RTN 172 Apr. 1978 # 2 (mailed Apr.~ 15)

| CA 5n18-79 45¢
FROM: P. O. Box 9007 a kate
re cee”. First Class | mcs.
A
T ‘ PERMIT NO. 1083 VOL. 8 NO. 6
0 e BERKELEY, CA.
| SECOND ISSUE OF

TRAVEL news

INTERU :
Newest: MEY

SYSTEM

c ALBUM

Key SYSTEM. A legendary name in traction history

...+ created by

mining magnate Francis Marion “Borax”

Smith to serve San Francisco East Bay commuters, the
Key Route had it all: trains, streetcars, the famed mid-
Bay Pier and its fieet of ferries. The fabulous pier and

its long
name, bi

overwater approach gave the system its
ut finally gave way to the great Bay Bridge,

its electric railway and Key’s modernistic orange-

and-silver

articulated railcars.

Ir ALL COMES ALIVE in our new Key System

120 pages ? \ i Album, a 120-

page photo gallery of electric transit at its

220 = hotes 5 4 J 7 finest. Includes vintage photos in full process color by
P cf ag | . noted Bay Area railfan photographers. Not the writ-
Hard- Se te ; ten history, but a carefully created photo

-_ Interurbans

PO Box 6444... Glendale CA 91205

essay covering Key from earliest days to
abandonment. 8'/2x11” album format,
hardcover, color dust jacket. By Jim Walker

READY ABOUT JUNE 1!
Special 68. . $16.00

(Please add 75¢ handling)
(Californians please add 6% Sales Tax)

NOW BACK IN PRINT!
Cars of Pacific Electric—Vol. III.
The third of our “Cars of PE”
trilogy covers combos, RPOs,
box motors, work cars, locos,
service cars—and a NEW sec-
tion includes PE’s vast freight
fleet. 336 pp., 82x11" album
format, photos, diagrams

i Special 37 $12.00
(Please Add 75¢ Handling)

i SIE ABE
FROM: P. 0. Box 9007 s
Berkeley, CA 94709 USA Fi rst C leg S$ | u's rostace

PAID

To: PERMIT NO. 1083 VOL. 8 NO. 6
BERKELEY, CA.

SECOND ISSUE OF

APRIL 1978

4b (72

Newest: KE Lae TEM

Key SYSTEM. A legendary name in traction history

. created by mining magnate Francis Marion “Borax”

Smith to serve San Francisco East Bay commuters, the

Key Route had it all: trains, streetcars, the famed mid-

Bay Pier and its fieet of ferries. The fabulous pier and

its long overwater approach gave the system its

name, but finally gave way to the great Bay Bridge,

its electric railway and Key’s modernistic orange-
and-silver articulated railcars.

’ Wi ae: E i L ALL COMES ALIVE in our new Key System
i120 pages ‘ Album, a 120-page photo gallery of electric transit at its
ao finest. Includes vintage photos in full process color by

i *
220 photos sm “ aa noted Bay Area railfan photographers. Not the writ-
: ten history, but a carefully created photo
essay covering Key from earliest days to
abandonment. 82x11" album format,
hardcover, color dust jacket. By Jim Walker

READY ABOUT JUNE 1!
Special 68 . . $16.00 Ii

(Please add 75¢ handling) 2 a8
(Californians please add 6% Sales Tax) : a:¢ @
\ et

ae j ;} $$ PF YJ eke
NOW BACK IN PRINT! ; ;
Cars of Pacific Electric—Vol. Ill. ‘
The third of our “Cars of PE”
trilogy covers combos, RPOs, i

box motors, work cars, locos,
service cars—and a NEW sec-

— ‘ : tion includes PE's vast freight ; ; : q av
j ‘ fleet. 336 pp., 82x11" album 3 1 : : | \ Hy
: format, photos, diagrams (
Interurbans Special 37 $12.00 fe “

PO Box 6444. Glendale GA 91205 aaonsni a Mca nitaies

THEATER REVIEWS

"On the 20° CENTURY": As the train travels from Chicago to New York in the
early “23u's a down-on-his-luck producer tries to sign up a now-famous actress
who sourned him after he helped to establish her on Broadway. It's not a
"heavy" storyline, but rail enthusiasts will enjoy the interesting special ef-
fects cf the train approaching, then passing by, as well as a miniature repre-
sentation of the CeNTURIES passing in the night. Folding and ro}}-arounc sets
enable the action to shift frer the bar to lounge area to inside adiacent com-
partments. There's also a dramatic backdrop of the train powered by a strean-
lined Hudson, crossing 2 trestle. terhajs the best-kiown star is !mogene Coca
who starred with Sid Caesar in the 1950's on TV. with about 20 songs in the
24-hour production, it's a highly musical evening in an era when such shows are
somewhat rare on Broadway. it has been doing a good business since its recent
opening, and was standinc rcom only for the Saturday evening performance | saw,
~eKen Maylath

| thought you might be interested in
what has happened concerning ty trip
(see RIN, 1st Oct 1977) since ! returned
here. You may recall that the low point
of my journey came aboard the SUNSET LIMITED in sleeper "Altamaha River®. Altho
the conductor promised to issue a fare refund form, this was not supplied. An-
other wistortune came aboard tha chPIRE BUILDER when ay roomette was uninhabita-
ble between Seattle and Pasco.

shen | returned to this country | forwarded a Passenger Response Form to Antrak
and the !CC in which ! pointed out that while aboard the SUNSET | had in fact been
forced to pay for 500 miles worth of service which | simply did not receive. In
an accompanying etter | sentioned the EMPIRE BUILDER, made some general comments
concerning my journey and in particular cited a number of employees who, | felt,
gave service above and beyond the call of duty and deserved some sort of recogni-
tion. Amtrak's reply arrived a month and a half later. The letter was very well
written but totally non-spacific. !t could have covered almost any complaint
concerning any train journey anywhere in the U.S. Amtrak regretted that "we are
unable to authorize any fare adjustsent for you" without explanation. The lack
of a refund did not worry we particularly. what did cause annoyance was the lack
of any sort of explanation concerning ay specific complaints and Amtrak's treat-
ment of them. | expressed these views ia a further letter and enclosed a copy of
my article from RIN.

After another aonth and a half, Amtrak's reply arrived. The style was similar
to the first communication--indeed one paragraph was the same! It seemed, how-
ever, that Amtrak had had a change of heart--"an adjustment has been authorized
in the interests of good will; please find it enclosed." Once again, no explan-
ation relating to my specific complaints was forthcoming. Also, the envelope
flap had not been stuck down or even tucked in and, needless to remark, there
was no sign of the promised refund. A third letter to Aetrak two months ago has
yielded no response...

For all my complaining, |! shall step right back on a train again when | visit

Rail Travel News, Vol. 8, No. 6 (Whole No. 172). Second Issue of April, 1978.
Copyright (©) 1978 by Message Media. Published twice monthly by Nessage Media,

P. 0. Box 9007, Berkeley CA 94709. Subscription $10.50 per year; single copy 45¢.
Overseas and institutional rates on request. STAFF: Editor: James Russell.
Editor-at-Large: Paul Rayton, Regional Correspondents: Peter Putnam Bretz, Los
Angeles; Jack Ferry, Chicago; Kenneth Maylath, Baltimore; Peter Roehm, Boston.

the U.S. next time and only hope that | shall find improved and extended service.
Or. James E. Killen
Department of Geography
University of Dublin, Ireland

THE GOVER STORY

y Those well-loved dome cars are suddenly becoming
more prominent on the American long-distance train
scene. Even if you aren't planning a summer trip to
Alaska te ride the Alaska Railroad's AuRoRa passer-
ger train (our cover illustration is from a current
ARR ad--the railroad owns dome coaches built by ACF
and Pullaan Standard), chances are you'll encounter
more domes this summer if you do much rail traveling
in the U.S. west of pie

Starting with the Apr 30 schedule changes, Amtrak
at last initiated full dome service on all leng dis-
A Oe tance SP routes, with close clearances at last lifted
5 yet and Budd-built domes now permitted on all SP routes.
oT he (See also pages 12-13.)

In a late April press release, Amtrak asked rhetorically "Will 1978 be the
Yast great summer for the domeliner trains?" it pointed out that the bi-level
cars now being built will eventually replace ali the conventional equipment now
used on the EMPIRE BUILDER, NORTH COAST HIAWATHA, COAST STARLIGHT, SOUTHWEST
LIMITED, SUNSET LIMITED, and SAN FRANCISCO ZEPHYR. Amtrak said that the first
bi-levels should go into operation on either the EMPIRE BUILDER or NORTH COAST
HIAWATHA in late 1978 or early 1979, with the SAN FRANCISCO ZEPHYR being so re-
equipped next. After that will come the COAST STARLIGHT. Since Amtrak has paid
for removal of clearance restrictions on the latter two routes to parmit use of
the bi-levels, it said that any of its 80 dome cars can now be used on those
and other Western routes.

The FLORIDIAN is the only Eastern train which normally uses dome cars. Tunnels
in such cities as New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington severely limit
car heights, and overhead power lines also add to the problems. Altho the B&0's
former Hashington-Chicago CAPITOL LIMITED operated with a dome (a searchlight on
it swept the countryside), passengers were not allowed in the dome until the
train was well outside Washington Union Station and the area of overhead electric
wires, Amtrak pointed out.

Amtrak said it owns 42 dome coaches, 25 dome lounges, and 13 dome sleepers.

