Pierce's New "Rail Rescue"

[BedfordFire 7]

http://www.piercemfg.com/apparatus/RailRescue.cfm

Has anyone ever seen anything like this? Or have they ever done/built something like this before? Does anyone think that this would be practical for any departments around here, or even for use by the MTA? Should the MTA have a rescue like this? That rescue does look pretty cool with hy-rail gear....what do you think? Also, check out the brochure for even cooler pics and specs.

Edited July 20, 2006 by BedfordFire

[Guest VFD39]

These type of units had been in exsistence in Europe for a long time. They have a large rail network and many tunnels and mountain areas that have limited access, and a rail equipped fire apparatus is the best way to get there. Pierce is finally addressing the problem we have here in the states by introducing the "Rail Rescue". As for fire apparatus being built this way, Amtrak, has a brush/min-attack type unit located in their NJ rail yard. I believe a picture of this unit is on Mike Martinelli's site FDNYTrucks, listed on special units page.

[Guest]

Thats Cool,

But I have to ask, whats next Railroad fire apparatus???

[Remember585 815]

I never thought I would actually see it...

One of the guys from our FD suggested that our E120, the 2003 ALF, had this capability. We all balked at him and laughed. Little did we realize it's a possibility now. Not a bad concept....

[Guest]

Very limited use

but it might be the coolest thing I have seen yet

[AS702 0]

Cost? Seems like a good idea, but not very practical for someone to buy it..

Just like the Pack Mule, haven't seen any of those around..

Edited July 20, 2006 by AS702

[CAM502 6]

Very limited use

but it might be the coolest thing I have seen yet

←

Could be very useful out west. Or even upstate in mountainous (wonder if I spelled that right) areas.

[Guest]

This seems to be something that an agency like the MTA ESU units or AMTRAK would look into.

[Guest]

Definitly neat. Personally, I feel they might be useful around here. Let's say you need to get to a fire scene, but the roads are really congested - just hop on the tracks and ride to the right place (if there are tracks nearby). However, i guess the problem with that is that you would need to shut off all the trains...which could be a problem. I can see why they are good in Europe, but whether or not they are practical for westchester, i dont know.

[IzzyEng4 427]

Same system that the likes of Metro North, Amtrak, Union Pacific, ect have been using on their repair trucks for ages. Just now a company though of putting this system on a fire truck. Nothing new, not immpresed, just makes our work a heck of a lot easier. I was going to come about someday to the municipal fire services.

Edited July 21, 2006 by IzzyEng4

[Guest]

to much over kill especially for metro north, if the train is not derailed and can move,bring it to the nearest platform,makes every ones jobs easer,or look for high rail trucks on exsisting tracks,limited points of getting on the rails not every station stop has access for equipment