VoI. 2, No. 8 April 15, 1975

Artist's sketch shows passengers boarding and baggage being loaded on the lower level 0/ the two-level cars. Sets Order ______---, I For 435 New Cars

Amtrak has placed orders with two of Philadelphia as an extension of relia~ility and economics of U.S. manufacturers for 435 more high­ earlier orders totaling 292 cars. operation." performance passenger cars at a total Amtrak President Paul Reistrup Pullman will build the bi-levels at its cost of $253 million. said the newly designed equipment Hammond, Ind., plant, while the Budd "will drastically change the look and Company will utilize· its Red Lion The largest new order went to the the style of American train travel. plant at Philadelphia, Pa. Pullman-Standard Company, a More importantly, the cars will im­ The first of the new Budd cars, Division of Pullman Inc. of , prove passenger comfort, train which will resemble Metroliner cars low bidder for a contract to build 235 but will be pulled by either diesel or double-deck, long-distance passenger Turbos to Detroit electric locomotives, will be delivered cars of Amtrak design. The second or­ in April of this year. The full Budd or- der is for 200 single-level passenger See page 8 cars, to be built by the (continued on p. 2, col. 1) NEWCARS configured as coaches, snack-coaches, the number of cars per train is (continuedfrom p.l) club cars, diner and specialty cars-are currently limited. designed for eventual use on all Am­ der of 492 cars is to be delivered by Reistrup said the high-f1exibility trak trains on the eastern seaboard and June of 1977. The first bi-level cars will features of both types of equipment be deIivered in January of 1977. in the midwest which operate into New York or Washington where tun­ will permit Amtrak "to substantially Route-by-route and train-by-train nel restrictions prohibit the use of the improve the company's cost-to­ analyses will permit optimum match­ higher bi-level cars. The bi-level cars, revenue ratio." ing of equipment to routes and which can be configured as coach es , He noted that f100r tracks-an im­ customer preferences to meet seasonal diners, sleepers, diner-lounges and portant design feature-will permit shifts and peak demands. coach-suack bar cars, will be used on variable seat spacing and other con­ The single-level cars-which can be long-distance routes, primarily where figuration changes which will allow Amtrak to maximize revenue as weil as provide varying interior arrangements according to the needs of the market served. He added that because of the need to retire over-aged equipment, the Amtrak fleet will in­ crease about 12 percent over the next five years. With the new equipment on order, however, seating and sleeping space availability will go up by 84 per­ cent. Bi-level Benefits The Amtrak bi-level will be a new train unmatched anywhere else in the world. The general design incorporates advanced features to greatly increase standardization of both basic structure Passengers dine high above the rails, isolatedfrom noise and vibration, infood and mechanical equipment. Reliability service area of "bi-level" cars on order. and ease of maintenance-major problems with Amtrak's present aged fleet of cars-are major benefits.

The new bi-levels, with their stair­ ways, double-levels and generous lounge, refreshment and dining area, will provide a train more spaciüus and varied than ever before possible. Im­ proved air-cushioned suspension systems will give a smoother ride and sound absorbing materials will isolate the passengers from exterior noise and mute sounds within the train.

Because of the bi-level design, more of the passengers will enjoy "dome-car visibility" from their seats and in the . The climate within the . I . .' train will be electrically controlled and ! new sound systems will be available for entertainment or for communication with the passengers.

Artist's sketch ofupper and lower coach sections ofnew "bi-level" cars. The seats will have considerably more comfort than is available now.

2 They will be spaced as far apart as first­ Single-level Cars dividual tray tables, newly designed food service areas, improved ride class airline seats and have adjustable The single-level car purchase­ characteristics and the newest federal backs and foot or legrests. Folding tray Amtrak's fourth in 18 months from safety features. All of the cars are tables will be mounted behind each Budd-brings to 492 the number of capable of being pu lied by either elec­ coach seat. There will be luggage advanced design, Metroliner-type cars tric or diesel locomotives and will be storage areas above and under the Amtrak now has on order. seats and checked baggage areas in able to operate at speeds up to 120 most cars on most long-distance trains. The new stainless steel cars all miles an hour. The lower level of the food service incorporate a number of advanced Maximum standardization of struc­ coaches will be available as bar­ comfort and convenience features in­ ture and mechanical components also lounges, with facilities providing food cluding electric heating and air is a characteristic of the single-level operations from beverage service and conditioning, reclining seats with in- cars. snacks to full, hot meals at passengers' seats. Sixty of the cars will be food service cars, some of which will be full diner/ lounges where food will be prepared in a kitchen on the lower level and trans­ ferred by elevator to the dining area on the upper level. Detailed interior design for the food service cars, as weil as the new sleepers (the first since 1956) and a first class "parlor" car will be made public at a later date. Entry into all the bi-level cars will be through wide central doors on the lower level, rather than the traditional stairway and door at each end. A stair­ way will connect upper and lower levels. The entrance of each car will have fold -out ramps, wide aisles and hand­ rails to allow unassisted mobility and access to all facilities by handicapped travelers, including those using wheel­ chairs. New stainless steel single-level coaches jor use in the east and midwest.