How long will they be used? Here's Amtrak's own statement: "All of Amtrak's dome-
liners (sic) are at least 20 years old, and many may face retirement soon. Others,
however, may be retained for possible use on other trains.” Dome lovers will have
to apply pressure to Amtrak if they want to see these enjoyable cars retained. In
the meantine, rail travelers will be able to enjoy them more than ever under Am-
trak this summer. ;

Sa ah

SPECIAL NOTICE:

Publication of this issue is being held up in order to bring you datails of
the DOT's zero-base Amtrak system plan, scheduled for public release on
Monday, May 8. page 3

the U.S. next time and only hope that |! shall find improved and extended service.
Or. James £. Killen

Departaent of Geography

University of Dublin, lreland

THE COVER STORY

Those well-loved dome cars are suddenly becoming
more prominent on the American long-distance train
scene. Even if you aren't planning a summer trip to
Alaska to ride the Alaska Railroad's AuRoRa passen-
ger train (our cover illustration is from a current
ARR ad--the railroad owns dome coaches built by ACF

THEATER REVIEWS

"On the 20° CENTURY": As the train travels from Chicago to New York in the
early 1936's a down-on-his-luck producer tries to sign up a now-famous actress
who spurned him after he helped to establish her on Broadway. It's not a
"heavy". storyline, but rail enthusiasts will enjoy the interesting special ef-
fects of the train approaching, then passing by, as well as a miniature repre-
sentation of the CENTURIES passing: in the night. Folding and rol}-around sets

enable the action to shift from the bar to lounge area to inside adjacent con-

“partments. There's also a dramatic backdrop of the train powered by a strean-
lined Hudson, crossing a trestle. Perhaps the best-krown star is Imogene Coca
who starred with Sid Caesar in the 1950's on TV, with about 20 songs in the

- 24-hour production, it's a highly musical evening in an era when such shows are
somewhat..rare on Broadway. |t has been doing a good business since.its recent

fi

opening, and was standing room only for the Saturday evening performance ! saw,
--Kon Maylath

, | thought you might be interested in
what has happened concerning = trip
(see RIN, 1st Oct 1977) since | returned
here. You may recall that the low point
of my journey came aboard the SUNSET LIMITED in sleeper "Altamaha River®. Altho
the conductor promised to issue a fare refund form,.this was not supplied. An-
cther wisfortune came aboard the EMPIRE. BUILDER when wy roomette was uninhabita-
ble between Seattle and Pasco.

shen | returned to this country |. forwarded a Passenger Response Form to Amtrak
and the 1CC.in which | pointed out that while aboard the SUNSET | had in fact been
forced to pay for 500 miles worth of service which | simply did not receive. In
an accompanying letter | mentioned the EMPIRE BUILDER, made some general comments
concerning my journey and in particular cited a number of employees who, | felt,
gave service above and beyond the call of duty and deserved some sort of recogni-
tion. Amtrak's reply arrived a month and a half later. The letter was very well
written but totally non-specific. !t could have covered almost any complaint
concerning any train journey anywhere in the U.S. Amtrak regretted that "we are
unable to authorize any fare adjustment for you" without explanation. The lack
of a refund did not worry me particularly. what did cause annoyance was the lack
of any sort of explanation concerning my specific complaints and Amtrak's treat-
ment of thea. | expressed these views in a further letter and enclosed a copy of
ay article from RTN.

After another aonth and a half, Amtrak's reply arrived. The style was similar
to the first communication--indeed one paragraph was the same! It seemed, how-
ever, that Amtrak had had a change of heart--"an adjustment has been authorized
in the interests of good will; please find it enclosed." Once again, no explan-
ation relating to ay specific complaints was forthcoming. Also, the envelope
flap had not been stuck down or even tucked in and, needless to remark, there
was no sign of the promised refund. A third letter to Awtrak two months ago has
yielded no response...

For all my complaining, |! shall step right back on a train again when | visit

Rail Travel News, Vol. 8, No. 6 (Whole No. 172). Second Issue of April, 1978.
Copyright 1978 by Message Media. Published twice monthly by Message Media,

P. 0. Box 9007, Berkeley CA 94709, Subscription $10.50 per years single copy 45¢.
Overseas and institutional rates on request. STAFF: Editor: James Russel).
Editor-at-Large: Paul Rayton. Regional Correspondents: Peter Putnam Brétz, Los
Angeles; Jack Ferry, Chicago; Kenneth Maylath, Baltimore; Peter Roehm, Boston.

and Pullman Standard), chances are you'l] encounter
more domes this summer if you do much rail traveling

in the U.S. west of pitas g

Starting with the Apr 30 schedule Sper ge Antrak
at last initiated full dome service on all long dis-
tance SP routes, with close clearances at last lifted
and Budd-built domes now permitted on all SP routes.
(See also pages 12-13.)

In a late April press release, Amtrak asked rhetorically "Will 1978 be the
last great summer for the domeliner trains?" It pointed out that the bi-level
cars now being built will eventually replace all the conventional equipment now
used on the EMPIRE BUILDER, NORTH COAST HIAWATHA, COAST STARLIGHT, SOUTHWEST
LIMITED, SUNSET LIMITED, and SAN FRANCISCO ZEPHYR. Amtrak said that the first
bi-levels should go into operation on either the EMPIRE BUILDER or NORTH COAST
HIAWATHA in late 1978 or early 1979, with the SAN FRANCISCO ZEPHYR being so re-
equipped next. After that will come the COAST STARLIGHT. Since Amtrak has paid
for removal of clearance restrictions on the latter two routes to permit use of
the bi-levels, it said that any of its 80 dome cars can now be used on those
and other Western routes,

The FLORIDIAN is the only Eastern train which normally uses dome cars. Tunnels
in such cities as New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington severely limit
car heights, and overhead power lines also add to the problems. Altho the B&0's
former Washington-Chicago CAPITOL LIMITED operated with a dome (a searchlight on
it swept the countryside), passengers were not allowed in the dome until the
train was well outside Washington Union Station and the area of overhead electric
wires, Amtrak pointed out.

Amtrak said it owns 42 dome coaches, 25 dome lounges, and 13 dome sleepers.

How long will they be used? Here's Amtrak's own statement: "All of Amtrak's dome-
liners (sic) are at least 20 years old, and many may face retirement soon. Others,
however, may be retained for possible use on other trains.” Dome lovers will have
to apply pressure to Amtrak if they want to see these enjoyable cars retained. In
the aeantiae, rail travelers will be able to enjoy them more than ever under An-
trak this summer.

SPECIAL NOTICE:

Publication of this issue is being held up in order to bring you details of
the DOT's zero-base Amtrak system plan, scheduled for public release on
Monday, May 8. page 3

THEATER REVIEWS

"Un the 20° CENTURY": As the train travels from Chicago to New York in the
early 733u's a down-on-his-luck producer tries to sign up a now-famous actress
who spurned him after he helped to establish her on Broadway. it's not a
"heavy". storyline, tut rail enthusiasts will enjoy the interesting special ef-
fects of the train approaching, then passing by, as well as a miniature repre-
sentation of the CcNTURIES passing in the night. Folding and rol)-around sets
enable the action to shift fror the bar te lounge area to inside adjacent com-

~ partments. There's also a dramatic backdrop of the train powered by a strean-

lined Hudson, crossing a trestle. Yerhaps the best-kiow: star is Imogene Coca

who starred with Sid Caesar in the 1950's on T¥, ith about 20 songs in the

24-hour production, it's a highly musical evening in an era when such shows are

somewhat rare on Broadway. \t has been doing a good business since its recent

opening, and was standing room only for the Saturday evening performance | saw.
--Ken Maylath

1 thought you might be interested in
what has happened concerning sy trip

(see RIN, Ist Cet 1977) since | returned

here. You may recall that the low point

of my journey came aboard the SUNSET LIMITED in sleeper "Altamaha River’. Altho
the conductor promised to issue a fare refund form, this was not supplied. An-
ether wisfortune came aboard the CHPIRE BUILDER when ay roomette was uninhabita-
ble between Seattle and Pasco.

shen | returned to this country | forwarded a Passenger Response Form to Amtrak
and the !CC in which | pointed out that while aboard the SUNSET | had in fact been
forced to pay for 500 miles worth of service which | simply did not receive. In
an accompanying letter | mentioned the EMPIRE BUILDER, made some general comments
concerning my journey and in particular cited a number of employees who, | felt,
gave service above and beyond the cal] of duty and deserved some sort of recogni-
tion. Amtrak's reply arrived a menth and a half later. The letter was very well
written but totally non-specific. It could have covered almost any complaint
concerning any train journey anywhere in the U.S, Amtrak regretted that "we are
unable to authorize any fare adjustment for you" without explanation. The lack
of a refund did not worry se particularly. what did cause annoyance was the lack
of any sort of explanation concerning my specific complaints and Amtrak's treat-
ment of then. | expressed these views in a further letter and enclosed a copy of
ay article from RTN.

After another month and a half, Amtrak's reply arrived, The style was similar
to the first communication--indeed one paragraph was the same! It seemed, how-
ever, that Amtrak had had a change of heart--"an adjustment has been authorized
in the interests of good will; please find it enclosed." Once again, no explan~
ation relating to ay specific complaints was forthcoming. Also, the envelope
flap had not been stuck down or aven tucked in and, needless to renark, there
was no sign of the promised refund. A third letter to Aetrak two months ago has
yielded no response...

For al] my complaining, | shall step right back on a train again when | visit

Rail Travel News, Vol. 8, No. 6 (thole No. 172). Second Issua of April, 1978.
Copyright (© 1978 by Message Media. Published twice monthly by Message Media,

P. 0. Box 9007, Berkeley CA 94709, Subscription $10.50 per year; single copy 45¢.
Overseas and institutional rates on request. STAFF: Editor: James Russell.
Editor-at-Large: Paul Rayton. Regional Correspondents: Peter Putnam Bretz, Los
Angeles; Jack Ferry, Chicago; Kenneth Maylath, Baltimore; Peter Roehm, Boston.

the U.S. next time and only hope that | shall find improved and extended service.
Or. Jawes E. Killen
Department of Geography
University of Dublin, Ireland

THE COVER STORY

ae A Those well-loved dome cars are suddenly becoming
et ae more prominent on the American long-distance train
ie aS scene. Even if you aren't planning a summer trip to

Alaska to ride the Alaska Railroad's AuRoRa passen-
ger train (our cover illustration is from a current
ARR ad--the railroad owns dome coaches built by ACF
and Pullman Standard), chances are you'}1 encounter
more domes this summer if you do much rail traveling
in the U.S. west of pied

Starting with the Apr 30 schedule et ge Antrak

tance SP routes, with close clearances at last lifted

eal gt: fe at last initiated full dome service on all long dis-
~al] Nit

and Budd-built domes now permitted on all SP routes.
= (See also pages 12-13.)

