Amtrak Video Library
Amtrak Special Trains
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Date: October 26, 1995
Train: R19 Host Railroad: NS Locomotives: Turbotrain 151 and 159 Location: Slidell, LA to New Orleans, LA A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Here are a few video clips taken on October 26, 1995 of Amtrak passenger extra R19 running into New Orleans on the Norfolk Southern. This was a positioning move for a Turbo Train set that was visiting many parts of the Amtrak network for display. The scenes here are passing the depot Slidell, LA, cruising along Lake Pontchartrain at Little Woods, and easing by East City Junction in New Orleans. A few quick shots were taken at N.O.U.P.T. as well. This train consisted of Engine/Coach 151, Coach 179, Cafe 180, Coach 181, and Engine/Coach 159.
Trains 1 & 2 - The Sunset Limited
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Date: August 13, 1991
Train: No. 2 Host Railroad: Amtrak/N.O.U.P.T. Locomotives: AMTK 712 - AMTK 238 Location: New Orleans, LA A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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A POOCH and a PUP – Sunset Limited – August 1991
P30CH 712
F40PH 238
1213 baggage car
39933 high-level dormitory-coach
39957 high-level coach
39947 high-level coach
34041 Superliner coach
33021 Superliner lounge
38012 Superliner diner
32043 Superliner sleeper
Amtrak P30CH 712 and F40PH 238 lead train No. 2, the Eastbound Sunset Limited, into New Orleans. The first photo location is on N.O.U.P.T. trackage between Carrollton Junction and the Jefferson Davis overpass. The second photo location is from the Claiborne Avenue bridge over the tracks near Clara Street Tower. From here we can see the train backing into N.O.U.P.T.
P30CH 712
F40PH 238
1213 baggage car
39933 high-level dormitory-coach
39957 high-level coach
39947 high-level coach
34041 Superliner coach
33021 Superliner lounge
38012 Superliner diner
32043 Superliner sleeper
Amtrak P30CH 712 and F40PH 238 lead train No. 2, the Eastbound Sunset Limited, into New Orleans. The first photo location is on N.O.U.P.T. trackage between Carrollton Junction and the Jefferson Davis overpass. The second photo location is from the Claiborne Avenue bridge over the tracks near Clara Street Tower. From here we can see the train backing into N.O.U.P.T.
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Date: August 17, 1991
Train: No. 1 Host Railroad: Amtrak/N.O.U.P.T. Locomotives: AMTK 238 - AMTK 716 Location: New Orleans, LA A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Amtrak No. 1 - Carrollton Junction - August 17, 1991
Amtrak F40PH 238 and P30CH 716 lead train No. 1, the Westbound Sunset Limited, by Carrollton Junction on the way out of New Orleans.
Amtrak F40PH 238 and P30CH 716 lead train No. 1, the Westbound Sunset Limited, by Carrollton Junction on the way out of New Orleans.
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Date: August 24, 1991
Train: No. 1 Host Railroad: NOPB/SP Locomotives: 254 - 717 - 712 Location: New Orleans Area; Avondale, Louisiana A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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The Sunset Limited Crosses the Mississippi River – August 24, 1991
254 F40
717 P30
712 P30
1264 baggage car
39915 high-level dormitory-coach
39960 high-level coach
34053 Superliner coach
34080 Superliner coach
33011 Superliner lounge
38024 Superliner diner
32012 ? Superliner sleeper
33 TAMALPAIAS private car
The Huey P. Long Bridge is the southernmost rail crossing of the mighty Mississippi River. The rail portion is 22,996 feet in length with two road portions 8,076 feet in length. The longest span is 790 feet long with 153 feet of clearance to the Mississippi River below.
It is difficult to find a vantage point that truly conveys how impressive this structure is. From the west bank of the river we found a perch on this day to witness marine traffic going about its own business on the water as Amtrak train No. 1, the Westbound Sunset Limited, begins its westward trek overhead.
This train’s three locomotives (1 F40PH and 2 P30CHs) are dwarfed by this enormous structure.
Train speed on the bridge allowed us to beat the train to the west end of Avondale Yard where we got one last run-by of Train No. 1.
254 F40
717 P30
712 P30
1264 baggage car
39915 high-level dormitory-coach
39960 high-level coach
34053 Superliner coach
34080 Superliner coach
33011 Superliner lounge
38024 Superliner diner
32012 ? Superliner sleeper
33 TAMALPAIAS private car
The Huey P. Long Bridge is the southernmost rail crossing of the mighty Mississippi River. The rail portion is 22,996 feet in length with two road portions 8,076 feet in length. The longest span is 790 feet long with 153 feet of clearance to the Mississippi River below.