Beech~rove:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I Amtrak's First Major Shop

Amtrak has officially assumed six miles southeast of Indianapolis. overhaul facility in the ownership of the big Penn Central rail Amtrak plans to make Beech Grove ." car overhaul and repair shop in Beech the central overhaul point for cars Grove, giving Amtrak direct control According to King, over 99 percent from all over its nationwide system, of the approximately 600 Penn Cen­ for the first time over its major and Amtrak will modernize and im­ overhaul operations. tral employees at the plant voted prove the shop to handle the increased recently to accept comparable jobs In April I ceremonies at the Beech requirements. with Amtrak. Grove shop, F.S. King, Amtrak's Vice Amtrak has al ready requested bids President for Operations, accepted the for a comprehensive engineering study Earlier, Am trak had signed a three­ deed to the facilities and land, which of the Beech Grove facility, and, ac­ way agreement with the Penn Central cover 64 acres, including alm ost 13 cording to King, "plans to make the and seven shop craft labor unions acres under roof. The plant is located plant the most modern and efficient agreeing on terms of the takeover. 3 ~V[LCO/vlE RACff 11J/)~t;d jeu.

Amtrak's Inaugural March 24

(I) Central Regional Chef James Neal in charge of Mountaineer's Oining Car. (2) West Virginia Senator Robert C. Byrd (holding microphone) addresses throng in Bluefield. (3) Amtrak's new TfI-State Station in Catlettsberg, Ky. (4) Washington Oistrict Sales Manager Thomas F. Fortier (left), Oirector of Ser­ vice Roger Brown, Southeast Regional Director Joe G . Matthews, and Board Member Or. Edward L. Ullman in . (5) Amtrak President Paul H. Reistrup (left) with Oirector-State & Local Affairs Oave Watts.

!I

4 5 ILetters • • • We Get Letters

Dear Sirs: Delaware & Hudson crew under Con­ Salinas and undertook to let others on When someone is as nice to me as ductor Joseph Keane and Trainman the staff know that when a friend your Ticket Clerk Myra Wilson in Robert Carlson were most helpful. An inquired by telephone during the af­ Cincinnati, I think it is only fair to let Amtrak employee, R.A. Alleyne, was ternoon, arrangements had been made you know what a jewel you have in in charge of the lounge and dining area and that I would be able to be where I your employ. and our trip there was particularly was supposed to be without difficulty. I am 72 years old, do not see too rewarding. We were given every cour­ The taxi was, in fact, there. I made weil and had to remain in your station tesy of a VIP (and all for coach fare). my connections and since I feel this for a long period of time. Miss Wilson Our ride in the scenic was a assistance was above and beyond the brought a lunch to me when she had high point of the trip. call of duty, I wish to express my her evening break and refused a tip. If this train and the very competent thanks. Then, she helped me onto the train and helpful crew is any criterion, Am­ I might tell you that I have now and into my seat. She is a lovely trak is indeed assured of success. We made several trips on Amtrak trains person. are looking forward to future trips via and that I am leaving soon for Mrs. las. lohnson this means of transportation. and Vancouver. To say that I am Newport News, Va. Charles W. Eldridge satisfied with the service and the ac­ ---0 ---- Rouses Point, N.Y. commodation is to understate the case ----0 --- badly. Gentlemen: Mrs. lune D. Whitteker I have just returned from a tour of Dear Mr. Graham: Carmel,Cal. Washington-Williamsburg and I have On Sunday, March 2, 1975 I used nothing but praise for the service Amtrak's services on Train No. 4 from ----0 --- provided by your company and per­ Kansas City to Chicago. It was a great Dear Mr. Graham: sonnel this year. trip! On arecent business trip to HaIti­ We departed lacksonville on the The pleasure was due in large part to more, I was unable to locate my brief.­ . Besides having a fan­ the service rendered by Service At­ case as lieft the Metroliner. As I was tastic car attendant, Mr. Barry tendant Mr. Eph Burks. He did an explaining this to a travelling com­ SuIlivan, on board, the Service Super­ outstanding job of looking after his panion, I was approached by Mr. Lee visor was there if we needed hirn. For­ customers in the dining car, both at C. Payne, Duty Manager, to ask if he tunately we didn't. Even leaving breakfast and lunch. could be of assistance. After complet­ lacksonville an hour and a half late If possible, I would appreciate it if ing a form describing the briefcase, didn't dampen our spirits. We arrived you would convey my thanks to hirn. Mr. Payne suggested that I contact in Washington only ten minutes He is one of the employees who 'makes hirn within two or three hours. behind schedule. trains worth travelling again.' Following dinner at a nearby restau­ Again, let us commend you on the lohn P. Scott rant, I checked back and found that improvements we have experienced Air Line Employees Mr. Payne had arranged for the return and we look forward to many more Association of my briefcase. I want to express my tours on Amtra\c Aurora, Colo. appreciation for the prompt, courteous George Glossman --- 0 --- and businesslike manner in which your lacksonviIle, Fla. Dear Sirs: Manager handled the situation. I was Ever since I returned from Los particularly impressed that he was ----0---- Angeles I have intended to write to ex­ alert enough to approach me and offer Gentlemen: press my appreciation for the courtesy his assistance and with the quiet effi­ My wife and I took our first trips on shlilwn me by Mr. Charles H. Kerney ciency and courtesy with which the the Amtrak train between at the station in Salinas. entire matter was handled. Rouses Point and Saratoga Springs. In order to make necessary con­ I know Amtrak has to endure com­ Both trains were weIl equipped, clean nections I had to go from the railway plaints from time to time and I think and the crew most polite and helpful station to the bus station in the 15 it is only fair that you be informed with baggage, etc. minutes between arrival of the train when someone is obviously performing The northbound trip was most en­ and departure of the bus to Monterey. his job in a highly effective manner. joyable in spite of the large com­ Mr. Kerney offered to see that a taxi Thomas l. Gillooly plement of passengers aboard. The was waiting for me upon arrival in New York, N.Y.