In a late April press release, Amtrak asked rhetorically "Will 1978 be the
Yast oreat summer for the domeliner trains?" It pointed out that the bi-level
cars now being built wil? eventually replace all the conventional equipment now
used on the EMPIRE BUILDER, NORTH COAST HIAWATHA, COAST STARLIGHT, SOUTHWEST
LIMITED, SUNSET LIMITED, and SAN FRANCISCO ZEPHYR. Amtrak said that the first
bi-levels should go into operation on either the EMPIRE BUILDER or NORTH COAST
HIAWATHA in Tate 1978 or early 1979, with the SAN FRANCISCO ZEPHYR being so re-
equipped next. After that will come the COAST STARLIGHT. Since Amtrak has paid
for removal of clearance restrictions on the latter two routes to permit use of
the bi-levels, it said that any of its 80 dome cars can now be used on those

and other Western routes,

The FLORIDIAN is the only Eastern train which normally uses dome cars. Tunnels
in such cities as New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington severely liait
car heights, and overhead power lines also add to the problems. Altho the Ba0's
former Washington-Chicago CAPITOL LIMITED operated with a dome (a searchlight on
it swept the countryside), passengars were not allowed in the dose until the
train was wel] outside Washington Union Station and the area of overhead electric
wires, Amtrak pointed out.

Aatrak said it owns 42 dome coaches, 25 dome lounges, and 13 dome sleepers.

How long will they be used? Here's Amtrak's own statement: "All of Amtrak's dome-
liners (te) are at least 20 years old, and many may face retirement soon. Others,
however, may be retained for possible use on other trains." Dome lovers will have
to apply pressure to Amtrak if they want to see these enjoyable cars retained. In
the aecantiae, rail travelers will be able to enjoy them more than ever under Am-
trak this summer. ;

tii gg

SPECIAL NOTICE:

Publication of this issue is being held up in order to bring you details of
the DOT's zero-base Amtrak system plan, scheduled for public release on

Monday, May 8. page 3

DOT'S ZERO-BASE PLAN RELEASED
ALAN BOYD IS ELECTED The Department of Transportation's long-awaited zero~base preliminary plan to
AMT R. AK PRESIDENT revise the Amtrak system was released at a press conference on May 8 in Washing»

ton. The recommended plan would cut about 8,100 miles out of the system, or
three tenths of the total Amtrak mileage.

Antrak issued the following press release on Apr 25: . Actually the DOT made public five different route plans that were studied:

Alan S. Boyd, the first U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former president a system of short-distance corridors, a national system of corridors with north-
of the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, was elected president and chief executive south and east-west connections, a national/inter-regional systen, a eodified cur-
officer of Amtrak today by Amtrak's Board of Directors. He will take office Jun 1. rent system, and a national /inter-regional/intra-regional plan. Of these five,
Boyd succeeds Paul H. Reistrup who has bean Amtrak's president since Mar 1, 1975, = = Secretary Brock Adams recommended the third, the national /inter-regional systen.
rie who had said he would not be a candidate for reappointment when his current Said Adams, "Several Congressmen and Senators are not happy with the plan be-

rp Saat hia pov autonatically becomes an ex-officio sember of Amtrak's Board =| — cause they would lose their favorite trains, But Congress handed me this politi-
oe la eistrup came to Amtrak from the ICG vhere he was senior vice pres- cal hot potato, and I'm trying to avoid getting third-degree burns. Congress is

' =
"A special conai ttae of the Amtrak board began interviewing potential candidates lie eel ipa Balls ec LL Daeg Ab eg Se pe
for the top job earlier this aonth after Reistrup said he would not be available. Present trains that would be eliminated by the proposed system plan are: the
The full board elected Boyd unanimously after hearing the search committee's recon- ’ FLORIOLAN, INTER-AMERICAN, SHENANDOAH, HILLTOPPER, PIONEER, COLONIAL, SAN JOAQUIN,

mendations. Boyd, 55, became Secretary of Transportation in Jan 1967 after having T i

been Under Secretary of Commerce for Transportation since 1965, and before that a ter UW: aaa the Cet tions Sia ae A TAT LOuE LIRMIED. alee pee
member of the Civil Aeronautics Board. He was chairman of the CAB from 1961-1965. vould be the ADIRONDACK and the Dallas-Ft, worth leg of the LONE STAR

After leaving the Cabinet in 1969, Boyd became president of the Illinois Centra! Additions and re-routings made trelude 4 Denver-La Junta spur to connect Denver
Gulf Railroad. He held that post until 1976 when he became vice chairaan, I1li- | with a Chicago-California line, In place of the SAN JOAQUIN and SF ZEPRYR. @ run
nois Central Gulf Industries. Most recently he has been Special Representative from Oakland to Bakersfield and Barstow would join with the SOUTHWEST LIMITED to
(with rank of ambassador) on the U.S. delegation for United States-United Kingdor provide San Francisco=Chicago service and serve the San Joaquin Valley. The SUNSET
Oe ionca tine member of the Florida Public Utilities Commission. He Be EE ae eT Ty TLIO uae Coit natal Goan te
was appointed to the commission in 1955 and elected to a full term in 1956. He erga ly CREW OSEAN A BESS an a SSCS PY eS

was chairman of the comnission in 1957 and 1958. Earlier he had served as chair- Adans said the recommended systen would serve 160 major metropolitan areas, in-

pel pale ee Mg les ag ae in Florida: and ae cluding the 36 largest cities, and totals 16,900 wiles compared to the present
+n Tauyer, Boud attended She larcecerteer Florid i ived his law d 27,000. The timetable for adoption and implementation of the plan is as follows:

From the Unieretty of Vieginia in: 290, ‘He wes x pilot vith the Troon terrier the Rail Services Planning Office of the ICC would have until Aug 31 to complete

Command during World War |! from 1942 until 1945 and served again during the Kor- public hearings on the plan, then one aonth (until Sep 30} to prepare its report.

The DOT then would have until Dec 31 to prepare a final plan, and Congress would
have 60 legislative days to consider it (until May 1, 1979). From May 1 to Jul 1,
1979, route additions could begin, and on Jul 1, 1979 route discontinuations could

ean conflict.
"Boyd was born in Jacksonville, Florida, July 20, 1922. He is married to the

ith Flavil Juanita Townsend and they have one son, Mark. The Boyds live in take place (the 60 days Betray Ray 1 hens te a are a ough ig notice
“ : . before discontinuing a train.) Implementation of whatever plan is finally adopted
Ae: instcatad eat Vier tnt WIM, Boyd una: the Carter Aeaiatetration's hetca: for vould thus take place between May 1, 1979 and May 1, 1980. Thus Jul 1, 1979 is

the position of Amtrak president to replace Mr. Reistrup.

mee

the earliest date that any Amtrak train discontinuances under the plan could occur.
The plan does not recommend specific changes in 403+b trains, but it provides

HASWELL WITHDRAWS AS AMTRAK BOARD NOMINEE | for $5 nillion to finance 403-b trains in fiscal years 1979 & 1980, $10 aillion
for the next fiscal year, and $15 million thereafter for all 403-b lines. The

Aatrak Board nominee and former NARP leader Anthony Haswell on Apr 26 sent a j report notes that the current 403-b mechanism ‘needs review",

letter to Presidant Carter indicating that, in accordance with Carter's request, The DOT said that if the plan fs adopted the yearly Amtrak subsidy vould be cut

he was resigning and withdrawing as a nominee for the Amtrak Board of Directors. from an estimated $665 sillion in fiscal 1980 to $547 million. The DOT believes
Haswell indicated in his letter to the White House that he had opposed the that the plan would create ridership of over 150 passengers per train aile, equal

re-confirmation of former labor leader Charles Luna to the Board. Faderal inves- to the usage level of the Northeast Corridor.

tigators reportedly found no evidence that Luna should not be confirmed, and AMTRAK'S REACTION TO THE DOT RECOMMENDAT10N

Haswel) said that "it does not appear possible that he (Luna) and | could work ‘
together harmoniously and constructively on the Amtrak board.* Haswell had Antrak vas briefed on the plan on May 8, the sane day ft was released to the

charged that Luna was exerting undue influence on Amtrak operations, that he was public, and that day the corporation said that it would have to study the opera-

i i tional feasibility of the plan and how it would impact on present riders and rev-
aoa shad restructuring of the Amtrak network and to modernization nes, current labor contracts. corporate Tegal obligations, and. state-supporte

page 4 services, and vhether the revenue and cost assumptions are realistic to run it,
before taking a position on the proposed plan. page 5

RAIL CANADA

THE PROBLEM OF "chaotic® summer schedules sat up by VIA Rail Canada remains
unresolved. in communications to the Ministry of Transport, the CTC, and VIA,
leaders of Transport 2000 complained in mid-April about the Jun 1-Sep 14 sched-
ules for transcontinental runs adopted by VIA and about fare increases as VIA
gets underway in taking over responsibility for CN and CP passenger services.
President Harry Gow of Transport 2000 asked officials to put off the interia
summer schedules for transcon runs and maintain existing CN and CP transcon ser-
vices until] after the tourist season ends. Said Gow, "the crux of the matter is
the lack of diract thru services from Montreal and Ottawa, etc. to such destina-
tions as Thunder Bay, Calgary and Banff, These are key destinations in the sum
ser tourist season, and the transfer arrangements will, in our view, impose hor-=
rific inconvenience on passengers, particularly families, those with baggage, the
aged, and the handicapped." Said Gow, "From the point of view of Ottawans, the
summer service will be a disaster!"

Gow expressed "deep concern" about VIA fare increases: "surely substantial fare
increases and reductions in the quality of service are not what is needed to get
VIA Rail Canada off to a good start!"