It is difficult to find a vantage point that truly conveys how impressive this structure is. From the west bank of the river we found a perch on this day to witness marine traffic going about its own business on the water as Amtrak train No. 1, the Westbound Sunset Limited, begins its westward trek overhead.
This train’s three locomotives (1 F40PH and 2 P30CHs) are dwarfed by this enormous structure.
Train speed on the bridge allowed us to beat the train to the west end of Avondale Yard where we got one last run-by of Train No. 1.
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Date: July 13, 1997
Train: No. 2 Host Railroad: BNSF Locomotives: AMTK 66 Location: Cab Ride through New Iberia, Louisiana A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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The video I recently posted of an SP train rolling through “The Trough” in New Iberia inspired my dig out this video of the same location from a different perspective. This time we will view the railroad from Amtrak P42DC 66 on the head end of train No. 2, the eastbound Sunset Limited.
Some changes have taken place since the last video. The railroad is now owned by the BNSF. All new grade crossings have been installed down Washington Street and better drainage has been provided for. The signals and salt-and-pepper ballast do give away the railroad’s recent Southern Pacific heritage however.
The BNSF Avondale dispatcher seems to be having some weather related headaches. Technicians are busy restoring the New Iberia radio tower, there is a malfunction grade crossing, and a trackside defect detector seems to have gone awry! Just another day of railroading…
Of significance is our lead unit, AMTK 66. This locomotive would be painted into the Amtrak Phase II heritage scheme. The 66 sustained severe damage after a grade crossing collision on February 19, 2016 and will likely be scrapped.
Some changes have taken place since the last video. The railroad is now owned by the BNSF. All new grade crossings have been installed down Washington Street and better drainage has been provided for. The signals and salt-and-pepper ballast do give away the railroad’s recent Southern Pacific heritage however.
The BNSF Avondale dispatcher seems to be having some weather related headaches. Technicians are busy restoring the New Iberia radio tower, there is a malfunction grade crossing, and a trackside defect detector seems to have gone awry! Just another day of railroading…
Of significance is our lead unit, AMTK 66. This locomotive would be painted into the Amtrak Phase II heritage scheme. The 66 sustained severe damage after a grade crossing collision on February 19, 2016 and will likely be scrapped.
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Date: December 21, 1997
Train: No. 1 Host Railroad: CSX Locomotives: AMTK 826 Location: Cab Ride from Mobile, AL to Pascagoula, MS A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Take a ride aboard Amtrak P40-8 826, the lead locomotive on Train No. 1--the westbound Sunset Limited--on December 21, 1997. Passenger service was halted on the Mississippi Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and has not resumed since.
Trains 5 & 6 - The California Zephyr
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Date: April 8, 1998
Train: No. 5 Host Railroad: SP (Former DRGW) Locomotives: AMTK 29 Location: Cab Ride through Glenwood Springs, Colorado A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Glenwood Springs, CO - April 8, 1998 - Head End Video
This video began with a fun clip I thought I'd share. We are on the former Rio Grande mainline in the Colorado Rockies on the head end of Amtrak Train No. 5, the westbound California Zephyr. Our power is Amtrak P42DCs 29, 32, and 57.
Glenwood Springs is always a great place to visit. The three CNW locomotives on the intermodal train we meet give away the line's new Union Pacific ownership.
This would be one of my last trips as an intern for Amtrak. When this train arrived in Oakland, CA it would discover that I had been accepted into the BNSF train dispatching program and a new chapter in my life would begin. The rest, as they say, is history!
This video began with a fun clip I thought I'd share. We are on the former Rio Grande mainline in the Colorado Rockies on the head end of Amtrak Train No. 5, the westbound California Zephyr. Our power is Amtrak P42DCs 29, 32, and 57.
Glenwood Springs is always a great place to visit. The three CNW locomotives on the intermodal train we meet give away the line's new Union Pacific ownership.
This would be one of my last trips as an intern for Amtrak. When this train arrived in Oakland, CA it would discover that I had been accepted into the BNSF train dispatching program and a new chapter in my life would begin. The rest, as they say, is history!
Trains 19 & 20 - The Crescent
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Date: June 30, 1991
Train: No. 19 Host Railroad: NS Locomotives: F40PH - GP40 Location: Meridian, MS A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Amtrak No. 19 - Meridian MS - June 30, 1991
Amtrak train No. 19, the Southbound Crescent, arrives in Meridian, MS behind an F40PH and a GP40. This would be my ride back to New Orleans!
