Oh no! What was supposed to be the debut of Amtrak's newest locomotives on the Empire Builder turned out to be a complete disaster. Siemens ACC-42's 301/302 were supposed to lead #7 out of Chicago but PTC would not work. Amtrak 84 was brought in at the last second to lead the train, but the problems were just beginning. #84 had issues a few miles outside of Chicago and there was a small fire in the lounge car. The train was an hour late into Milwaukee. Not the greatest way to start the trip.
The Empire Builder crosses the state on its way to St. Paul, Seattle and Portland. The Hiawatha Corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago is one of Amtrak's busiest routes.
