New Amtrak stop on the Texas Eagle. Or once again we try in Hope, Ar

Amtrak is adding a new stop.

http://www.hopestar.com/state_news/x1942562186/Getting-Amtrak-on-track

The stop is using part of the old Missouri Pacific station as a waiting room.

http://www.arkansas.com/attractions/detail.aspx?id=18852

This is currently being the Hope Visitor Center & Museum.

Currently the fencing and a wall between the visitor center and the tracks are being removed. I will try to post some photos at some point. The above has photos of the visitor center and the construction.

Thx IGN

The wife and I will be taking the Eagle back to Illinois in a couple weeks, I’ll have to keep an eye out for it if it’s not too dark out.

Westbound is 509am Eastbound 918pm

As of 30 May still under construction. Usually the eastbound is anywhere from 915pm to after 10pm.

Thx IGN

The latest on this:

http://www.hopestar.com/topstories/x642576954/Amtrak-glitch-derails-finish

I wonder who screwed this one up!

Rgds IGN

Wonder if The UP RR had an inspector on site (?) during construction. If so is that person still have a job?

Maybe the Contractor’s fault? You can bet there’ll be a battle over who pays for the change order to make it right. $$$$$$$$$$$$$ !

It appears that the problem is Amtrak’s new standards for handicap accessable platforms are the problem.

Rgds IGN

Service is to start on the 4th of April.

http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/442/547/Amtrak-Hope-service-announcement-ATK-13-028.pdf

Thx IGN

I wonder if President Clinton will be on hand on April 4 for the first train to stop there. It is a good looking station, well worth preserving.

The station was donated by UP to the town and was refurbished and is currently being used as the local museum. In addition to being used as the waiting room for trains.

Thx IGN

Well this morning Amtrak finally started service. With fireworks!

http://www.hopeprescott.com/fireworks-welcome-amtrak-to-hope-depot/

http://www.hopestar.com/article/20130404/NEWS/130409802

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2013/apr/04/hope-marks-new-amtrak-service-fireworks/

Thx IGN