HSTs in Mexico - news and progress updates

[AdamWW]

I don't think a fibreglass "patch" will maintain the structural integrity; so that likely means a whole new valance.

Laying new fibreglass to replace damaged areas certainly works on boat hulls.

 

[MotCO]

New angle. HST damage doesn't seem that extreme, mostly the coupler door. The car on the other hand..

The Mexican Railways insignia looks remarkably familiar

 

[Sun Chariot]

Laying new fibreglass to replace damaged areas certainly works on boat hulls.

Indeed and it's often done at the boat yards down here.

In BR days, I only ever saw damaged HST valances replaced, rather than repaired

 

[AdamWW]

In BR days, I only ever saw damaged HST valances replaced, rather than repaired

I can quite believe that it wouldn't be worth repairing.

But if you did, and did it right, I think it should be just as strong as before.

 

[cav1975]

I can quite believe that it wouldn't be worth repairing.

But if you did, and did it right, I think it should be just as strong as before.

Labour costs in Mexico as well as parts availability might affect the replace versus repair decision.

 

[RailExplorer]

Does anyone have any updates about the opening of the FA line? Also, recently I've seen more pictures of the American stock being used than the HSTs - anyone know why?

I'm hoping to go in October if the FA line is open (and HSTs actually running).

 

[Watershed]

Does anyone have any updates about the opening of the FA line? Also, recently I've seen more pictures of the American stock being used than the HSTs - anyone know why?

I'm hoping to go in October if the FA line is open (and HSTs actually running).

As per my latest post on my thread about my trip in August, local press reports indicate that line FA (Palenque-Coatzacoalcos for those unaware) is scheduled to open "in the course of September".

As always, the situation is fluid so even in October there is no absolute guarantee it will be running but the Tren Maya is definitely running as is the Tren Interoceánico. As for the rolling stock used for the latter - I will report back after my visit!

 

[RailExplorer]

As per my latest post on my thread about my trip in August, local press reports indicate that line FA (Palenque-Coatzacoalcos for those unaware) is scheduled to open "in the course of September".

As always, the situation is fluid so even in October there is no absolute guarantee it will be running but the Tren Maya is definitely running as is the Tren Interoceánico. As for the rolling stock used for the latter - I will report back after my visit!

Thank you. I was confused and didn't realise there were two threads of sorts running. I'll be looking out for your trip report now that my head understands this! Thank you. I hope you have a good trip.

 

[Watershed]

Thank you. I was confused and didn't realise there were two threads of sorts running. I'll be looking out for your trip report now that my head understands this! Thank you. I hope you have a good trip.

Thanks, and yes - hadn't thought of doing a formal trip report but I might do that if the demand warrants it

 

[Sun Chariot]

Thanks, and yes - hadn't thought of doing a formal trip report but I might do that if the demand warrants it

Wishing you a successful, safe time there. I've only been to Juarez (on foot, from El Paso TX) and a few miles south of Cancun. No rail interest involved in either.

Re trip report. It's an Ooooh yes please from me

 

[HST2FIT]

Last time I checked I couldn't see the 43007 out and about. I guess is being repaired and probably will be repainted with the Interoceanic livery.

Around here is holiday season and the American 4006 loco is the only one running between Coatzacoalcos and Salina Cruz pulling 6 American coaches.


Just as a reminder, there are 2 classes at the moment Business and Tourist.

Obviously the business class is not always at full capacity so you can get a seat a couple days in advance or even the same day.

https://www.pasajerosinteroceanico.com.mx/inicio
Translate the page with your browser and not sure if you can use PayPal.

The American coaches have plenty space and the air conditioning is working great, considering that some days we're about 40 °C. The ride is a bit more bumpy than with the Mk3 coaches.

If feeling peckish, you can get biscuits, crisps and drink water or pop.