TRANSPORT MINISTER LANG was asked by MP Jack Murta of Lisgar in late April to
justify the "inconvenience and confusion" that bad connections in the summer VIA
transcon schedules will cause. He pointed to 12-hour waits required for connec-
tions in Winnipeg and bus shuttles for North Bay-Sudbury connections necessary for
eest-to-west travel. Lang replied, "Give it a chance."

The final plan, to go into effect Sep 15, preserves thru service to the west
fron Hontreal and Toronto. what critics cannot understand is why VIA is breaking
this thru service for the Jun 1-Sep 14 period of heavy tourist travel. The plan
is at variance with Railway Transport Committee quidelines, notes Transport 2000,
and the organization is asking rail travelers to voice their complaints to the
Committes (Address: Mr. J. A. D'Avignon, Secretary, Railway Transport Committes,
15 Eddy St., Hull, Que. K1A 0N9). while the interia plan has the advantages of
retaining thru service to Toronto and daily service to the CH line in Northern
Ontario ire there are no roads), there are too many drawbacks, including the
Yack of thru service to Ottawa (contrary to Guidelines of the Final Plan), and a
lot of passenger revenue will be lost if it is implemented.

THE OFFICIAL OPENING of GO Transit's
new rail service between Toronto and
Richmond Hil] was held Apr 29. The
CN's last operable steam loconotive
(#1057, pictured here in an illustra-
tion from a souvenir ticket) took part
in the festivities, which included
free train rides, clowns, bands, and
G0 Transit's new bi-level commuter coaches.

TRANSPORT 2000 CANADA at its Board and Executive meetings of Apr 21-23 re-con-
firmed Michael Jackson of Regina as Executive Director and finalized arrangenents
for incorporation, giving the consumer group a legal status and an income-tax bene-
fit for donations. A resolution was passed approving formation of Transport 2000
international, to include public transport users' organizations in several countries
ff they agree. Among reports of regional offices, the Ontario branch is working on
getting a service from Toronto to Chicago and saving Toronto-Niagara Falls rail ser-
vice. The Manitoba branch is encouraging restoration of Winnipeg-Minnesota thru
rail service, and opposing severe reduction of service on Greater Winnipeg Water
District Railway this summer. The Quebec office is concerned about the Quebec
City a progress on Montreal-Mont Laurier service, and attempts to get con-
page

auter rail service from Aylaer to Ottawa. Transport 2000 Alberta says it is mak-
ing progress on the Calgary-Edmonton CP service. B.C, members have contacted Pre-
ier Bennett about keeping the E4N service. The organization, whose main address
is Box 300, Terminal A, Ottawa K1N 8V3, hopes to receive another grant from Con-
sumer and Corporate Affairs to help carry on its activities.

ALMOST COMPLETELY UNREMARKED in the press was the suspension of the Ontario
Northland's NORTHLANDER between North Bay and Toronto on Jan 30. The results were
due to bureaucratic snafus. The CTC ruled the runs were not "passenger trains®
and not eligible forsubsidy. They weren't passenger trains because they were op-
erated by Ontario Northland, a provincially-owned railroad. The CTC cannot allow
subsidies to non-federally chartered railways. Meanwhile, CN runs on the same line
continue to receive subsidies.

URBAN-SUBURBAN TRANSIT

GREYHOUND WILL BUILD intractty buses at its assembly plant in Roswell NM, its
first crack at the city bus market. The "Citycruisers" will be 10 feet shorter
than competing aodels and will cost about $65,000 each.

HICAGO'S RTA HAS been told by UMTA to reduce its request for federal funds to
$128 million this cara cut of $5 aillion, Reduced funding: wilt affect orders

for new equipment, the Kennedy line to O'Hare Airport and the State Street aall.
SOUTH SHORE LINE service was to be fully restored Apr 30 following cutbacks due
to severe winter problems. Full service is 19 weekday trains and 9 on weekends.
LOUISIANA GOVERNOR EDWARDS is being asked to push hard for his office's rural-
urban transportation package of §25 nillion to finance New Orleans sass transit
($10 million) and rural roads ($15 million). New Orleans Public Service inc, is
said to be anxious to get rid of its unprofitable transit operation.
ALLENTOWN-TO-PHILADELPHIA rail commuter service may begin at the end of May
on Conrail if preparations are completed in time. Conrail has agreed to extend its
Philadelphia-Bethlehem run to Allentown (4,7 wiles) to replace a service dropped

2B YAS 100 SAN DIEGO AND Arizona Eastern Railway hearings before the ICC con-

7> cluded Apr 19 with freight users testifying that the line should

not be abandoned by parent Southern Pacific. A tropical stora

washed out the line in 89 places in Sep 1976, and SP says it can't
afford to rebuild it. An ICC decision should come in about seven
nonths, and written statements can be submitted until about May
31. San Diego County planners would like to have the line for a
rapid transit system.

LOS ANGELES CITY Dept. of Transportation is being formed, by an Apr 18 vote of
the city council. The new agency, to open Aug 1 and become fully functional next
Jan 1, will include functions now performed by various city departments.

THE BUDD SPV-2000 was back in service on Apr 26, running a morning roundtrip
on the B&M to Manchester MA on the Gloucester branch. See p. 21 for the report

f th ident that put it out of service.
: NEW JERSEY DOT is buying 10 rabui lt £ locomotives from the iCG, and meanwhile

i ing verious locos from Conrail,
‘ Hees OiTHERN PACIFICS having been informed by the state PUC that it could not

drop its rail commute service, has been engaged in public hearings before the ICC,
from Apr 25-May 5.

CLEVELAND'S REGIONAL TRANSIT Authority will buy back 9 old streetcars sold to
Toronto in 1952, for use on the Shaker rapid lines. Purchase price is $17,500 each.
HIGHWAY TRAFFIC DEATHS in 1977 rose 3% higher than 1976, the DOT reported--to
an estimated 46,876 people, from 45,509 in 1976. The fatality rate was 3.2 deaths
per 100 million miles traveled, about the same as 1976, but the nuaber of vehicles
increased. Before the SSaph speed limit, the rate was 4.1 per 100 million miles.

DENVER WILL RECEIVE financing from UMTA to help cover its fare-free bus systea
experiment, and for new bus garage facilities. page 7

Ont WA

CactrornlA

* LATE NEWS * ROCK ISLAND DECISION

On Nay 9 the Interstate Commerce Commission telephoned the Rock Island to say
that the commission had just reversed the decision of the !1linois Commerce Con-
mission and will permit the Rock Island to discontinue its two passenger trains
effective May 29. The two remaining trains are the PEORIA ROCKET Rent sgosPeorte
and the QUAD CITY ROCKET (Chicago-Rock island). It is not yet known what effect
this surprise decision will have on negotiations between local governments and
Amtrak to take over rail passenger service Chicago-Peoria.

LAKE SHORE MADE PERMANENT

Transportation Secretary Brock Adams on May 9 formally designated the LAKE
SHORE LIHITED a permanent route in the Amtrak system. The LAKE SHORE was named
as an experimental route at the time when the DOT was required by law to name one
such new Amtrak route each year. The two-year experimental period ended last Oct
31, and Brock Adams asked for comments from the public to be submitted by last
Nov 14 (see RIN, 2nd Oct 1977), but no decision on the route was given until now.
The LAKE SHORE is included in the revised Amtrak system plan recommended by the
DOT. The train was for a time removed from the Amtrak reservations computer last
winter when the experimental period was up and the train was in "limbo", tho it
did not cease to operate during that time. Observers are calling the new decision
a politically astute move on Adams's part, coming the day after he announced the
controversial Amtrak system cutback recommendations,

Sak

A PIONEER SLEEPER RUN
An electrified sleeping car was added to the Amfleet consist of the PIONEER on
Apr 30 southbound and May 1 northbound. ! rode the first northbound car, leaving
Salt Lake City on May 1, Amtrak's seventh anniversary. The consist of train 25
was engine 222 (F40) and cars 21849, 21859, 20221, and sleeper 2995 "Pine Brook®.
The sleeper was formerly numbered 2/12, and is an ex-Santa Fe car, a 10-6 built
by Budd in 1949 or 1950. At first Awtrak was electrifying only "Pacific" series
ex-UP cars, but is now branching out to others. Car 2995 was nicely worked over
and the electric heat was working! After we left Salt Lake a steward cut a large
sheet cake in celebration of Amtrak's birthday. Cake and coffee were served to
passengers "on the house". {! found it a delightful trip. Passengers and crew
seemed to be especially friendly. ~-Eugene W. Hines

CHANGES IN CHICAGO-SEATTLE OPERATION

Aatrak oparation over the Milwaukee Road's Snoqualmie Pass route ceased after
the final EMPIRE BUILDERS to move over the tortured routing operated April 20.

The Milwaukee track was down to mostly 10mph and 20mph operation, with only
enough track work being dene to keap FRA inspectors from closing the line.

EMPIRE BUILDER runs were being operated via the ex-GN Stevens Pass route thru
Wenatchee. Westbound trains were arriving in Seattle about 6ps in late April, and
eastbound runs departing about 9am. Many rail sources expect Milwaukee Road oper-
ations to cease entirely soon due to the bankruptcy (Ed. note: on Apr 20 the DOT
loaned Milwaukee $5.1 million, thru means of the Emergency Rail Services Act of
1970, for operating expenses and locomotive repairs; 45% of the road's locomotives
were out of service.). BN freight operations over the Snoqualmie route ceased on
Apr 22. BN sources said that BN freight service to Ellensburg and Cle Elum, Wash.,
would be by "turn® freights originating in the Pasco yard.

Amtrak had originally opted te run shuttle buses Seattle-Pasco to make train con-
nections for a 30-day period; and after that close its agencies at Ellensburg, Yaki-
ma and Pasco, However, just before this decision, BN decided to repair its damaged
page 8

i *hill®

Stampede Pass route, and in late April track gangs were being assigned to the
rene Lester, Wash., to begin work replacing a large fill on the lower rung of
the Great "S" curve. It was the loss of this large fill in a rainfall of 7.92 inches
in one day in early Dec 1977 that forced shutdown of the line. :

Estimates for reopening the Stampede route are from 6-8 weeks after full-sca a
work is resumed, meaning Jun 15-Jul 1. First reports said that double track on
east side of the pass will be retained. BN vice esident Richard Buelke told ont
Seattle radio news reporters that Milwaukee's bankruptcy seant years of legal pro
leas if BN had elected to abandon the Stampede routing in favor of trackage rights
over the Milwaukee line, Buelke also said that BN business is increasing, leading
to sone speculation that the Stampede line may become increasingly important fn aov-

“sng "dead freight” commodities such as grain and coal, freeing track capacity on the
Bie real Tt route for additional serchandise-type trains.
‘nel's lower clearances, for example, mean that many auto rack cars cannot use the

~ Stampede route.

