Trinity Railway Express
“The Trinity Railway Express Corporate Headquarters and Maintenance Facilities”
On this tour you will visit the Trinity Railway Express Corporate Headquarters and Maintenance Facilities where TRE’s extensive fleet is maintained on a daily basis for busy commuter activity. In 2008 over 2.5 million passengers traveled between the cities of Dallas… the online suburbs… and Ft Worth on the TRE.
You will be able to examine all of the equipment used by TRE from the operator’s perspective cab-side, to the maintenance technician’s view of the equipment in the shops… Equipment ranging from EMD motive power to the “HEP” system (Head End Power) which is an ancillary CAT diesel that provides “Hotel Power” to the coaches.
THE RDC FLEET
Part of the Trinity Railway Express fleet you will see on the tour are Stainless Steel RDC’s, manufactured by the Budd Corporation in the 1950’s. Each car has dual cabs to allow bi-directional operation from either end.
They were stripped down to their stainless steel shell and completely remanufactured inside and out to current specs and décor before beginning service with the TRE over a decade ago. TRE is the first commuter rail line In the Southwestern United States. Over 4000 people rode it on its first day of operation. These RDC units are still in operation today.
You will have full access to these cars including the dual cabs during the tour. Photos allowed.
THE BI-LEVEL AND CAB CAR FLEET:
The Bi-Level coaches and cab cars were built by Hawker-Siddeley of Canada and Bombardier. They weigh 122,000 pounds and have a top speed capability of 95 mph. Capacity for these cars is 123 to 152 passengers. The trains are bidirectional. One end being a “dummy” Cab Car with no power, just cab control capabilities, as the EMD diesels provide all of the power.
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NOTE: Full access will be granted to all of these cars including the dummy cab as well as one of the diesel engines. Photos are allowed.
MOTIVE POWER:
The TRE F-59 PH bull nose locomotives were built by EMD. They develop 3100 horsepower, weigh 260,000 pounds, and can attain a maximum speed of 83 MPH.
In 2001 the TRE F-59 PHI slant nose locomotives were purchased new from EMD and added to the TRE Fleet.
There will be an optional full access tour of one of these diesels, from front to back! So, at this point, please note:
*You MUST wear solid toe, full hard sole shoes and long pants to go on the Trinity Railway Express Tour.
*NO OPENED TOED SHOES, FLIP FLOPS, SANDALS, TANK TOPS OR SHORTS will be allowed.
*Also, if you plan to do the optional diesel engine tour it is recommended that you wear old clothes as it will be a total access, hands-on tour of the cab, engine compartment, controls, etc and you might get slightly dirty or greasy in the process. Photos will be allowed.
“TRE” MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION
There are several large buildings on the campus, from main corporate office, to maintenance and overhaul facilities, to the wash and clean up facilities. We will be given a complete, hands-on tour of all of them during this tour.
All engineering and operations are controlled in the corporate headquarters.
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You will have full access to this area and be able to watch operations as the trains are routed each direction. And, you can ask any questions you like. I did and had some very interesting answers as far as day-to-day and detailed operational activities and procedures. Photos are allowed.
THE TRE MAINTENANCE FACILITIES:
All maintenance is done on campus in several buildings. On this tour you will have total access to the TRE facilities where you will experience every aspect the TRE Maintenance Facility, hands-on and up close!
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There are two double inspection and overhaul pits where one
car and one locomotive can be inspected, refitted, and repaired on each pit at the same time.
You will see the huge wheels and find out about wear tolerances and inspection requirements.
Also, visit the tool room, diesel engine rebuilding facility, and other shop areas used to keep the TRE Fleet in operation.
During the tour you will see how the combo units of the 260,000 pound locomotives can be dropped and changed out.
You will be able to inspect the wheel “combo units” up close as they are readied for installation..
Also, you will see how the wheel and electric traction motors are inspected, repaired, and reinstalled to provide the Diesel’s traction effort.
So guys, if you ever wanted to know all of the behind-the-scene information about traction power or Commuter Rail Service, this will definitely be the tour for you! Your visit to the Trinity Railway Express Facilities will be one you long remember and certainly be one of the highlights of your “Trinity River Interchange” 2009 LSR Convention experience!
TOUR RULES::
Please note: We are THEIR guest on THEIR property in a "high security" industry. All rules must be followed for security reasons. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS!
**You must have valid photo I.D. for every one 16 and up. It will be checked. No ID... no tour for security reasons!
**Must wear closed toe, solid sole shoes. (No sandals, flip floops, or other open toe shoes allowed). This includes children.
**No shorts allowed. Must wear long pants that cover (and protect) bare legs for safety reasons. You will be going into "shop conditions". This includes children.
** Children under 16 years of age must stay with their parent or guardian AT ALL TIMES!
**You will have an optional "inside-the-cab" tour of one of their diesel engines. If you plan to take it, it is suggested that you wear "old" clothes as this is a REAL hands-on, behind the scenes tour and you will probably get a little dirty.
**The bus will leave ON TIME. No waiting... Snooze ya' lose. Be good to check with Les Brandt or the Information Booth well ahead of time and find out where and what time your departure is scheduled for.
**If you come in your own transportation and you are late... You just missed the tour with no refund. Getting there as "a group" with NO stragglers is a MUST! Also, be sure and check with Les Brandt to find out where you are to park.
** Last rule... Have fun! This as a very special treat for us to get to see this rarely opened facility! It is a really great place to visit! You'll long remember your visit to the TRE!