This is a train spotting fb page. Find daily videos of the interoceanic fleet

Ferroaficion del Sureste Mexicano

Ferroaficion del Sureste Mexicano. 12,280 likes · 5,876 talking about this. Fotos, videos e información de ferrocarriles que circulan en los estados de Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, Chiapas y Oaxaca...

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[aem7ac]

Last time I checked I couldn't see the 43007 out and about. I guess is being repaired and probably will be repainted with the Interoceanic livery.

Around here is holiday season and the American 4006 loco is the only one running between Coatzacoalcos and Salina Cruz pulling 6 American coaches.

View attachment 162549
Just as a reminder, there are 2 classes at the moment Business and Tourist.

Obviously the business class is not always at full capacity so you can get a seat a couple days in advance or even the same day.

https://www.pasajerosinteroceanico.com.mx/inicio
Translate the page with your browser and not sure if you can use PayPal.

The American coaches have plenty space and the air conditioning is working great, considering that some days we're about 40 °C. The ride is a bit more bumpy than with the Mk3 coaches.

If feeling peckish, you can get biscuits, crisps and drink water or pop.

This is a train spotting fb page. Find daily videos of the interoceanic fleet

Ferroaficion del Sureste Mexicano

Ferroaficion del Sureste Mexicano. 12,280 likes · 5,876 talking about this. Fotos, videos e información de ferrocarriles que circulan en los estados de Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, Chiapas y Oaxaca...

www.facebook.com

Have the HSTs been in service at all recently? I have not seen any reports of the HSTs out since late June - only SD70s and F59s with Amfleets/SPV-2000s.

 

[HST2FIT]

Have the HSTs been in service at all recently? I have not seen any reports of the HSTs out since late June - only SD70s and F59s with Amfleets/SPV-2000s.

No, but the HSTs can be seen on the sidings, awaiting inspection or maintenance. The sets are in Coatzacoalcos and will be back soon.

Those EMDs aren't running together anymore, just only the F59PH by now. The SD70M is mostly for hauling freight.

 

[RailExplorer]

No, but the HSTs can be seen on the sidings, awaiting inspection or maintenance. The sets are in Coatzacoalcos and will be back soon.

Those EMDs aren't running together anymore, just only the F59PH by now. The SD70M is mostly for hauling freight.

I'm sat here waiting patiently to see if I go ahead with my trip in October or not... All thanks to the HSTs sat in the depot rather working trains!!

 

[RailExplorer]

Patience ran out! and I appear to have made the decision to postpone my planned 4th October trip to Mexico until March or May for 2 reasons… no sign of the HSTs being put back into service and the FA line not opening until November, which would be just after my return (and that line opening would make life much easier).

With only 4 weeks to go until my next 2-3 weeks off work, I need to get something booked asap. On the other hand, my plan to visit Nigeria in January is looking positive (and I will update that thread with HST info and pictures after the visit).

Thanks for all the posts on this group, and I hope to provide a trip report whenever my visit materialises.

 

[Watershed]

Unfortunately there is no sign of the Mexican HSTs returning to service. I couldn't even spot any at the Coatzacoalcos depot when I passed by there next week and it appeared to only be US locos and coaches in service.

 

[ainsworth74]

I couldn't even spot any at the Coatzacoalcos depot when I passed by there next week and it appeared to only be US locos and coaches in service.

You can time travel?!?

 

[Class15]

Unfortunately there is no sign of the Mexican HSTs returning to service. I couldn't even spot any at the Coatzacoalcos depot when I passed by there next week and it appeared to only be US locos and coaches in service.

Then why did they ship them over there?

 

[Watershed]

You can time travel?!?

Oops! You can tell I'm still adjusting back to European time zones (CET+1 - I'm away again this week )

 

[RailExplorer]

Then why did they ship them over there?

I have high hopes they will be back in service when the FA line opens, however, if I hear about more American coaching stock being shipped to the line then I will begin to have my doubts. Which would be huge shame.