The Stampede tun-

that Stampede repair costs will approxinate $2 million for BN. Part
of 1 aa Ro is ne deductible. Depending on the speeds desired, repairs to
the Milwaukee route over Snoqualmie Pass a $3-10 million, and many delays in
i expected sources said.
dest 2 enles over the Milwaukee line in April confirmed reports of
slow travel. A westbound EMPIRE BUILDER on time into Ellensburg was 2hrs late ar-
riving in Seattle. While proceeding up the "Pacific Coast® tracks north of Renton,
one RIN reader said: "The northbound PIONEER passed us at high speed, as if we were
standing still." There were also complaints about hot passenger cars, and these
balanced the praise for Hilwaukee’s great scenery in the Snoqualaie summit ar
The EMPIRE BUILDER into Seattle Apr 23 via Wenatchee passed Spica Mg A j “-
proximately 5:30pa. This was close to the roughly 8-hour schedule Amtrak projects
for Nos. 7-8 on the Wenatchee line. Former GN running times on this route were as
fast as Thrs 5wins, and crew members say that a late train can travel age ln to
Seattle in Ghrs 4Cnics. Line changes have shortened the Seattle-Spokane mileage

in the past 10 years,
ae co hk lo is pial fn good condition, There is a CIC installa-
tion at the Stampede Tunnel zone at the suamit of the pass. Several miles of track
west of Lester, Wash., were relocated for the Eagle Gorge Dae in the late 1950s,

and speeds are often high in the Eagle Gorge area.

daylight run for the NORTH COAST HIAWATHA (#18) across Washington was
eee: iets passengers were aboard, with the sane old complaints about hot
cars. The train was only a few minutes late anywhere on the run, according to an

imetable.

bial gare feos Spokane to Seattle on train 7 on Apr 29 saw the EMPIRE BUILDER de-
touring on the Wenatchee line. There were only about 30 passengers out of Spokane.
Many had detrained at Spokane for the connecting bus for Pasco, Yakima and Ellens-
burg. The train sade a run direct to Seattle--no stop at aka a stop at Wenat-
chee to change crevs and to meet #8, directly in front of #7 there. There was a
stop at Edmonds to take on a BN nechanic to check the steam generator car.

The crews call the new schedule crazy. The bar attendant said he had picked up
$1000 in overtine for the late arrivals of #7 in Seattle via Milwaukee track. —
fares for crews going deadhead Seattle-Easton or Seattle-Cle Elum were $55 per trip.
The Pasco Chamber of Commerce is now protesting Aatrak plans to end the substitute
bus May 21--which would mean no service to Pasco-Yakima-Ellensburg, and no agents.

There is auch track work on the BN line; much tie replacement, and much new rai)
on the ground to be laid--lots of it velded rail. Track is good--hour after hour

tively sraooth track.
- The belier now is that Amtrak will resume Pasco-line service when the Stespecs.
Pass rebuild is completed--about Jun 15 to Jul 1. page

JERSEY ARROWS TO WASHINGTON
by Ken Maylath

Commuters between Baltimore and Washington on Conrail (previously Penn Central,
previously Pennsy) have been a hardy lot, envious of their Chessie System (previ-
ously BE) commuting neighbors, After all, while most on Chessie rode post-World
war \t air-conditioned RDC cars, they rattled along on some of the oldest passen-
ger equipment still in service nationwide--world War | era MP-54 electric cars.
No lonoer--not as of May 1, 1978. The daily ritual of two trips from Baltimore to
Washington in the morning and two back to Baltimore in the evening with fingers
crossed that the baling wire and tape will hold together for another day, is over.

After much negotiation involving politicians, the Maryland Department of Trans-
portation and the state of New Jersey, with Amtrak as a middleman (tho it doesn't
actually operate the two trains), the long-suffering hundreds and whisked along in
air-conditioned comfort on some of the newest and fastest commuting equipment in
the country--Jersey Arrows delivered within the past few years. In reality, the
bad fortune of New Jersey commuters becomes the good fortune of their counter-
parts in Maryland.

It boils down to those plans to modernize the electrification of the forrer
frie Lackawanna and extend the wires on the New York and Long Branch. There's
been considerable delay in those plans, but not in delivery of brand new cars to
replace and expand present equipaent. Why let them sit around gathering dust
when a could be put to good use in Maryland? Easier said than done, but now
a reality.

In all of this, someone came up with the idea of another train as well, but
not just between Baltimore and Washington. Why not from Philadelphia to Washing-
ton? This idea too became a reality on May 1. The operation is unusual in sev-
eral respects: It restores service to several Maryland communities without any
service since Amtrak. It is subsidized 100 per cent (not partially subsidized in
the usual 403-b way) by the states of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Delaware gets
two stops but a free ride. It's a name train (the CHESAPEAKE) with HU commuter
equipment, and at 134 miles it's an unusually long run for such cars.

The state of Maryland was not about to let the occasion of the new service
pass without a bit of buildup. Since the equiprent for the Bal timore-Washington
runs had to be brought down for the Monday startup, a press review run was set
up for Sunday, April 30. Acting Governor Blair Lee and an assortaent of local
officials took part as the cars paused about 15 minutes at each of the Maryland
stops. The train went as far as Bowie, then reversed direction and returned to

Baltimore. The i ors
That advance publicity seemed effective, adel;

because a check of the first revenue run Giessperte sg

on May 1 from Baltimore to Washington Baltimore

showed good initial patronage. About 25 Bowie

persons detrained in Baltimore as No, 421 Washington

arrived a couple of minutes late. About
30 boarded. A few more passengers got on
at the Odenton and Bowie stops on the way
to DC. Due to waiting in west Baltimore
for a couple of trains in the other direc-
tion as heavy track work took place, the
arrival in tiashington was about 15 minutes
late. in spite of all the stops, the
Arrows can @aintain a tight schedule,
which at 2 hours, 10 minutes Philadelphia
to DC is equal to or better than Amfleet
runs making only the regular stops. Ex-
tremely fast acceleration helps.

page 10

funds made available by the Commonwealth of Penn
Maryland.

Service financed through
sylvania and the State of

Jersey Arrow cars as Amtrak train 421, the southbound CHESAPEAKE, pass Middle
River, just north of Baltixore, on May 2. Ken Maylath photo. Turn page for
another photo. Schedule on page 10 is reproduced from Amtrak's Apr 30 national

Cacable. 1. wee

The economics that Maryland and Pennsylvania are supporting seem good. Two
cars hold 200 passengers, and since they are MU's they operate with a 3~ran
crew--engineer, conductor and trainman.

The seats may be closely spaced for a run of more than two hours, but the
train provides a low-cost alternative to the first Metroliner of the day for
those at the major stops, with a running tire only about 10 winutes longer than
the revised Metro timings.

Interestingly, a similar schedule existed past the Penn Central rerger, leav-
ing Philadelphia at exactly the same time and arriving in OC 10 ainutes later
than now, with fewer stops. It was still in the timetable exactly 10 years ago.

This tine some of the minor stops may or may not develop much business, but
if first indications hold up, overall patronage will make the CHESAPEAKE a suc-
cess.

SECOND SEASON OF CHESSIE STEAM Ken Maylath

Skies were generally clear and temperatures on the cool side as ex-Reading T-1
2101 and a soldout 19-car train inaugurated a second season of the Chessie Steam
Special. That first trip, Apr 30, went fron Baltimore to Gettysburg and Hagers~
town. Servicing problems in Hagerstown put it a couple of hours behind schedule
for the return trip. :

Engine 2101 received a sajor overhaul during the winter at the former Reading
shops in Reading. It even received a couple of modifications planned for engines
of that class had they remained in service a few more years. In a sense, then,
the locomotive is better than new. F :

The engine arrived in Baltimore several days before the first trip, with a few
freight cars in tow. On Friday, Apr 28 the few who knew about it had a rara pho-
tographic opportunity when Chessie laid on a test run from Baltimore to Washing-
ton to make sure the 2101 was steaming properly. It blasted out of Baltimore
pulling 52 assorted freight cars--doing the joo for which it was originally de-
signed. page 11

Notable end-of-April events

FOR THE FIRST TIME...

Ste -

(Above:) The first Chessie Steam Special of the 1978 season runs in a rural area
ast of Hanover PA on Apr 30 (Ken Maylath). (Below:) First Budd dome to run on
the SAN FRANCISCO ZEPHYR on SP left Chicago Apr 30, and is hare returning from
Oakland on the SFZ on "Sun Day" May 3--car 9457 "Silver Buckle" (Message Media).
(P. 13, top:) For the first time, the COAST STARLIGHT carries a full-height done, /§
ex-SP&S car 9472, seen on southbound train May 1 in Berkeley CA. Car left Seattle
Apr 1 and was first Budd dome to operate on previously-restricted SP Coast Route
(Message Media). (P. 13, aiddle:) The first run of the new CHESAPEAKE, train 421,

arrives in Union
Station in Wash-
ington OC fron
Philadelphia on
May 1. Cars are
Jersey Arrows.
Car 589 faces the
camera (Ken Nay-
lath).

(P. 13, bottom: )
Aatrak train 6,
the SAN FRANCISCO
ZEPHYR, makes its
inaugural stop at
Suisun-Fairfield
CA on Apr 30.
Train 5 normally
would arrive six
minutes ahead of
#6, but was late
due to Daylight
time change.

page 12

4 abed

age?

