Amtrak

Description

Against all odds, the passenger train survives in the United States. The formation of Amtrak in 1971 heralded the end of privately operated passenger train service and ushered in an era of interdity train travel financed on a budget that has vacillated between the virtually non-existent and the barely adequate. This pictorial history, only the second of its kind, to trace the 30-plus-year history of Amtrak begins with a look at the rise and fall of privately run passenger train service followed by a look at Amtrak's infant stage from 1971 through 1976. Also examined is the period from 1976 to 1991, when Amtrak finally established an image, buying new equipment and refurbishing old, as well as growing its ridership despite a severely limited budget. Modern and period color photos also illustrate such aspects of Amtrak as its motive power, including the high-speed Acela Express; its diverse array of rolling stock and equipment, much of it inherited from predecessor roads; famous long-distance trains past and present; short-haul comdors. The photography shows Amtrak operations across the country and the book also features a look at where this controversial program is likely to head in the future.

Brian Solomon has authored several books about railroads and motive power, including MBI's recent Modern Locomotives and GE Locomotives. His writing and photography have been featured in the world's most prominent railfan publications, including Trains and RailNews. He splits his time between Monson, Massachusetts, and Dublin, Ireland.