How much passenger stock do they now have in total (American versus English)?

 

[aem7ac]

I have high hopes they will be back in service when the FA line opens, however, if I hear about more American coaching stock being shipped to the line then I will begin to have my doubts. Which would be huge shame.

How much passenger stock do they now have in total (American versus English)?

No further US passenger stock has been shipped to Mexico, and there isn't much available for purchase as far as I know.

Unless the plan is to buy new-build equipment, the HSTs likely will have to make a comeback.

Additionally, a post on Facebook by page "Ferroaficion del Sureste Mexicano", a major source of information on this operation, made a post on 23 August with a video of an HST reading "Cuando corrían las HST InterCity - No tardan en regresar". Roughly translated, this basically says that "it won't be long before they return".

 

[Speed43125]

No further US passenger stock has been shipped to Mexico, and there isn't much available for purchase as far as I know.

Unless the plan is to buy new-build equipment, the HSTs likely will have to make a comeback.

There presumably is some absolutely ancient Via Rail equipment that is being/will be freed up by the introduction of the new Seimen's venture cars, I'd have thought?

 

[aem7ac]

There presumably is some absolutely ancient Via Rail equipment that is being/will be freed up by the introduction of the new Seimen's venture cars, I'd have thought?

The plan seems to be to re-equip the HEP1s/2s (Corridor service Budd cars) to supplement the aging members of the long-distance Budd fleet from what I've heard, but I'm taking that with a grain of salt. Either way, it seems that these cars won't go for resale, as the Transportation Safety Board is only allowing them to stay in service with extra safety precautions (e.g. buffer cars) due to their age until their replacements come along. Maybe I'll be surprised, but I don't think the Canadian government will allow VIA to resell them unless it's for preservation or scrap.

There is one possibility for "existing" stock from the US, although it is quite far-fetched: the Mexican Government could assume whatever is left of SEPTA's abandoned order for Chinese-built bilevel cars, which were already under construction.

 

[RailExplorer]

No further US passenger stock has been shipped to Mexico, and there isn't much available for purchase as far as I know.

Unless the plan is to buy new-build equipment, the HSTs likely will have to make a comeback.

Additionally, a post on Facebook by page "Ferroaficion del Sureste Mexicano", a major source of information on this operation, made a post on 23 August with a video of an HST reading "Cuando corrían las HST InterCity - No tardan en regresar". Roughly translated, this basically says that "it won't be long before they return".

This is positive news for those of us that want see HSTs in action outside of the UK. Thank you for this info. Not that I have anything against US stock, I just really want to see the HSTs in operation in Mexico. Never got the chance to drive any, but certainly did a fair bit of route learning on them between Paddington and Reading.

 

[HST2FIT]

The HST is out for a test run this morning.

From Coatzacoalcos to Medias Aguas.
Here is the video of the 43022 maneuvering around.

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[FormerBritInMe]

Transportation Safety Board is only allowing them to stay in service with extra safety precautions (e.g. buffer cars) due to their age until their replacements come along.

The use of buffer cars was only temporary while they inspected the Budds to see if their condition was satisfactory enough for continued use. They apparently passed that inspection as the buffer cars were removed.

The cars that seem to be being replaced by the Venture cars are the Renaissance cars brought over from the UK when the Channel Tunnel overnight sleeper concept was scrapped. They have not really fared well in the harsh Canadian climate. I suppose the Mexicans could pick them up but I doubt it.

 

[Gag Halfrunt]

Voa Rail's Ventures are push-pull sets for the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor. There are no sleepers.

 

[HST2FIT]

The power car 43170 (FIT3007), has collided with a white saloon this afternoon several kilometres south of Coatzacoalcos.



Images taken from the next fb page.

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[AlterEgo]

Another one!

 

[Gag Halfrunt]

‘People only see opportunities in the UK, not the world’ | The future of High Speed Trains | Rail Express

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www.railexpress.co.uk

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