THE MOST IMPORTANT SINGLE PUBLICATION EVER PRODUCED BY RTN!
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public. In view of the enormity of the decisions about American rail travel to
be made in the next few months, the publishers of RTN are producing a new
book of important, informative and thought-provoking material about American
rail passenger transportation and its place in our overall transportation system.

"ISSUES IN AMERICAN RAIL TRAVEL"

Our new book features all-new material never before published, plus hard-to-find factual information
that you will find of value in considering the monumental decisions soon to be made by transportation
leaders. This book will help arm you with facts and arguments of value in the struggle for better
rail travel in the U.S. An important book you won't want to miss!

SOME TOPICS COVERED:

* Economics of passenger trains and public transportation
* The issue of electrification of conventional passenger cars

—_——
GL ebed

“Seeuid the National Park Service support trains to parks?

% Plans for combining new and conventional equipment on Amtrak trains
* Special problems of the nation's intercity bus system

* Dealing with the transportation bureaucracy

Edited by James Russell, Editor of Rail Travel News.

Articles by James Russell, Glenn Lee, Robert Ryner- 2 wrsoes
son and others. Book is now in preparation, publica- eae, Sen =
tion date May 31, 1978. Approximately 50 pages, 3 v2.38 oe
paper cover. Order now for early delivery. Be We ee
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Just $3.95 per copy, plus 55¢ post. & hdlg. = peeess
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MESSAGE MEDIA S Pha ies
we 7.2:,20% 9007 Si SEB. So
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my sendme __copy(ies) of ISSUES IN AMERICAN ia g02528
@ RAIL TRAVEL. Enclosed is $3.95 + 55¢ post- no B225e038
WB age & handling per copy (total $4.50 each). a Ssces®
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*HSW14 SKIN 3141

SSIYONOD NI ONIONS YULWY

CARS & CONSISTS

i i Sui irfi uh A tst SFZ to stop at
#5 NCLoCL ZEPHYR, train 6, Suisun-Fairfield CA Apr 30 (4st SF?Z a
Fina Mi cay 626, 586; cars 1229, 1417, 4856, 4825, 4851, 3352, 8050,
2637 "Pacific Terrace", 2/59 "Palm Lorem iae, & fe OC via WILLTOPPER route
5 Com cial, Williamson wV¥-Washington C via j .
Goma eT (EMOPHR): Amfleet cars 21034, 21239, 21189, 21111, 27028,
Bereta ara 84, second section, ae Palr Ae pak ag Ne
ial" inaton DC Apr 13: (engines unknown), cars : 3 A 2
Serer eee 5802, 3407, 2690, 5801, 5675, 5463, 5467, 5476, 5628, ne
5682. 740’ passengers. Ran south as 2nd 83 on Apr 15, Same consist with another
115 students ar Washington Apr 20, train ran south as 2nd 83 on Apr 22. a a
*Southern Railway train 2, advance section, School Safety Patro} Lang on
DeKalb County, Georgia, Washington OC Apr 15: (engines unknown); SR me a
818, 816, 817, 819, 3307, 815, 841, 842, 843, B44, 845, 953, B46, 3308, . .
660, 662. Train ran south Apr 16 as saree No. 1. raphael: with another
rola: seen Washington Apr 22, ran sou r 23.
we bein i. NY City May 4: engine 957 (£60); cars he nee
21266 21024, 21252, 21081, 21018, 1369 baggage, Conrail bus. eis to (ins
* SOUTHWEST LIMITED, train 3, Kansas City Apr 24: engines 507, Rinne s gS,
4199 on at K.C.), 1220, 9994, 9920, 9943, 9972, 9981, 9919, 2200 Gites .
2762 "Pain View, done slpr lounge 9223, private cars 6 "Golden Moon cago-
L.A. owned by Charter Wire of Mit waukee! , 33 "Imperial Leaf*. ee
“sELORIDIAN, train 56, derailed consist of Apr 5 (see last issue): engine Be
(contrary to earlier report, there was only one engine; engine o oe uae at
had been cut out at dechsanvilie); cms 1426, done 9501 "Silver Glade", , 4
"Svan", S464, S aggage.
4g oe ee KITE, train 48, Elyria OW Apr 24: engines 712 (P30), meg
cars 1530, 2023 "Silver Repose", 2834 "Navajo Valley", 8332, 3361, 5658, ‘
f 2103 "Sarasota", 1048. .
weet Dixie RR Club racy ps aarp a ne oa th pe a
tender; water tank 53; combine /26, , 905, 907, P , i : ; oe
0 coach 1070 "W. Graham Claytor®, 4527 Heart o
ed 06, “068. 3659, 1081, 1086, 1067, open obs. 1056 "Lookout Mountain*.
(an equiprent Southern Rwy except where noted.)

Rate The Trains

ates Ct eh lace tee rie mre me ioe
pe yee payee da feck in oe, aid sing bd sue, ‘dl id
se ct Peron tae eat hme abt Sry The next survey, now on, will
Wie the ceri risa before (to ast oe apearad i LAE, te Se

. Rate each train you v -
Sec rial jeu TN a nfo
quality; £ - Car sont ee - Stations; H - Track; | - ;
F< Promotion; and Fait TRAVEL NEWS, Box 9007, Berkeley CA 94709. Thank you!

page 16

Méced Train of Thoughts

ANTRAK'S NATIONWIDE TIMETABLE was actually available on schedule on Apr 30.
With the new set of schedules, Amtrak lias made a major change in its timetables.
They are now printed by the publishers of the Official Guide. None of the time-
tables we have seen is on slick paper. The nationwide version comes on newsprint.
We are sorry to say that readability of the timetables is noticeably poorer. Sone
of the print is smaller than the size at which we've found we start to get cor-
plaints from readers with less than perfect vision. it would help to use black ink
rather than the somewhat pale colors on the ones we've seen. The cover of the nat~-
fonwide version pictures seven Amtrak employees at work, with their names listed.
Photo reproduction is rather like RIN on bad days. The last nationwide schedule
was dated Jan 8..... THE PUBLIC SUPPORT for rai] travel found in Awtrak's recent
poll done by Lou Harris and reported two issues ago in RIN is not a fluke finding.
The DOT commissioned its own study by Peter Hart Research Associates last December,
and the results, as reported by Automotive News (Apr 25) were that "Americans are
willing to spend more money for mass transit, for fixing up the railroads and for
increasing the number of transportation options and will even go along with strict
enforcement of the 55mph speed limit, more car and van poeling and greater efforts
in making fuel-efficient cars." Respondents favored abandonment of the Highway
Trust Fund and “want the railroads fixed up and appear to favor mass-transit sys-
tens tied into park-and-ride programs." The study found that younger people (35
and under) support these views more than do older citizens. By a "large percent-

age" they favor a more efficient transportation system with less reliance on the
automobile.....

#2 @

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of RR Passengers at its late April Board meeting voted
te support Amtrak's taking over of the SOUTHERN CRESCENT. The NARP Board urged an
expansion of Amtrak's routes in line with its own 2-year route study; cautioned
Congress against giving more than "limited significance" to the zero-base report
of the DOT's; called for a study leading to consolidation of the nation's intercity
bus service with Amtrak's service; and made clear that it supports its own route
plan in preference to others (opposing the Haswell plan). NARP voted to re-eapha-
size support for the FLORIDIAN, and called upon Aatrak to expedite its re-routing
thru Chattanooga and Atlanta. Acknowledging that present intercity travel is dos-
inated by the private automobile, with air service handling the bulk of commercial
travel, NARP called for equalizing federal financial support between highways and
railroads, including public support of improved tracks and roadbeds. For a time,
NARP agreed, more support should go to the railroads to overcore the adverse ef-
fects of years of neglect and heavy highway support. Noting that the bus indus-
try spends nearly $1 miilion a year to lobby for crippling Amtrak, and accusing
the bus industry of continued refusal to cooperate and coordinate with Amtrak,
NARP asked Congress and the DOT to undertake a study of the feasibility and cost
of a consolidation of rail passenger and motor bus operations and services under
one corporate agency. The NARP directors also: (1) supported increased emphasis
on commuter rail service and mass transit using existing railroad facilities, and
urged the ICC be given power to require railroads to permit use of their facili-
ties for these purposes; (2) advocated a national energy program which takes into
account fully the energy efficiency of the rail mode; (3) called upon the Admini-
stration to require the use of Amtrak for more extensive hauling of the U.S. mail;
(4) urged DOT, in formulating a new route service plan, to take into account
NARP's "consumer-prepared and officially endorsed basic system plan (see last is-
sue for details), the recently-released Harris Poll showing strong support for
rail passenger service, a “so-far suppressed DOT poll on the same subject (see
second item above), and the positive support for railroads from "their energy ef-

page 17

ficiency in a time when domestic petroleur supplies are falling farther behind
domestic demand"...

SOUTHERN CRESCENT HEARINGS dates and places have been released by the ICC.
Washington hearings are in the ICC Building on May 12, 15 & 16. Then come the
following cities and dates: Charlottesville Nay 19, Lynchburg May 20, Danville
May 22, Greensburg Nay 23, Salisbury May 24, Charlotte Hay xe Spartanburg Hay
26, Clemson May 30, Toccoa May 31, Gainesville Jun 1, Atlanta Jun 2, Anniston
Jun 5, Birmingham Jun 6, Livingston Jun 7, Merigian Jun 8, Laurel Jun 9, Hatties-
burg Jun 12, Poplarville Jun 13, and New drleans Jun 14, AN) hearings start at
9:30am. Locations in cities outside Washington will be posted later.....

ENTER THE AMSLEEPER: Two 60~seat Amcoachas have been converted to sleeper-
coaches ("Amcoachettes") with the addition of two 2-berth compartments. The lower
berth consists of two facing seats that fold down to become the bed. The upper
berth folds down from the ceiling. The lower berth has a window with an Amclub-
style curtain. Each compartment has a glass sliding door and a glass window on
either side of the door. A large curtain pulls across for privacy. The compart-
nents are said to reseable European compartments. Cars 22900 and 22901 have been
converted thus far, and are expected to start running on the SHENANDOAH May 4.....

