Vol. 4, No. 23 December 20, 1977 Canceled, Reduced Service ______I To Be Restored By

All that were cancelled or Charleston. An immediate shift to the January 8 with a new schedule that is reduced in frequency during Sep­ Raleigh line would disrupt travel expected to attract considerably more tember and October because of the , plans of large numbers of passengers. riders. funding squeeze will be restored. New Haven-Springfield-This ser­ -Milwaukee-One daily Amtrak's management described vice will be restored on January 8 to round-trip is to be the details of the restoration plan in a pre-October levels, although minor restored on January 8. This service letter sent in mid-December to all changes will be required to maintain cannot run exactly as it was operated members of Congress representing connections with other trains on the before September because Chicago­ districts affected by the cutbacks. The New York-Boston line through New Seattle trains through Milwaukee restorations are in keeping with the Haven, including commuter trains have been rescheduled. instructions of a Congressional con­ not operated by Amtrak. San Joaquin-The San Francisco­ ference committee that intercity train The CIamdigger-The New Haven­ Bakersfield train was scheduled for service remain substantially unchang­ Providence service is to be restored (Continued on page 7) ed until Congress reviews a Depart­ ment of Transportation study of Am­ Beech Grove Funds Approved trak's national route system that is due March I. At its December 14 meeting, Am­ - Structural and other im­ Some trains will resume operation trak's board of directors approved provements to wheel, paint, coach, on January 8, but others are not funding for the third phase of a forge and maintenance shops, and slated for full operation until next modernization program at the Beech other buildings. summer when new equipment will be Grove shops in . When Amtrak purchased the Beech available. The five-partlfive-year moderniza­ Grove shops from the bankrupt Penn Also, some services cannot be tion program, estimated to cost $29 , Central railroad in April 1975, the restored exactly as they were million, will result in a facility that physical plant was in very dete­ operating because times of connect­ can handle all present, as well as fu ­ riorated condition resulting in fre­ ing trains have been changed. Amtrak ture, requirements for heavy overhaul quent production breakdowns and will work closely with the respective and specialty work. higher operating costs. states to make sure schedules are The refurbished shops will also be A five-year construction program agreeable to them. able to rehabilitate car components was planned to minimize conflict with The following services are to be for the entire Amtrak system as well production schedules at the shop. restored or kept at their pre­ as provide a warehousing and distri­ Phase I, which began in fiscal year September service levels : bution point for car components. 1976, covered repairs and improve­ The -The New York­ Phase III, estimated to cost $6.4 ments to the power plant's heating Savannah train was reduced to four­ million, will increase the productive and distribution systems, electrical times-per-week operation in capacity of the shop to handle all pre­ transmission lines, employee facilities September; was restored to daily ser­ sent overhaul programs of the and the car transfer table. vice shortly before Thanksgiving. passenger car fleet. Phase II, which began in fiscal year The train will continue in daily ser­ Specifically, the program provides: '1977, provided for purchase of new vice instead of reverting to quad­ - Rehabilitation and construction machinery and tooling for the pro­ weekly in January. of 17,000 linear feet of track; duction line and supporting shops, The -This service bet­ -Rehabilitation of the coal-fired and for continued rehabilitation of ween New York and Florida, via boilers; existing facilities. Raleigh and Columbia, is to be - Parking lot improvements; Beech Grove shops were con­ restored "as soon as practicable," - Acquisition and installation of structed between 1907 and 1927 and possibly as late as March I. It cur­ production machinery and tools, plus were operated as a heavy car repair rently is combined with the Silver environmental equipment to comply facility by the New York Central Meteor on a route through with federal and state codes; and railroad and, after 1968, by PC. Rensselaer Facility Dedicated, ______I Maintenance Moved To New Building

