Airo at Palmer Lake
Amtrak delivered a test consist of “Airo” cars and associated control car and other Amtrak equipment along the Joint Line on a hot day in July, 2025.
Proving an interesting twist on the usual BNSF traffic, the kids were enthusiastically cheering at the passing train while it made its way south to Pueblo past Palmer Lake.
Courtesy Amtrak:
“ All systems go ?? Next stop: the East Coast.
The first new Amtrak Cascades trainset wrapped up testing in Pueblo, CO and is officially headed to the Northeast Corridor for additional testing—marking a major milestone on the path to launching new trains on the Amtrak Cascades corridor in 2026.
This trainset is part of our bold transformation in passenger rail. Known within the industry as part of Amtrak’s Airo fleet, a total of 83 new trainsets will roll out across the country, starting with Amtrak Cascades, followed by the Northeast Regional, and other key routes.
With Pacific Northwest-inspired design, modern amenities, and regional food and beverage offerings, we’re redefining the journey—one route at a time.
Watch for this beautiful train as it travels across the country.”
media.amtrak.com/2025/10/from-pueblo-to-the-northeast-air...
All this excitement brought out the rail fans as well, a fast spirited chase from Denver to Pueblo. With one Colorado Springs railfan, Derek Brown and William: flic.kr/p/2rCWMJ9