*¢

THE AMTRAK ARROW will no longer appear on the exteriors of Astrak cars. Cars
energing from the Beech Grove shops are being repainted with redewhite-and-blue
stripes all around, with no arrow 1090..... BEST EATING PLACE in Washington 0C?
Says reader Erich Houchens, it's the diner of the SOUTRERN CRESCENT in Washington
Union Station, Each night the train's diner opens at 6:30pa, tho the train de-
parts at 7:20, A ticket to Alexandria will get you aboard and allow you one hour
and 7 sinutes of dining on the “best dining car in America® without taking a Jong
trip. Return to Washington can be sade on the HILLTOPPER, TRAIN 66.....

CONNECTIONS TO MEXICO from the INTER-AMERICAN can once again be made, as of
Apr 30. Train 21 arrives Laredo at 6:50pm, and Mexican train 2 leaves Nuevo Lar-
edo at 6:55pa, which is really 7:55 since Mexico doesn't use Daylight tise. The
tine difference is not shown in the new Aatrak tinetable. Northbound there stil)
fs no connection without a layover..... AMTRAK'S METROLINER REFURBISHMENT program
is underway, and so currently six Metroliner runs are now covered by 661's, Anfieet
cars and power generator cars. Using two equiprent sets, trains 106-115-124 and
trains 105-114-123 are Amfleat. A G61 hauling Aafleet cars at top speed (100nph)
can rake the ¥Y-DC run in 3hrs 20ains, so all the Metrotiner schedules have been
Yengthened by 20nins..... THRU MAIL CAR now runs from Chicago to Seattle via
Ogden, being switched from the SAN FRANCISCO ZEPHYR to the PIONEER at Ogden.....

#2 8

THE INAUGURAL RUN of the CHESAPEAKE on Apr 30 (before the Ray 1 revenue runs)
was well-attended. The southbound-only run used Jersey Arrow cars 589 & 588.
Hichael Diem observed the scene at Aberdeen where 700-200 people were on hand.
Maryland Gov, Blair Lee, political leaders and railroad officials spoke at inaug-
ural ceremonies, Several Aberdeen residents rode the inaugural train to Baltiaore,
detrained and took train 142 (the BANKERS) back. The BANKERS wade a special stop
at Aberdeen to let off 23 people from the CHESAPEAKE's inaugural run. The Aber-
deen station has been refurbished in the natchingefund station rehabilitation pro-
gran, and tho it is an unranned station, the waiting room is open to the public
and {s clean and pleasant. The Aberdeen Cab Co. occupies the station and ensures
security and acts as custodians, Mr. Diem asks, "Could this be the first inter-
nodal ‘closed’ station in the Amtrak systen?"..... REFURBISHED G61 #4935 (see
RIN, 2nd May 1977) suffered a fire in the engine shortly before noon on May 2
while the engine was hauling a power car and 4 Anfleet cars as "Metroliner® 105
just north of the Edgewood M0 station. Fire trucks extinguished the fire. There
appeared to be no external damage to the famous engine, but it is out of service
for repairs. A Conrail diesel helper pulled the consist to a siding, and the
train vas later moved to Baltimore. Passengers fron 105 were believed transferred
to train 89 at Edgewood.....
page 18

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of RR Psgrs has joined with the Sierra Club, Friends of
the Earth and Environaental Policy Center in the Highway Action Coalition to fight
the Highway Trust Fund, which expires this year. WARP wants to increase the avail-
ability of this money for mass transit. In other NARP news, the organization has
lost the able services of Tom Crikelair, who had been working on the FLORIDIAN re-
routing issue. He will be replaced by Joseph Zucker of Chicago, At its April
Board meeting, NARP defeated a motion sade by the Keystone ARP (Pennsylvania) to
have Aatrak abolish sleeping car service as an economy move..... AMTRAK HAS TRADED
flatend parlor observation cars "Alexander Hamilton" and "George Washington" to the
Southern Pacific for 6 baggage cars: SP 6710, 6714, 6716, 6720, 6730 and 6756.....

# *

AMTRAK'S NEAL OWEN has resigned as VP-Western Region effective May 31, and the
future of the region is in doubt. There are persistent rumors that the Western
Region will be abolished, but an Amtrak spokesman says that nothing is finalized
yet..... THE DOT TALKS with forked tongue. As we mentioned before, taxes to
run passenger trains are "subsidies" or "losses". Taxes to support highways and
auto travel are "income". As an example, a recent news release from the O0T's
Federal Highway Administration is headlined "Incone from the nation's highways
will be almost $35 billion in 1978," Incidentally, that's about 4% higher than in
1977, and doesn't include another $14.9 billion in state and local taxes so ve
can go on adding 10,000 vehicles per day to our highways..... SENATOR LOWELL
WEICKER was in San Francisco in April, and told reporters that in order to cope
with the energy situation, there aust be mandatory conservation of gasoline within
a year, deregulation of crude of] and natural gas prices now, and greater govern-
rent support given to development of mass transit systems..... DAILY TRAIN SERV-
ICE between Chicago and Los Angeles via E) Paso, Tucson and Phoenix was called for
in a resolution passed by the Rail Passenger Association of the Southwest in its
annual meeting in Albuquerque in late April, They also endorsed continuation of
the SOUTHWEST LIMITED route. RPAS directors meet in Tucson May 13 and will seet
Amtrak's Rex Holland..... FUEL EFFICIENCY TEST for Turboliners has been approved
by Amtrak's Board (Apr 25). In a Gemonth test, the Turmo Ii! turbine engines will
be replaced on two trains by more powerful Turmo XII engines, This will let the
trains run on one engine instead of two and reduce fuel consumption.....

ae
BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA STATION is manned again, Amtrak announced
Apr 27, so tickets and baggage can be handled there.....

NARP AND AMTRAK worked together in Missouri to obtain the
cooparation of the governor, and the Mayor and officials of
St. Louis in proclaiming Apr 17-23 as Rail Passenger Week.....

SENATOR LONG'S BILL for Amtrak funding that is pending had
included a provision that would require the Postal Service to use Aatrak trains
for mail hauling wherever possible, but the provision has been dropped from the
legislative bill..... NORTHWEST AIRLINES STRIKE affected travelers in Washington,
Montana and elsewhere. Amtrak on May 4 said it was adding extra cars to the Chi-
cago-Seattle trains to assist these travelers. The decision was helped along by
the efforts of NARP's Ross Capon and Dan Lovegren (Director, Region ViIl).....

THE ARROWHEAD'S SUBSIDY from the state of Minnesota expires Jul 1, but observ-

ers are epecting the Governor to renew it at least for 6 months until bayond the
November elections, The decision should come in May.ses. OUR CAST ISSUE stated

that the Seattle-Chicago trains now connect only with the FLORIDIAN in Chicago.

Actually they make no connections at all eastbound..... THE EL CAMINO, train 716

out of San Diego on Apr 30 halted at a spot 5 miles out of Fullerton with air

brake problems and sat for an hour until passengers were transferred to SAN DIEGAN

#780, a 4-car standing-room-only train..... ELYRIA, OHIO'S NEW manned station

opened Feb 16, we failed to mention before. And Canton's new station opens ba
page

ee

THE DOT'S NEW plan for Antrak (see p. 5) has not yet been seen by us as we go
to press. We will plan to present a susmary of the entire plan next issue, as-
suming it's available to us by then. Important points about the timing of the
plan adoption are these: citizens have betwean now and Aug 31 to attend and comment
to the ICC public hearings on the plan, thus citizans are pressured to get to work
at once in yet another effort to save their needed trains--and in a period of vaca-
tion tine; politicians always arrange it that way--remember the the original Amtrak
plan that had to be reacted to quickly over the Christaas holidays? After Dec 31,
vhen the final DOT plan is written, Congress must consider it (and it is not yet
clear exactly what action Congress should take to either accept, reject or aodi fy
it), and again citizens will have to conaunicate with their Congressaen. Congress
vill have only 5 months to get their constituents’ reactions and get legislation
hammered out and passed, Politicians won't have to make any final decisions on
the plan until safetly after the November elections..... AMTRAK 1S WORRIED, and
rightly so, that the news of the proposed cuts will mean reduced ridership this
sunmer. Many people will think the cuts are already taking place. It is isport-
ant for rail supporters to make it known to the general public that the trains are
stil] running, and will continue so until at least July 1 of 1979. Remember how
ridership fell earlier when Amtrak talked publicly of proposed cuts?.....

TRAINS ARE RUNNING this summer (still) and not only running but looking better
than before on the long distance Western routes. With the COAST STARLIGHT and
SAN FRANCISCO ZEPHYR now carrying dome cars along their entire routes, scenery
viewers have a new treat in store, The regular consist of the STARLIGHT fs now
including two dome cars--a dome coach and a dowe lounge. The SFZ will have at least
one dome ceach on its entire route. On May 6 the STARLIGHT left Seattle with four
domes in its consist--a virtually unique event. Besides the dome coach and ex-SP
dome lounge in service, two dome coaches on the rear deadheaded to Oakland for use
on the SF ZEPHYRS..... USA RAIL PASS suamer prices will be lower than last year.
Starting May 16 the 14-day pass will cost $250 foe last summer); the 21-day pass
$315 ($365 last year); and the 30-day pass $385 ($450 last year)..... THE NEW
CHESAPEAKE'S departure times given last issue (p, 13) were correct, but the end
point arrivals not: train 421 reaches OC at 9:20am and 420 hits Philly at 6:54pm...