Amtrak's new Turboliner mainte­ government through its Department were John Downing, executive depu­ nance facility at Rensselaer, New of Transportation. " ty commissioner, New York State York, was dedicated on Wednesday, He also contrasted the new Department of Transportation; November 30, with a ceremony that building with the previous work en­ Joseph P . Mink, mayor of was attended by some 150 state and vironments. "Until now our 'Tur­ Rensselaer; Thomas Frey, member of local government officials, news boliners have been maintained out­ the New York State Assembly; and media people and local employes. side, under all kinds of weather con­ Jim R!Jseman, assistant vice presi­ During the ceremony, John Piet, ditions. But even under these cir­ dent/ corporate mechanical officer, Eastern region vice president, said cumstances, our crews have done a and Robert Lawson, assistant vice that the new facility "will contribute tremendous job keeping the equip­ president/ engineer, both of to the reliability and comfort of the ment running smoothly. Amtrak, Washington. and other equipment that "That's proven by the fact that Lawson told the group, " We're Amtrak operates In New York since the Turboliners began operating quite proud that the total design and State. " here in autumn 1976, they have construction management of this Piet pointed out that the new facili­ had a 98 per cent mechanical reliabili­ facility was handled 'in house' by our ty is the result of 18 months of hard ty factor." own engineering staff. We're also work by Amtrak engineers and local Piet continued, "This new facility gratified the work was completed on contractors. will now provide our personnel with schedule and within the budget." Said he, "Amtrak is dedicated to the most modern equipment , A short reception followed the improving intercity rail service in this technology and working conditions ceremony featuring coffee, soft state and it is very gratifying to have they need to do their jobs well. " drinks, a special cake decorated with the strong support of the state Also participating in the ceremony a Turboliner, and products of New

(L eft) Paul Baker, superintendent of maintenance, - acts as master of ceremonies a7 dedication. (Below) Employees applaud comments of one of the speakers.

(Right) Turboliner straddles inspection pit that allo ws access to train's trucks. (Far Right) Exterior of north end of building shows entry doors. Enclosed car washer is on extreme left. York-wine and cheese-supplied by Amtrak Named Official Carrier_ ____ the state's Department of Agriculture. I For 1979 Special Olympics Paul Baker, superintendent of maintenance, who was master of Amtrak has been named the of­ Olympic Games will attract more ceremonies, reported most of the ficial carrier for participants and than 3,500 participants and 1,000 maintenance operation was transfer­ visitors to the 1979 International coaches and chaperones from every red inside the new facility early the Special Olympic Games in Brockport, state and over 20 countries following week. Later that same New York. The announcement was throughout the world. About half of week, the area was hit with 12-13 in­ made by Amtrak and Joseph P. Ken­ the state Special Olympics chapters ches of snow and temperatures drop­ nedy, Jr. Foundation, creator and have already indicated an interest in ped to 15-17 degrees, which along sponsor of Special Olympics for the using Amtrak trains for all or part of with stiff winds resulted in a wind­ mentally retarded, at a press con­ their trips to and from the Games chill factor of minus 15-20 degrees. ference aboard an Amcafe in site. "Our timing was pretty good," he Washington Union Station on Tues­ The 1979 Games, which will be admitted. day, December 13. held on the of the State The $15 million facility will now be As the "official carrier" Amtrak University of New York at the maintenance point for all Tur- has agreed to provide attractive rates Brockport, will consist of competi­ for groups of 15 or more traveling on tions in track and field, swimming, Fire Problems regularly scheduled Amtrak trains. diving, gymnastics, basketball , Some chartered trains may also be volleyball, bowling, fl oor and poly Numerous underground fires provided for the International Games hockey , wheelchair races and, fo r the were discovered in excavating for in August 1979. first time in 1979, soccer. the new structure. These were left Participating in the announcement Special Olympics was founded in over from the days when the site were Al Michaud, Amtrak's vice 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, ex­ was used as an ash dump for president of marketing; Robert M. ecutive vice president of the Joseph steam locomotives by the New Montague, executive director of P . Ken nedy, Jr. Foundation. Since York Central railroad. Special Olympics, Inc.; and a group then it has grown from a single track The fires died down each of young Special Olympians from the and field event held at Soldier Fi eld in winter, then reignited in the spr­ Washington metropolitan area. Chicago to a network of year-round ing as the water table receded. "We're very honored to have been sports training programs and com­ Before construction could chosen the official carrier for the petitive meets in which over 750,000 begin, Amtrak had to remove 1979 Games," said Michaud, "and mentally-retarded athletes take part over 3,000 cubic yards of burning we're looking forward to serving throughout the world. material, as well as old concrete many groups of these courageous turntable foundations. Special Olympians over the next two The land was then restored years. with fill and the new building "I think .all of us at Amtrak who begun. come in contact with these amazing young people will be richer for the ex­ boliners operating in New York State. perience. " Early in 1978, the maintenance of Montague remarked that for many locomotives used in New York service of the young people, as well as their will be moved from Harmon to Ren­ chaperones, the Amtrak trip to the sselaer. Olympic Games will be their first The facility is also capable of main­ train ride. "It will be exciting," he taining Amfleet and other types of said, "as well as educational, and a passenger equipment that may be ad­ highlight of their Special Olympics ded to New York State service in the experience. " future. Amtrak's sales force will work The facility begins operations with closel y with Special Olympics 135 employees. As more maintenance organizations across the country to functions are added employment will determine the most convenient and rise to 175 in 1978. economical travel options, including the use of other travel modes combin­ Potentially, the facility could have Two Special Olympians display a prototype as many as 350 employees over the ed with rail transportation. departure sign jor (he proposed special next five years. The 1979 International Special trains.

