ZAP! After a lot of patience, I captured a good sized arc, or the visible discharge of electricity between the catenary wire and pantograph's carbon strips. At high speeds, some arcing is ... (more)

monocoque noun (mono·?coque | ?mä-n?-?k?k): a type of construction (as of a fuselage) in which the outer skin carries all or a major part of the stresses (courtesy Merriam-Webster). more)

171 gets scuffed and prepped for new paint.

The stained glass in the ceiling of Baltimore Penn Station is beautiful. I wonder how many people walk right on through on their phone without bothering to look up?

The first 50th Anniversary P42 was this one, appearing in traditional Phase V paint. The uproar among the peanut gallery was quite impressive. "This is what we get after 50 years!?" &... (more)

The same, yet different.

The rear of the 301 sports the original "motion mark" logo of Amtrak.

The "Coke" or "Polar Bear" unit was the first and so far only wrap (but likely not the last) to be applied to an ACS-64, gathering a lot of interest among fans and travelers. ... (more)

Auto Train runs its last few miles before reaching the northern Terminus in Lorton, with passengers enjoying the view of the scenic creeks and rivers of Virginia before preparing to continue their... (more)

Traveling overnight by train is exiting for kids, because... bunkbeds! Mom and son are enjoying their electronic devices before getting some Z's after a nice dinner in the Diner on Auto Train.

Enjoying the view and having great times in the Superliner Sightseer Lounge aboard Amtrak's California Zephyr through Glenwood Canyon.

The world's smallest and largest ALC-42s meet. 301 wearing the Day 1 50th Anniversary livery and 300 wearing Phase VI, represented as wooden toys compatible with BRIO and other wooden trai... (more)

The northbound Silver Meteor makes its station stop at Rocky Mount, running with an abbreviated consist due to low travel demand during COVID19.

Amtrak Empire Service along the Erie Canal at Clyde, NY.

A reconditioned GE prime mover sits on the floor of the Beech Grove shops, with the 709 in the background. This facility was built in 1904, and has a fantastic charm to it. While still cranking o... (more)