SOUTHBOUND PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL was hit by a legging truck the sorning of May
5 and delayed 15 sinutes..... THE HOUNT RAINIER northbound on Mar 18 suffered an
engine failure near Kelso-Longviex WA and the 180 passengers found theasel ves
without Nights, air conditioning, sicrowave oven, etc, A BH engine fron Kelso
vas found to haul the train on..... BRITISH COLUMBIA RAILWAY schedules listed in
the Apr 30 Amtrak nationwide tinetable have errors in the times..... WHEN PULLMAN
STANDARD strike ended, only 300 of 1700 workers returned. Hore delays to bi-level
car construction are thus inevitable. Aatrak is aiming for a Nov 1978 first run
of the cars, at the earliest..... WITH PAUL REISTRUP leaving his position as
Amtrak president, it is expected that he will stay on several aonths as a consult-
ant to the Northeast Corridor. Said one Amtrak perscn who didn't want to be
{dentified: Reistrup was too honest and straightforward. The position requires a
gore skilled political type. it is being said that chief operations aan Marty
Garelick will be actually running Amtrak, while Alan Boyd will deal with the
the Washington politicos. We've been hearing only favorable comments about Gare-
lick's running of Aatrak thus far. What Boyd's attitude is toward expansion of
the Aatrak system, nobody seems to knov. Baal are adopting a wait-and-see atti-
tude. Strange. what regular exper tat vould take on a president whose attitude
toward its product was unknown? Ke thought Amtrak was supposed to be operating
in the aanner of a for-profit corporation. Every other transportation mode has
highly-paid, highly motivated for profit people pushing it (auto aanufacturers
airlines, bus companies) and the purpose of creating Aatrak was to get people to
push rail travel in an efficient, competitive way, as if they were making money...c.

page 20

BUOO'S NEW SPV-2000 railcar had an accident the afternoon of Apr 23, that
temporarily sidetracked it. The car had been shuttling some 550 passengers be-
tween Stoughton and Canton Junction in celebration of the renovation of the
Stoughton station and was returning to Boston when it hit a pile of ties just
east of the Hyde Park (on the old NH mainline) station. The electrical systen
and cab signal systea were ripped out and repairs will be made locally and the
car returned to service on the B&M's northern routes. Earlier, on Apr 12, four
Budd ROCs on train 506 on the B&M, inbound from Rockport, derailed about 24 niles
wast of the Rockport station, tearing up 1000 feet of track but causing no injur-
ies. Official word was that the cause of the derailment was not known, but pas-
sengers blamed it on a combination of rotted ties with loose tie plates and
spikes, soft ground from the thaw, and the fact that nearly 3 dozen breaks have
occurred to rai} on the Eastern Route and Gloucester Branch in the last two
nonths since Geep-hauled push-pull sets have been in operation. Repair costs
were about $27,000 and passengers were bused for nearly 3 days (Pete Roehm).....

RAIL FANTRIPS

tas a a
Jun 9-11: Portland Rose Festival Tour, Vancouver B.C, to Vancouver WA RT on
PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL & COAST STARLIGHT. $102 4 up inc). hotel, sightsesing
our, etc. Skyline Travel , 563 Granville St, Vancouver 8.C. VOC 1X6, Canada.
Jun 3-4: Train/bus tour to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks from San Jose
CA and Bay Area. $74 & up. NRHS, Central Coast Chapter, Box 8407, San Jose CA.
dun 3: Coast Line Express, private train RT L.A.-San Luis Obispo CA. Lv L.A,
7:40am. $39.50; 3-hour layover in San Luis. Box dinner $6. Pacific RR Society,
PO Box 70, East Irvine CA 92650. (213) 325-6202 eves, (714) 937-9061 sorns.
Jun 10: Steam excursion on Clinchfield RR, with CRR #1, Erwin TN-St, Paul VA RT.
Phote stops & runbys, spectacular line. $35. East Tennessee Rail Fan Ass'n,
c/o Dean Odiorne, 129 Rosefield Or, Kingsport TN 37660.

One Fantrips listing is free. Rail Travel News, Box 9007, Berkeley CA 94709.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK***

"in France 'Bon Voyage’ means 'Bon Voyage by train.'* Because in France every-
thing has been designed to make your trip fast, pleasant and comfortable." :

--French National Railroads travel quide
SLIP OF THE MONTH CLUB***

"That was just one of the countless hurdles to be crossed as Canada’
passenger system gets ready to go Fia, and--as Via officials mula Sct go

contemporary."
--Edmonton Journal, Mar 25
(Nothing to Fia but Fia itself.)

"The first rule on communicating with a mechanic, shop foreman or serv
is, Speak Up!... One of the best shortcuts to coumntestion gay have cicone
by Tuneup Masters. Their work order has a section called 'Car Problem Information’
to be filled out by the customer, Included is a series of bores to be checked off.
Each describes a particular problem, such as knocking, hard starting, stalling,

smoking, missing, hesitating or sluggish running, p!
something ‘other than show," - Sapte oer eee

--Motor Trend magazine, May
(Yeah, cars are a bore. Try the train.)
page 21

EXPRESS ADS

RTN READERS: SUPPORT YOUR FRIENDLY ADVERTISERS’ Courteous, competent help in
securing the best available accommodations on Amtrak, CN, CP, Princess Patricia,
etc. Write GREAT WESTERN TOURS, 639 Market St., Suite 300, San Francisco 94105,
or call us at (415) 398-2994. Pay by check or credit card--we make it easy!

MEXICO RAILFAN FUN-TRAIN--October 8-21, 1978--"Trip of a Thousand Wonders (4.1%
grades)" & Copper Canyon (open gondola). Private cars SOONERLAND & MISTLETOE
plus Mexican sleeping cars. Mexico City Metro subway, shops, streetcars and
SAHAGUN car factory. Guadalajara subway and shops. Ride on locomotive. Trip
starts in Oklahoma (join anywhere). For full details and map, write:

Howard Thornton, Midwest Travel Servica, 2936R Bella Vista, Midwest City 73110
SUMMER Rail TRAVELERS.. Reserve NOW and avoid paying the summer fare surcharges
which will range up to 10% more than the present rates. Details from the rail
specialists, Let's Travel Tours, PO Box 2768, Riverside CA 92516. 714-787-8350.
B-Day Rail Adventure--Nashville to Glacier Park, Escorted froa Nashville. Al)
meals, hotel accommodations, transfers, sightseeing, and aost gratuities inclu-
ded. Fly or rail to Chicago, then bedroom on EMPIRE BUILDER. Depart August 1
from Nashville (price 3135). Join tour in Chicago (reduced setae) Send for
brochure: Jay Smith Travel, #2 Cookeville Mall, Cookeville TH 38501.

Boston-Bellows Falls WI roundtrip Jun 24. First daylite train B&M CT River line
in 12 yrs. Photo runbys, optional side trips to Steamtown & White River Jct.
$29.95 by 6/1. Hass. Bay RR Enthusiasts, Box 136, Dept N, Ward Hil) HA 01830.

Express, Railroad & Traction uniform buttons. Send $1 for sample & list. J. La-
joie, 22 Stevens, Methuen HA 01844. See you at Edaville June 18 & 19, 1978.

B TIMETABLES - Public & Laployes New list monthly. SAE for latest list. Coapen-
diue of AMTRAK timetables, 50g. CARL LOUCKS, 199 Wayland, Hasden CT 06578,

DIBING CAR DISHES, glasses, silver, cloth. Timetables, quides, stationery, rules,
I netal, Pullman iters fro 30 railroads. Long staaped envelope for list. See us at

Mile lifgh RAILFAIR '78, Golden, Colo, July 8&9. J. McClellan, 1752 S. wichita,
Wichita, Kan. 67213. Wil] buy large or _saall railroad collections. Also trade.

DOES THE PIONEER look any different from the ANK RUTLEDGE or HILLTOPPER? See for
yourself with Northwest Rail Images’ newest slide sets: A Look at Amtrak in the
West, and A Look at Amtrak in the East. Each 25eslide set is $6.00 postpaid; add
25¢ each for Ist class aail. N.R.1., 4891 Donald Street, Eugene, Oregon 97405.

STREET-CAR days in Seattle: “Trolley Trails Through the west®, Vol. fl, new
iTlustrated edition. $3 including postage. Hilson Brothers Publications,
Dept. RIN, Box 712, Yakima WA 98907.

BREAKFAST ABOARD THE CAPITOL LIMITED, rolling east thru Harper's Ferry--something
worth rereabering. Did you order the King's Breakfast? Frame this fine Capitol
Limited 1970 Breakfast menu reprint. Only $1 plus 25¢ postage and handling from
The Pullman Travel Company, Box 6843, Chicago, li 60680. (SSAE brings list)
ATTENTION RAILFANS: 25-day trip from Fla, to NRHS Convention in Portland, leaving
about Aug. 21. Shortlines and industrials to be visited on the way. Want two or
3 to share expenses. Join anywhere. J. L. Oates, 810 wolf Tr, Casselberry Fl 32707
MIRABEL AIRPORT? Take CP Dayliner 133 from Montreal or CP 132/134 from Ottawa-Hull
to Mirabel CP station & transfer to Albert Martel's Cab. Call 514-258-2408 to re-
serve in advance, Taxi takes 10 minutes, costs $4 all-inclusive. VIA Rail to Hira-
bel! TRANSPORT 2000 OTTAWA Region, Box 300, Chelsea, Que. JOX 4N0.

RIN ADVERTISING RATES: Express Ads $1 per line of 80 spaces. Display ads §1.25
per square inch. Rail Travel News, Box 9007, Berkeley CA 94709,

page

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Announcing Another Detailed Passenger Train Consist Book

eos es Soe

by Fred W. Frailey

THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF AMTRAK

"ZEPHYRS CHIEFS AND OTHER ORPHANS"
THE TRAINS

THE POWER
THE CARS

Nowhere else will railfans learn so much about how Amtrak operated its trains between i971
and 1976. Separate chapters on each route detail the consists and car assignments, how and
why they changed--locomotives too. A special section on Amtrak's power gives as all time
roster of locomotives, plus retirement, rebuilding dates, and assignments. Every piece of
Amtrak rolling stock is individually listed in a 57 page section that includes actual talk ae
ignments each February and August from 1971 to 1976. Complete with more that 100 photos

and drawings of Amtrak cars, this is a well researched book that you will reread HE OE 8

time.

260 pages, 8 1/2 x 11" softbound, $10.50 postpaid.

RPC Publications
P.O. Box 296
Godfrey, Illinois 62035

Name - paki

Address

City — . State Zip

(linois residents please add 5% sales tax).

29.23