3 controling Amtrak activities on a solidated field maintenance activities Herman noted, "This new relation­ National Operations Restructured, ______------, longer-term basis, will now be under the jurisdiction of ship between the regional directors, in • To gain greater efficiency the regional director-equipment both maintenance and on-board ser­ Seven Districts Form Three Regions without sacrificing service by maintenance and that district vice, and their counterparts in the eliminating unnecessary layering and managers, on-board service will now districts will provide an easier flow of Amtrak's nationial operations in Chicago; Richard L. Tower, There is no change in the location broadening individual responsibility, report to and receive guidance from technical guidance and ensure greater department was restructured, effec­ superintendent. of regional headquarters. They will • To have reporting relationships the regional director, on-board serv- unformity in attaining departmental tive December 1, to create seven South Central district, continue in San Francisco, Chicago that ease the flow of technical exper­ ice. objectives.' , districts within the existing three and Arlington, Virginia. tise and guidance between lineana regions. Robert A. Herman, vice president, staff functions, and I Corridor's Rathvon, Shoemaker Promoted I The new districts are: national operations, said that several • To gain control of mechanical Eastern Region objectives were taken into considera­ activities that most directly affect Empire district, headquarters in tion before the restructure was ef­ Amtrak's day-to-day activities by Jack W. Rathvon has been ap­ 1976, he continued in his latest posi­ Albany-Rensselaer; Edward Morris, fected . consolidating responsibility for rointed vice president-operations of tion as chief safety officer. Rathvon superintendent. These included: locomotives and cars under regional tile . Succeeding then joined Amtrak in April 1976 as Southern district, headquarters in • To delineate more clearly re­ management. him as assistant vice president-opera­ assistant vice president-operations. Miami; William Grimmer, sponsibility and authority between "This refinement," said Herman, tions will be John K. Shoemaker, for­ Shoemaker is a 31-year railroad superintendent. management involved in day-to-day "will bring national operations closer merly the Corridor's director of inter­ veteran, also starting with the Penn­ Central Region operations and those persons who are to realizing these objectives." city passenger operations. sylvania Railroad at Enola as a Great Lakes district, headquarters primarily in vo lved with planning and Herman also noted that the con- Rathvon reports to Albert M. brakeman. He worked his way Schofield, vice president and general through the ranks and, in 1968, was manager, NEC, and will be responsi ­ appointed assistant superintendent­ ble for the operation of the railroad Philadelphia wi th responsibilities for Western Region Central Region Eastern Region from Boston to Washington over the region's passenger train opera­ which more than 900 passenger, com­ tions. He later held ·that position in muter and freight trains are dis­ New Haven where he assisted in mov­ patched daily. ing the New Haven railroad into the A native of Harrisburg, Rathvon Penn Central merger in 1968. began his railroad career there in 1936 He then held numerous other in the former P ennsylvania managerial positions with the Penn Railroad's Enola shops. After spend­ Central prior to joining Amtrak in ing much of his early career in July 1975 as district superintendent in maintenance of equipment, he be­ Washington. Several months later, he came an assistant trainmaster in 1948. was named manager-Corridor plan­ He held numerous other positions ning and, in that capacity, assisted in ------...... with the Pennsylvania and its suc­ the over all planning and implementa­ cessor, the Penn Central. When the o NORTHEAST tion of Amtrak's acquisition of the CORRIDOR latter was merged into Conrail, in Northeast Corridor. Christie Named Assistant Vice President