6 Keeping Track of Amtrak Reistrup Rides Western Trains Amtrak News: One Year Lone Star Mail Continuing his policy of "taking a This, the April 15 edition of Amtrak Under a new contract with the U.S. first hand look at Amtrak," President News, marks the publication's first an­ Postal Service, Amtrak's Lone Star will Paul H. Reistrup traveled on trains niversary. In the past year we've writ­ begin to carry mai I between Chicago throughout the west during late March ten about Amtrak people from coast to and Houston. "Intermediate points and early April. He also visited Am­ coast, and covered different Amtrak served will include Kansas City, trak facilities in Los Angeles. On each facilities, programs, departments and Oklahoma City and Ft. Worth," ac­ of the trains Reistrup talked with crew­ services. In presenting news we've cording to Frank Kane, Chief-Mai I men, inspected the condition and printed 216 pages, 215 photographs or Sales. The new contract is worth ap­ cleanliness of cars and checked the sketches, and 18 maps. proximately $300,000 a year to Am­ stations. He was accompanied on To assist in gathering and publiciz­ trak. severallegs of his journey by newsmen ing local material from all parts of the who conducted on-board interviews nation, employees are encouraged to Timetables for major newspapers in the Southwest send information directly to Amtrak and West. News, 955 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W., The next new AII-America schedule Washington, D.C. will be dated April 27 , 1975. On his Western trip, Reistrup rode the Southwest Limited from Chicago to Albuquerque; Sunset Limited from EI Paso to Los Angeles; connecting bus to Bakersfield; San Joaquin to Animals Found in Penn Station Locker Merced; Coast Starlight Salinas to Oakland; San Francisco Zephyr Oakland to Reno and San Diegan from San Diego to Los Angeles. Along with Western Regional Di­ rector Art LIoyd, Reistrup spent a day in Los Angeles touring the reservations office, train station, 8th Street Yard (inspecting arriving and departing trains) and regional offices.

AMTRAKNEWS

Published twice-a-month for employees of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation and those of participating railroads who are engaged in rail passenger service.

NEWS STAFF Joseph Vranich, Editor Gayle Fedrowitz

Russell Shew, a Customer Service Supervisor in New York, looks in on REGIONAL CORRESPONDENTS animals discovered in a Penn Station baggage locker. Shew heard sounds Ron Rhodes, Southeastern while passing, opened the locker, and found three cats and a poodle. The Alice KaI, Central animals had been placed there about 1:00 p.m. and rescued in good health at Marge Sweeney, Western 5:05 p.m. Their owner later claimed them at the station and was issued sum­ monses charging cruelty to animals.

7 Chicago-Detroit Gets N ew Turbos; _____------, I To Become First All-Turbo Route

The first of four recently arrived full service on one route. Chicago-Port Huron service will not be French turbine-powered trains went changed. into operation between Chicago and At this time, Amtrak will provide "The Chicago-Detroit route has Detroit on April 10. By mid-May, the three round-trips daily with the trains done outstandingly weil in the past remaining trains will be in service on over the 279-mile route. The new ser­ year, with ridership up 51 percent over the line, making it the first time in vice will replace the two existing the previous year," said Amtrak American railroading that an all­ Chicago-Detroit conventional trains, President Paul Reistrup. turbine powered fleet has provided the and will add a third trip to the line. The The intermediate cities served by the new trains will be the same as those on Amtrak's existing schedule: Niles, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Jackson and Ann Arbor.

Since their arrival in the U.S., the new trains have been undergoing pre­ service checks and are being equipped with carpeting, food service centers and wide, reclining aircraft-type seats. Other special improvements installed for American service include automatie doors. All heating and air -_... - conditioning is electric. The first two have compiled a more than 90 percent reliability record in I Y2 years of operation between Chicago and St. Louis.

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