Auto-train

by ELY WALLY

• ISBN13: 9780738567853
• ISBN10: 073856785X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-11-04
• Publisher: Arcadia Pub

Summary

Although most Americans have heard of the Auto Train, many have uncertain ideas regarding what it is and where it operates. The longest passenger train in the world” provides a luxury auto-ferry service between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida. The original Auto-Train Corporation, founded by Dr. Eugene Garfield, struggled financially in spite of its immense popularity. The company faced numerous crises, including financial setbacks and equipment problems due to damages that occurred during several derailments, which led to the corporation’s demise in 1981. Although the corporation sold off its corporate assets, the concept was revived when Amtrak added the Auto Train service to its East Coast schedule. Images of Rail: Auto-Train presents photographs from the early operations to today, including pictures from the Amtrak era.

Author Biography

Author Wallace R. "Wally"' Ely comes from a railroading familyhis dad worked for the Reading Company for 45 years. He is a volunteer and past president of the WKS Railroad in Kempton, Pennsylvania, and wrote a history book about that line, Does This Train Go Up Hawk Mountain? In retirement, Wally is a segment producer for RCN-TV in the Lehigh Valley of Eastern Pennsylvania. Wally uses any excuse to watch or ride on a train.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. 6
Introduction	p. 7
Before Auto-Train: A Timely Idea Strikes Eugene Garfield	p. 9
Auto-Train: The Concept	p. 15
On the Rails: Auto-Train Equipment	p. 25
Auto-Train Operations: The Experience	p. 45
Shirts Blanton: A Special Auto-Train Friend	p. 55
The End of the Company: A Disappointing Conclusion to a Worthy Idea	p. 59
Amtrak to the Rescue: Today's Auto Train Is an Amtrak Premier Route	p. 63
Highballing a Hybrid: By Bob Johnson in Trains Magazine	p. 77
Final Thoughts and Photo Gallery: Auto Train Remains a National Treasure	p. 81
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