Henry C. Christie has been named September 1975 as manager, car plan­ assistant vice president/ chief mainte­ ning and engineering, in the opera­ nance officer, national operations, tions support department. In April effective December I. 1976, he transferred to the national Christie reports to Robert A . Her­ operations department as director of man, vice president and general running maintenance. o EMPIRE manager, national operations, and o NORTHWEST Christie came to Amtrak from the will be responsible for monitoring o SOUTHERN Rock Island Lines where he was o SOUTHWEST and coordinating system car and general superintendent of motive locomotive maintenance activities to _ Amtrak Intercity Aoute power after working his way up the ••• Non- Amtrak InterCity Aoule keep out-of-service time at a mini­ +++ Connecting Bus Service o GREAT LAKES mum. ranks from his first job as a rail detec­ ST. Dn· ~A~'AIII.n"D tor car operator. ST. LOUIS He will also be accountable for the o NUEVO LAREDO development of maintenance stan­ A native of England, he began hi s o SOUTH CENTRAL dards and specifications for field use. railroad career there on Southern Christie joined Amtrak in region of the British Railways.

4 5 Table Service, Refurbished Sleepers _____-----, Begin Operation On Panama Limited

The first table service on an Amfleet train began December 9 on the southbound Panama Limited. The dining service was initiated on the train's Amdinette in conjunction with the restoration of service on the Chicago- route. Sleeping car and regular dining service began on the northbound Panama, from New Orleans, on Sun­ day, December 11. -5 o >< Four of the eight available tables in v the Amdinette are now set with "" .c linens, tableware and fresh flowers. to ..-~- o These are attended by a specially­ ""c.. designated waiter during breakfast and dinner hours and diners select Demonstrating the new service prior to Chicago departure are, left to right, Henry Moore, on­ what they want to eat from new menus. board service attendant; Preston Powell, on-board inspector, Chicago; Thomas P. Thomas, on- board inspector, New Orleans; and Willie Holder, Central region trainer. Signs posted in the Amdinette dis­ tinguish the waiter service section All items on the new menu are Heard also reported that from the other booths, which con­ available to anyone regardless o f passengers on the inaugural runs of tinue to be used for eating food pur­ whether or not they sit in the special the new service, both southbound and chased at the counter or other dining section. northbound, reacted "enthusiastical- passenger activities requiring a-table. "Enthusiasm and cooperation on ly" to tbe table_s.eLvj.ce.___ _ Two dinner entrees and three the part of on-board service person­ If the new service proves successful breakfast meals are offered in addi­ nel in the Central region has been ex­ in the long run, Heard noted, similar tion to regular sandwich and snack ceptional," says Bruce Heard, arrangements may be instituted on items. Convection ovens, similar to manager, on-board service, who is other long-distance Amfleet trains. ones used to heat Metroclub meals, overseeing implementation of the Lounge facilities are another in­ will be used for most of the meals. upgraded service. novation introduced to the Panama Magic Kingdom Sweepstakes Open To Employees

Amtrak employees can help regional personnel officers, Amtrak sweepstakes, membership in the club, celebrate the Walt Disney Magic employees can also enter by si mply which is free, does carry benefits. Kingdom Club's 20th Anniversary by hand printing "MKC 20th Anniver­ These include special ticket books entering a special anniversary sary Sweepstakes" on a 3-by-5-inch at both attractions that are not sweepstakes being offered. piece of paper. Also included must be available to the general public, dis­ Among the 2,500 prizes which will one's name, address and either the count admissions at Cypress be awarded are an expense-paid vaca­ words "Amtrak chapter" or the Gardens, discounts at the Disneyland tion for four at either Disneyland. in chapter number, 52945. hotel, in California, and at the Lake California, or Walt Disney World. in Entries must be mailed to MKC Buena Vi sta hotel plaza, in Florida, Florida; a seven-day Caribbean crui se 20th Anniversary Sweepstakes, P.O. special travel programs and a 10 per aboard a Norwegian-American Lines Box 8, New York, New York 10046. cent discount on double-occupied ship; and a travel trailer built by Employees may enter as often as rooms at over 400 participating Fleetwood. they wish, but each entry must be Howard Johnson motor lodges Prizes range to shorter vacations. mailed in a separate envelope. throughout the country. radios, television sets, Mickey Mouse Entries must be postmarked by Membership in the club is available watches, books and record sets. December 31, received by January 15 . from Missie Truban, Amtrak's club Although there is an official entry Although any employee-club director, 5th Floor, 400 N. Capitol , blank which is available from member or not-can enter the NW, Washington 20001.

