I've forgotten how fast the years have gone by. I should have mentioned that compared to the classic Heritage Pullman Standard and Budd cars that came from the railroads in 1971, Amtrak's Amfleet II, Superliners, and Horizon fleet units were "newer" or more modern. Yet, those older Budd cars were more spacious and had better riding qualities than the newer, lighter equipment (although the Superliners would be an exception as far as space).
THose were tough years for Amtrak, but I enjoyed that time period so much as a teen, seeing classic equipment still running. Amtrak's equipment today may be modern........but so generic.
Took this train several times in 1977 from eastern Connecticut down to Washington. Long distance romance with a serious girlfriend at Georgetown. Back before it became the tourist and commerce place it is today. Back then if you got on the first train south you'd end up stopping for commuters from New Haven east. I don't think they do that today. The ride to DC was ok, sometimes it would make it in record time, others not. Going north was about the same. Over 40 years I've driven the same route hundreds of time but always preferred the train. This film reminded me that the old Pennsy engines were still in use. You used to see the all over the place on the eastern corridor. Amtrak ended up with most of the passenger cars from the old railroads. The plan was to dump those cars on Amtrak, then slowly end passenger service. The big railroads never liked passenger service but were forced to provide it by the Government to provide service across the country. Amtrak was the vehicle to accomplish that goal and circumvent the rules.
I operated GG-1s from Early 1974 until their retirement on NJTRO. You had to be trained to operate these Locomotives. You couldn’t just throttle out.
1:21 : Nice to see Metroliners running in their original configuration.
Awesome. Great vintage rail footage along with great jazz
I've forgotten how fast the years have gone by. I should have mentioned that compared to the classic Heritage Pullman Standard and Budd cars that came from the railroads in 1971, Amtrak's Amfleet II, Superliners, and Horizon fleet units were "newer" or more modern. Yet, those older Budd cars were more spacious and had better riding qualities than the newer, lighter equipment (although the Superliners would be an exception as far as space).
THose were tough years for Amtrak, but I enjoyed that time period so much as a teen, seeing classic equipment still running. Amtrak's equipment today may be modern........but so generic.
i agree,their was nothing like the individual powered rail cars from the Budd company. these cars were well made and a comfort to ride on.
Wild to see all this legacy equipment in action. Check out the observation car cut in mid-train toward the end. Thanks so much for sharing.
Pat Metheny's form of jazz goes so well with trains!
Took this train several times in 1977 from eastern Connecticut down to Washington. Long distance romance with a serious girlfriend at Georgetown. Back before it became the tourist and commerce place it is today. Back then if you got on the first train south you'd end up stopping for commuters from New Haven east. I don't think they do that today. The ride to DC was ok, sometimes it would make it in record time, others not. Going north was about the same. Over 40 years I've driven the same route hundreds of time but always preferred the train. This film reminded me that the old Pennsy engines were still in use. You used to see the all over the place on the eastern corridor. Amtrak ended up with most of the passenger cars from the old railroads. The plan was to dump those cars on Amtrak, then slowly end passenger service. The big railroads never liked passenger service but were forced to provide it by the Government to provide service across the country. Amtrak was the vehicle to accomplish that goal and circumvent the rules.
Love the Pat Metheny music in the background! No Amtrak trip on the NEC is complete without it.
Even though this time period was not very good for Amtrak, I really wish I could ride/see it in it's early years
Miss the swivel seat parlour car the original Metroliners had too.
Yeah Pat Metheny! Excellent background music for a short, but still very good video!
@ACLTony Even though I am only 17, and never experienced those years, I couldn't agree with you more
@ACLTony Especially "Last Train Home"....!
Yeah got to ride in one once.
Yes! I have that song. cnIGNERnh, your UA-cam name looks familiar. Are you a member on any of the online model railroad or railfan forums?
metheny rules
1:21 : Nice to see Metroliners running in their original configuration.