Where will the excursions run?

It is sort of unknown at this point what Amtrak’s new policy will affect. But it’s quite possible that 611 excursions could be over for the time being. Not sure about 765 or 261. 844 has nothing to do with Amtrak and is still running the Denver Post train this July.  Mainline steam in the eastern states could be non existent or severely limited. TVRM is still running Summerville Steam Specials with 4501 and 630 some runs doubleheaded. A few open window coaches, and open vestibules permitted unlike NS. Reading and Northern 425 will probably run in the fall on longer excursions like Reading to Jim Thorpe. A great site to check for upcoming train excursions and events in the US is this https://www.railserve.com/even...lfan_excursions.html

Where will the excursions run?  Long time passing.

When will they ever learn?  When will they ever learn? 

The 1225 will still run on the Great Lakes Central.  

Remember that

• Amtrak has no authority to participate in excursion operations on non-Amtrak railroads.
• Amtrak has no authority to participate in private operation of passenger trains on any railroad.  This would apply to trains run for the benefit of shippers, managers, Operation Lifesaver, etc.  The Denver Post Denver to Cheyenne round-trip fits in here some way.
• An Amtrak railroad running a public excursion must pay fares to Amtrak, and, usually, must have an Amtrak pilot crew of an Engineer and a Conductor.  An Amtrak locomotive is often used, to provide 480v electrical power to the train.

It's only the third bullet point that is in play regarding Amtrak's current policy statement on excursions.  Before giving up hope, think about how Amtrak is funded.

Number 90, and Big Dodge, you both are correct, as this is what is going on now in West Virginia to keep the "New River Train"......The New Governor is assisting not only the Collis P. Huntington, but their customer base, as well. One of our club Officers is an Officer on the Collis P. Huntington Group, and they are loosing money big time as along with not having their Excursions, they will loose money, not being able lease their Excursion Passenger Cars, which is also plaguing other Railroad Clubs....

You’re better off just riding Amtrak normally at this point, take a trip across the country. You can ride regular Amtrak trains anytime. But, yes the railroad historical societies, communities, like Huntington, WV are going to take a big hit from all this. Maybe some private car owners could find a short line or tourist railroad to store their cars on during the Amtrak ban. Does this mean no Dover Harbor or anything as well? No non regular operations of any kind that involves Amtrak?

I do know of at least one private varnish car currently at the Arkansas and Missouri shops; I believe it's there for some work, but...  

Mitch 

I bet Amtrak lifts the ban once AARPCO raises a stink to Washington. Or maybe not. Already, the governor of WV is fighting Amtrak over this, because the New River Train could end after 51 years. The New River site said it’s not an Amtrak train but it’s probably insured by Amtrak and since 1995 has used Amtrak Genesis diesels. I guess it all boils down to the man in charge, whoever is CEO at the moment. A CEO change can affect programs or policies, the new CEO could be a cost cutter and cut things that aren’t part of their core business. A new CEO could view excursions as a risk and liability. But Amtrak hauls people all the time, that’s their business. A CEO like Wick Moorman is rare. Would this have happened if Wick was still CEO of Amtrak? He probably would have said yes to 611 running with Amtrak and continued the Autumn Express. Now he doesn’t have a say in anything because he’s retired. I guess Wick and Bev can enjoy seeing the 611 sit at the museum from the retirement chair because the new CEO’s of NS and Amtrak don’t really want to bother with excursions.

Anybody's guess, and all speculation for the present time...?

Why should Amtrak be beholden to these PV's and clubs to move their equipment around. The only thing I want Amtrak to do is run a railroad in the best manner they know how and make a profit if possible. 

Amtrak is a railroad not some toy to play with at their will. I don't want my taxes going to the enjoyment of a few. 

LEAVE AMTRAK ALONE AND LET THEM RUN THEIR BUSINESS AS THEY SEE FIT AND JUST MAYBE IN THE FUTURE THEY WILL MAKE A PROFIT AND BECOME THE RAILROAD WE CAN BE PROUD.

Dave

southern Railfan posted:

I have a question where will excursions like the 611 and Santa Fe run? 

On YouTube mostly.

david1 posted:

Why should Amtrak be beholden to these PV's and clubs to move their equipment around.

How about because operating such "special trains/excursions" and private railcars, add over 4 million dollars to the bottom line? 

The only thing I want Amtrak to do is run a railroad in the best manner they know how and make a profit if possible. 

Not possible! There is absolutely NO WAY to "make a profit" hauling just passengers, as the class 1 railroads quickly discovered after WWII.

Amtrak is a railroad not some toy to play with at their will. I don't want my taxes going to the enjoyment of a few. 

LEAVE AMTRAK ALONE AND LET THEM RUN THEIR BUSINESS AS THEY SEE FIT AND JUST MAYBE IN THE FUTURE THEY WILL MAKE A PROFIT AND BECOME THE RAILROAD WE CAN BE PROUD.

Dave

The Amtrak Adirondack is supposed to be a scenic ride, from NY Penn to Montreal. I think you need a passport or passport card to leave and re enter the US. Unless you get off at a NY State station. If you want a long train ride on a class 1 railroad you’re just going to have to take a regularly scheduled Amtrak train or fly to UK, Germany, or Denver, CO for mainline steam. Your options are now limited in the US.

Robert K posted:

The Amtrak Adirondack is supposed to be a scenic ride, from NY Penn to Montreal. ......

It's a wonderful ride!

I've done two round trips. All four legs of the trip were on-time, or very close to it. Really nice people on board, too. Great experience.

Sent from my iPhone: Received today April 6, 2018 at 7:55 AM EDT

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Congressman Evan Jenkins is urging Amtrak to allow special trains and charter moves in a letter addressed to Amtrak President Richard Anderson, the Associated Press reports. Congressman Jenkins, who represents the state's 3rd Congressional District in Huntington, Hinton, and much of southern West Virginia, says Amtrak’s decision to no longer operate special trains, like the New River Train, will hurt the state’s tourism industry.

Source: Trains Magazine & AP

Gary

OK....I had to spend about 30 minutes editing and carving out all of the blatant political posts which are addressed in our terms of service...  Now...the thread is closed.