Amtrak train No. 19, the Southbound Crescent, arrives in Meridian, MS behind an F40PH and a GP40. This would be my ride back to New Orleans!
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Date: August 13, 1991
Train: No. 19 Host Railroad: NS Locomotives: AMTK 361 - AMTK 338 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana - Seabrook Draw A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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August 13, 1991
Amtrak train No. 19, the Southbound Crescent, passes by the New Orleans Lakefront Airport and then rolls through Seabrook Drawbridge with a pair of F40PH's doing the honors.
Amtrak train No. 19, the Southbound Crescent, passes by the New Orleans Lakefront Airport and then rolls through Seabrook Drawbridge with a pair of F40PH's doing the honors.
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Date: August 20, 1991
Train: No. 20 Host Railroad: NS Locomotives: AMTK F40PH 294 - AMTK GP40 652 Location: Slidell, Louisiana - Woods Siding A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Amtrak Train No. 20 – Woods – August 20, 1991
When spending vacations with my uncle in Slidell, LA I would always set the alarm in time to get the shot of Amtrak train No. 20, the Northbound Crescent. This morning yielded brilliant light to illuminate the Crescent at speed in the trees at Woods, the siding on the south side of town.
F40PH 294 and GP40 652 have no problem getting after this train’s schedule!
When spending vacations with my uncle in Slidell, LA I would always set the alarm in time to get the shot of Amtrak train No. 20, the Northbound Crescent. This morning yielded brilliant light to illuminate the Crescent at speed in the trees at Woods, the siding on the south side of town.
F40PH 294 and GP40 652 have no problem getting after this train’s schedule!
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Date: August 20, 1991
Train: No. 19 Host Railroad: NS Locomotives: AMTK F40PH 225 - AMTK GP40 660 Location: Slidell, Louisiana - Amtrak Depot A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Amtrak No. 19 - Slidell, LA - August 20, 1991
This train would be my ride home from Slidell to New Orleans. Amtrak F40PH 225 and GP40 660 lead the southbound Crescent into to the usual screeching stop at the former Southern Railway depot.
There is great excitement to be experienced while standing on a station platform as a long-distance passenger train makes its call - the sound, sight, feeling, smell...very sensory!
I did not get the whole train of course because I had to board...did not want to miss my ride home!
This train would be my ride home from Slidell to New Orleans. Amtrak F40PH 225 and GP40 660 lead the southbound Crescent into to the usual screeching stop at the former Southern Railway depot.
There is great excitement to be experienced while standing on a station platform as a long-distance passenger train makes its call - the sound, sight, feeling, smell...very sensory!
I did not get the whole train of course because I had to board...did not want to miss my ride home!
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Date: September 8, 1993
Train: No. 20 Host Railroad: NS Locomotives: AMTK P40-8 819 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana - East City A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Wednesday September 8, 1993 - Amtrak P40-8 819 accelerates train No. 20, the Northbound Crescent, out of East City by Milepost 4 on the Norfolk Southern's New Orleans Terminal mainline.
The 819 is seen during its brief life. Brand new here, the unit would be destroyed in 13 days at Big Bayou Canot near Moblie, AL after striking a bridge knocked out of alignment by a barge
The 819 is seen during its brief life. Brand new here, the unit would be destroyed in 13 days at Big Bayou Canot near Moblie, AL after striking a bridge knocked out of alignment by a barge
Trains 58 & 59 - The City of New Orleans
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Date: August 19, 1989
Trains: No. 58 and No. 59 Host Railroad: IC Locomotives: AMTK 312 - AMTK 257 Location: Jefferson, Louisiana A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Amtrak Trains 58 and 59 Meet at Central Avenue – August 19, 1989
The scheduled arrival of Amtrak train No. 59, the Southbound City of New Orleans, and the scheduled departure of train No. 58, the Northbound City of New Orleans, were close enough that it was not uncommon to find both trains meeting somewhere in the New Orleans area.
On this day we find train No. 59 easing along IC track A-1 at the south end of Mays Yard as it approaches Central Avenue and East Bridge Junction to meet No. 58 which is accelerating rapidly on the IC main line!
Both trains sport a pair of F40PH’s and dome cars!
The scheduled arrival of Amtrak train No. 59, the Southbound City of New Orleans, and the scheduled departure of train No. 58, the Northbound City of New Orleans, were close enough that it was not uncommon to find both trains meeting somewhere in the New Orleans area.
