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Presidential Campaigns Take to the Rails

November 2, 2012

Trains have long been a part of the campaign trail, carrying presidents and candidates on whistle-stop tours across the country. Since its founding in 1971, Amtrak has been proud to be part of this tradition.


Digging into the Archives: Introducing Amfleet

October 9, 2012

Amtrak declared 1975 "The Year of the Amfleet" in celebration of the stock of new, modern cars that would define the look of the railroad for decades to come.


A Journey Into the Future, 1977

September 21, 2012

With a range of 950 miles and a top rated speed of 125 miles per hour, the sleekly futuristic Turboliners swept passengers into the 21st century in comfort.


Amtrak Year-by-Year: 1976

September 13, 2012

As the nation celebrated its bicentennial, Amtrak gained control of the vital Northeast Corridor and became, according to President and CEO Paul Reistrup, "a full-fledged member of the railroad community."


Digging into the Archives: A Brief History of the Beech Grove Shops

August 27, 2012

Amtrak gained its first major maintenance facility in 1975 when it purchased the Beech Grove, Ind. shops from Penn Central. Today, Beech Grove employees ensure the safety and reliability of the fleet by maintaining high work standards.


Leading the 1977 Steam Excursion Train

August 21, 2012

Locomotive #4449 made one of its last cross-country trips for Amtrak on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.


Amtrak Year-by-Year: 1974-1975

August 9, 2012

Expanded service was the byword for the mid-1970s as Amtrak continued to refine its route map. Intermodal connections with the nation's intercity bus providers also extended Amtrak's reach into numerous communities.


Amtrak Images: The Out-of-Place Cup

July 30, 2012

Looking closely at some of Amtrak's early marketing materials, you might find a few surprises--such as Santa Fe Railway china in a brochure promoting Florida travel.


Amtrak Year-by-Year: 1973

July 16, 2012

The passing of legislation in Congress set the foundation for Amtrak's takeover of the Northeast Corridor, and new locomotives and rolling stock were ordered to replace the existing "Rainbow Fleet" inherited from predecessor railroads.


Digging into the Archives: A look at the Auto Train

June 20, 2012

Offering easy access to central Florida's theme parks and sandy beaches, the Auto Train is one of Amtrak's most popular services.