; the B units don't. Until recently, the Pullman ACMU's (formerly NYC cars from the 1950s) were used. Still being used but slowly disappearing are the Budd M3 units dating to the 1970s and 1980s.
M7, outside and in. The M7 model is a real beauty, the work of Auran's Rob Shaw, who was also lead designer for the project. It wasn't easy getting a good photo of the cab interior (Linda's woman's touch was handy in befriending the engineer who let me grab the needed shot). Auran's cab is fully animated. Note the name of the upcoming station, Brewster, in the display.
Before push-pull was instigated on the non-electrified zones, Budd Rail Diesel Cars (RDC's) were used, later replaced by Budd SPV 2000 units. Both could be operated as diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains.
Trainz Route
Auran's version of the Harlem Line covers Bronxville to Southeast, about 38 miles. This portion of the line is electrified with low voltage outside third rail DC and includes 20 faithfully modeled stations. Driving the Harlem Line was a great trip down memory lane for me, and having taken 30-50 pictures of each station and its surroundings during my research, I am pleased with Auran's accurate rendition of the facilities along this line. Each station and adjoining significant building and landscape features are built as a single object. I'm sure this helps keep framerates high. It certainly makes placing the stations (should you want to build your own route) a pleasure.
A postcard view of Mount Kisco station, looking north; actually a Trainz screen shot. Metro North has provided modern facilities at nearly all stations, but older stations remain at many locations where they have found other uses, such as Starbucks at Hartsdale.
Trainz Rolling Stock
A Genesis-led shuttle train heads north to Brewster.
Auran's presentation includes beautifully rendered examples of:
- Bombardier M7 (MN colors)
- Pullman ACMU (MN colors)
- FL9 (MN, NH, NYC colors)
- Shoreliner coaches for use in push-pull trains (MN colors)
- Cab Control Car (MN colors)
- Dual power General Electric Genesis P32 (NH, MN colors)
- Budd SPV 2000 (MN colors)
- MOW cars (MN colors)
Not included are:
- Budd M3 and RDC
You can successfully create MU and push-pull trains that operate from the cab at either end of the train. That means you can drive to one end of the line, switch cabs, and drive back the other way. This capability is a rarity in train simulation, though it has been previously available in a few Trainz third-party add-ons.
Sessions
The Harlem Line includes four ready-to-run sessions, each designed to bring out specific aspects of the route or rolling stock.
Session One runs from Bronxville to Southeast. It begins on a clear day at 7:00 AM. You will drive a push-pull 4-car train led by a NH FL9 locomotive, and make all the stops. (On the Harlem Line, the locomotive is always pointed northbound from Grand Central toward Wassaic.)
Session Two runs from Southeast to Bronxville. It begins on a rainy day at 7:00 AM. You will drive a 4-car Genesis-powered push-pull train from the cab unit, and make all the stops. (On the Harlem Line, the locomotive is always pointed northbound from Grand Central toward Wassaic.)
Session Three runs from Bronxville to North White Plains. It begins on a rainy day at 5:00 PM. You will drive an 8-car EMU (electric multiple unit) train consisting of Pullman ACMU cars, and make all the stops. This session features cab signalling.
Session Four runs from Southeast to North White Plains. It begins on a clear day at 5:51 AM. You will drive an 8-car EMU train consisting of Bombardier M7 cars, and make all the stops. This session features automatic train protection (ATP). The M7 cabs feature informative digital displays. [Continued]
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Article and screen shots �2007 Alfred Barten. All rights reserved.
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