Can anyone tell me something about the Pre-Amtrak Auto Train operated with GE U36B? Which company operates it, where does it ride from and to. Has it something to do with todays amtrak auto train?
thanks, micha
Micha, the U36B’s were purchased by the Auto-Train Corp.who operated the line until Amtrak took over. They were built to Seaboard Coast Lines specs. The route runs from Lorton Va. to Sanford Fl. It is now known as Amtrak #52 (north bound ) and #53 ( south bound )[:)]
…And it’s interesting to go to one of the terminals and watch them prepare the train each day for the overnight run. Have done so several times in Sandford, Fl. I’ve done that with the original Corp and now with the Amtrak version.
Supermicha
Congratulation on your star. [:)]
I wish you many more.
Original Auto Train ran over the same route as Amtrak’s Auto Train and began operation in 1972 or so. They expanded to a Louisville-Florida route which originally operated as a separate train but was later combined with Amtrak’s “Floridian” in a cost-cutting move. Passengers on each train in the combined operation were kept separate. The whole operation collapsed after a couple of derailments and expensive settlements. CR U36B’s 2971-2974 were ordered by Auto Train but were never delivered since the money ran out in the interim.
Auto Train used an Alco S2 to switch the Lorton facility and a Baldwin S 12 to switch at Sanford. Several wrecks took a disastrous toll on the purse and with the wreckage and breakdowns of nearly half the U36 B fleet, AT leased various Amtrak E9, E8 models and freight units. I believe there were two orders of U36B’s, but am not sure.
I beleve until about 10 years ago Amtrak was using the GE P30CH ( aka POOCH ) on the auto train till the delivery of the GE P40 and P42’s
I believe the early auto train was using all asortment of different railroad cars, including some Union Pacific domeliners. If I am correct, don’t get me wrong, but when the auto train fell throught some of those ex Union Pacific cars made their way back to the Union Pacific, and are being used right now on their executive trains.