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Friday, May 22, 2026

MARC's Empty ACSES Bracket

In 2020 MARC moved to switch from Amtrak's ACSES transponder based PTC system to the ETMS system used by freight railroads that is more reliant on GPS and data radios. Using two different head units was likely more costly in both equipment and training and dual-equipping rail lines for both ETMA and ACSES has become fashionable over the past decade.  

When I first reported on this move, the ACSES transponder antenna was located in a fairly prominent location behind the fuel tank on MARC's MP36PH-3C locomotives. Since that time the bracket has remained, but the antenna has been stripped off with the cable left dangling.  

I guess MARC is happy with its decision as removing the antenna would make it harder to switch back.

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