On this day we find train No. 59 easing along IC track A-1 at the south end of Mays Yard as it approaches Central Avenue and East Bridge Junction to meet No. 58 which is accelerating rapidly on the IC main line!
Both trains sport a pair of F40PH’s and dome cars!
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Date: August 16, 1991
Train: No. 58 Host Railroad: IC Locomotives: AMTK 361 - AMTK 338 Location: Hammond, Louisiana A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Amtrak No. 58 – Hammond, LA – August 16, 1991
Amtrak train No. 58, the Northbound City of New Orleans makes its station stop at Hammond, Louisiana. F40PHs 361 and 338 power the train today.
Amtrak train No. 58, the Northbound City of New Orleans makes its station stop at Hammond, Louisiana. F40PHs 361 and 338 power the train today.
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Date: September 13, 1992
Train: No. 58 Host Railroad: Amtrak/NOUPT Locomotives: AMTK 197 - AMTK 657 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Two GP's on Amtrak No. 58 - Carrollton Junction - September 13, 1992
1254 baggage car
4724 coach
4604 coach
4013 coach
9400 dome
4612 coach
28023 food service car
2452 sleeper ORANGE GROVE
2983 sleeper PINE ARROYO
Amtrak GP40TC 197 and GP40 657 lead train No. 58, the northbound City of New Orleans, at Carrollton Junction in New Orleans. Although it was very common during this period to find a GP40 or a GP40TC paired up with an F40PH on the City of New Orleans, an all-GP locomotive consist was very unusual!
1254 baggage car
4724 coach
4604 coach
4013 coach
9400 dome
4612 coach
28023 food service car
2452 sleeper ORANGE GROVE
2983 sleeper PINE ARROYO
Amtrak GP40TC 197 and GP40 657 lead train No. 58, the northbound City of New Orleans, at Carrollton Junction in New Orleans. Although it was very common during this period to find a GP40 or a GP40TC paired up with an F40PH on the City of New Orleans, an all-GP locomotive consist was very unusual!
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Date: April 25, 1993
Train: No. 58 Host Railroad: IC Locomotives: F40PH - GP40 Location: Southport - New Orleans Area A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Amtrak No. 58 the way I remember it! Video clip from April 25, 1993 at Southport in the New Orleans area - An F40PH, a GP40, and a mostly heritage consist including 2 dome cars...
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Date: September 8, 1993
Train: No. 58, No. 59, No. 1 Host Railroad: Amtrak/NOUPT Locomotives: 818/349 - 806 - 807/354/394 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana A C.M. Palmieri Video - ©Meridian Speedway Productions |
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Wednesday September 8, 1993 - Amtrak City of New Orleans trains meet at North Wye Junction.
Brand new Amtrak P40-8s were abundant in the Big Easy on this day. The morning began with the ill-fated 819 leading No. 20 out of town.
This video begins with P40-8 818 leading F40PH 349 on train No. 58, the northbound City of New Orleans. This train eases to a stop at North Wye Junction just as P40-8 806 shows up on queue with the southbound City of New Orleans, No. 59.
Next we move past the N.O.U.P.T. sand tower to catch the 806 backing No. 59 towards the station.
Finally, and less than 30 minutes after the first scene, we catch train No. 1, the eastbound Sunset Limited, arriving from Florida. Our vantage point is in the Wye behind the Amtrak diesel shop. P40-8 807 leads F40PHs 354 and 394 carefully around the wye. A couple of former Santa Fe hi-level cars are on this train!
New Orleans was the assigned maintenance facility for the new 800's. These machines were just beginning to get acquainted with their new home!
Brand new Amtrak P40-8s were abundant in the Big Easy on this day. The morning began with the ill-fated 819 leading No. 20 out of town.
This video begins with P40-8 818 leading F40PH 349 on train No. 58, the northbound City of New Orleans. This train eases to a stop at North Wye Junction just as P40-8 806 shows up on queue with the southbound City of New Orleans, No. 59.
Next we move past the N.O.U.P.T. sand tower to catch the 806 backing No. 59 towards the station.
Finally, and less than 30 minutes after the first scene, we catch train No. 1, the eastbound Sunset Limited, arriving from Florida. Our vantage point is in the Wye behind the Amtrak diesel shop. P40-8 807 leads F40PHs 354 and 394 carefully around the wye. A couple of former Santa Fe hi-level cars are on this train!
New Orleans was the assigned maintenance facility for the new 800's. These machines were just beginning to get acquainted with their new home!
