Featured – Page 6 – Railfanning.org

Another London Tube Strike Set for Monday

May 3, 2014 Todd DeFeo

A 72-hour tube strike is set to commence Monday evening, according to published reports.

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway Takes a Trip Back in Time Through N. Ga. Mountains

March 30, 2014 Todd DeFeo

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway has been ferrying tourists and railfans between Blue Ridge, Ga., and the Georgia-Tennessee state line since 1998. The heritage railroad train departs from the historic 1906 Louisville & Nashville Railroad depot in downtown Blue Ridge and treks northward for an hour, providing riders with a beautiful view of the scenic North Georgia landscape.

Amtrak wants 16 percent more in federal funding for FY2015

March 30, 2014 Todd DeFeo

Amtrak wants federal taxpayers to pony up 16 percent more in funding for the upcoming Fiscal Year 2015, according to a new request from the railroad. For the fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1, the railroad is asking for $1.62 billion in federal support. Amtrak received approximately $1.4 billion from in federal funds for the current fiscal year.

Breaking Down the Amtrak Long-Distance Consist

November 29, 2013 Todd DeFeo

Amtrak’s long-distance trains between New York and southern destinations more or less look like a compilation of the first dozen or so cars the railroad could find.

Northeast Corridor Must Not be Taken for Granted, Amtrak Head Says

November 15, 2013 Todd DeFeo

The Northeast Corridor is an “asset of national importance” and requires significant upgrades in order ensure it remains in good working order, the head of Amtrak recently told a subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.

Amtrak Set to Begin Testing New Long-Distance Passenger Cars

November 1, 2013 Todd DeFeo

Amtrak is planning to start field testing its new long-distance passenger rail cars this winte

Amtrak’s new ACS-64 locomotives undergoing testing in Colorado

August 13, 2013 Todd DeFeo

PHILADELPHIA — Amtrak’s next generation of locomotives are undergoing “rigorous” testing before they enter regular service next fall. A pair of the Amtrak Cities Sprinter (ACS-64) electric locomotives are being put through the paces at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) facility in Pueblo, Colo., while a third locomotive will run field tests on the Northeast and Keystone corridors this summer. A fourth will be tested in a climate-controlled chamber to see how it reacts to the extreme temperatures — both hot and cold — it might see while in service. The new ACS-64 locomotives, built by Siemens Mobility, will replace

Central Florida’s SunRail scheduled to open next year

July 26, 2013 Todd DeFeo

ORLANDO, Fla. – Work on Central Florida’s first commuter rail line is progressing, and the line is expected to open by next year. Work to convert the corridor for use by SunRail remains ongoing and the headway is quite apparent. For example, new platforms are nearing completion at the Amtrak stations in Orlando and Winter Park; the stations will continue to serve the national passenger railroad once SunRail starts operations. As part of the 12-stop, 32-mile first phase, trains will operate between DeBary, north of Orlando’s city center, and Sand Lake Road in Orlando. When the second phase opens in

Amtrak: We’re 88 percent self sufficient

March 13, 2013 Railfanning.org News Wire

Amtrak is riding a wave of record ridership to highlight its reducing dependence on federal subsidies to support operations.

Amtrak: Private dollars will follow taxpayer funding

December 18, 2012 Todd DeFeo

As Amtrak looks to upgrade its operations in the Northeast Corridor, the railroad made it clear public money will be needed to jump start the project.