6 Limited on December 9. The coach on it for conventional equipment last Because of the Holidays, the next end of the train's Amdinette has been winter. issue will be dated January 15 . arranged in groupings of four, Other trains that have already Happy Holidays. creating a lounge car effect. Amtrak's received the converted first-class design group is currently working on sleepers are the , between Scheduled for the "Amfleet-plus" plans to equip the four-seat groupings Washington and Boston, and the sleepers in January and February is with small tables. , between Washington and the , between Washington Working with Heard in implemen­ Chicago. and Montreal. ting the Panama's upgraded meal ser­ vice is Murl H . Bonesteel, director, Holiday Greetings From Baltimore on-board services, Central region. Service representatives will be riding Amtrak passengers riding between the tree trimmed were paid for by the the train during the next two months Baltimore and Washington on the Baltimore division employees. to observe how the new dining service Northeast Corridor are being wished An official tree lighting ceremony is working out. a happy holiday by the Baltimore was held on Monday, December 12, Sleeping cars now assigned to the division employees with a 20-foot­ with Mike Klima, assistant division train are from the fleet of 25 that are high Christmas tree. engineer, who spearheaded the tree being rebuilt at Amtrak's Beech The tree, donated by Mrs. Ray­ idea, throwing the switch. Grove heavy overhaul facility in In­ mond Woodward of Baltimore, was A 30-foot-high tree will be dianapolis to be compatible with erected on railroad property midway transplanted to the site next year to Amfleet equipment. between the B&P tunnel and the become the division's permanent At the same time, each sleeping car south end of the station platform. A Christmas tree, according to George receives a complete interior refur­ large red, white and green sign, plac­ Sharp, division superintendent. bishing. ed in front of the tree, wishes The tree is not only visible to The Panama Limited has been everyone a "Merry Christmas from passengers on trains but to those without sleeping car service since Amtrak." waiting on the platforms as well as to Am fleet equipment was substituted Costs for decorations and to have pedestrians on the overhead streets.

TRAIN RESTORATIONS stoppage at Pullman-Standard, build­ summer months. Actual approriation (Continued from page J) er of the new cars, makes it impossi­ for fiscal year 1978 was $488.5. a quad-weekly operation in September ble to predict when the new bi-level, shortfall of $56.5 million. Congress but the State of California agreed to Superliner equipment will be recently completed action on a sup­ fund the remaining three days of available. plemental appropriation of $18 operation each week . Therefore, the Amtrak may operate some trains million to keep services operating at service is still operating daily. Amtrak on these two routes with older equip­ the pre-September level until it could will resume full funding of the opera­ ment at least through the first part of review the upcoming Department of tion on a date agreeable to both Am­ the summer season. Transportation study. trak and California. Service through Butte, The Inter-American-Amtrak now Montana-Although a rerouting of AMTRAK NEWS plans another season of experimental the through Published twice a month for em­ daily service on this line between St. Helena, Montana, has been under ployees of the Natimtal Railroad Louis and Laredo, from approx­ study, Amtrak now intends to defer Passenger Corporation and those imately Memorial Day through Labor any conclusion on moving service of participating railroads engaged Day. from Butte to Helena until the in rail passenger service. -North Coast Department of Transportation com­ Hiawatha-Service changes on these pletes its study of Amtrak's system. STAFF two trains were not made solely for Service through Dayton-Amtrak Editor budgetary reasons. Amtrak no longer will continue to operate the National Ed Wojtas through Dayton, , and has sufficient conventional steam­ Limited Writer heated equipment that is reliable Richmond , , until the comple­ Barbara Halliday enough to operate daily in the severe tion of the Department of Transpor­ winter conditions along these north­ tation study. Circulation ern routes. Train service had been reduced Gayle Fedrowitz Amtrak's intention is to offer daily because of the fiscal sq ueeze. Amtrak Material in Amtrak News is not copyrighted. Readers may use what they wish with proper service when new equipment is avail­ needed $545 million to maintain the attribution to Amtrak News. able, hopefully by summer. A work national system as operated during

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