| Siemens is currently building new electric power for Amtrak near Sacramento, California. The new engines, model ACS-64, are high-tech engines that will replace the now mothballed HHP-8s and the remaining AEM-7 locomotives. While touring the cab of Amtrak 615, our host pointed out a button in the control panel - the second button on the top row, just above the monitor, has a flag icon. When pressed, the Star Spangled Banner plays from speakers behind the engineer! Seriously! And its a pretty good sound system, too. However, no one Ive spoken with has yet to determine why this feature was included on these locomotives... (Photographed on railroad property with permission and full PPE.) |