No doubt about it – the economics of transportation sets the pace for what we see on the rails in terms of technology and frequency, more so in the case of Amtrak. Amtrak was a child born out of necessity 54 years ago. To some it marked the end of the grand era of luxury …
The diesel-electric revolution started off in a less-than auspicious fashion. Central Railroad of New Jersey, later known as the Jersey Central Lines, acquired what is recognized to be the first “diesel” in daily service – locomotive #1000 – to address smoke abatement concerns at its lower Manhattan freight yard, switching operation. The “switcher” designation reflected …
The efficiency, mass-pulling power and speed of steam locomotives advanced materially on March 28, 1925 – the date Lima Locomotive Works #1, a revolutionary 2-8-4 design, began daily road service in western Massachusetts. Designated class A-1-A by its sponsor, the New York Central-controlled Boston & Albany, Lima Locomotive #1 was the first steam locomotive constructed …
Respected and sometimes feared rail executive Louis W. Menk once proclaimed: “You couldn’t make money then, can’t make money now, and won’t make money ever on intercity passenger trains!” Interestingly, Menk was a member of Amtrak’s first Board of Directors. Menk’s beliefs – held by many railroad and business executives – and the loss leader …
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