Amtrak's first Metroliner "paint scheme" is seen in this photo, with an Amtrak sticker simply pasted over the Penn Central heralds. No. 859 is a Budd-GE parlor/snack car, equipped with four 255 hp DC traction motors. Note the odd original-equipment Tomlinson coupler. The center headlight was of the oscillating-type, which was an added safety feature back in the days of numerous grade crossings on the southern end of the Northeast Corridor. The 2-chime horn was probably not as loud as it should have been, but it had a shrill, distinctive sound, which was attention-getting.
Lots of acton one of the busiest - and fastest - sections of the Northeast Corridor plus the Capitol Limited going through Harpers Ferry, Sand Patch Tunnel and more.