In May 1994, Amtrak modified an old-fashioned turbine passenger train built in 1976, using Turbomeca's TM-1600Makila T new gas turbine engine, a diagnosable digital control system and a new interior decoration. It is planned to conduct a test in the New York-Albany section of the Amtrak "Empire Corri dor" (Empire Corri dor) at a speed of 200km per hour, and a further domestic trial operation will be carried out.
The RTLs run by Amtrak are very suitable to showcase Turbomeca's latest modular gas turbine technology. Rohr's frame and car body structure and ANF-designed bogies have all proved its reliability and stability during high-speed operation. The bogie, car body, and suspension using cardan shafts are also a proven design. There are still 50 groups of similar EMUs still in operation in France. Amtrak's RTL is actually designed for a higher value than the operating speed.
According to the Amtrak plan, an important improvement made to RTLs is the use of the latest electronic engine control technology. Many problems are not originally caused by the engine itself, but are related to the unreliability of the existing engine control based on relays. The improved RTLs will be based on the FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) of aviation technology and adopt the DECU ( Digital engine control unit).
The fuel system will also be modified. In the existing arrangement, RTLs use a complex dual-fuel system. High-grade and expensive No. 1 diesel is used for starting and No. 2 diesel is used for operation. After adopting the new Makila engine, the above The dual fuel system can be cancelled. The new engine can effectively burn the above two fuels as well as jet engine fuel, kerosene, liquefied natural gas (LNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), etc. Turbomeca Company calls Makila a combustion turbine that can burn any fuel.