Thanks pal - I'm an 80 year old geezer who grew up with the steam puffer-billies. Now I sit in New York awaiting yet another snowstorm. Relocated to Palm Beach years ago and sent my new Caddy convertible via the Autotrain
Thank you and please stay tuned I ride the auto train on April 19th and will air the footage in May sometime with my car getting loaded the ride and meal they serve and the car getting unloaded.
Finally! I know what's an auto train! It's really interesting! Although we have high-speed train in China, we don't have such ways for leisure. Amtrak does know how to make money!
I am a student at Embry Riddle, and I am catching the auto train on the 27th, as I am from Spotsylvania, Virginia(50 miles south of dc). I found this video very interesting, thank you for the education!
I've had several family members who used to work for the Autotrain.. Actually there is one stop between Sanford and Lorton and that's for the conductors in Florence S.C. The conductors riding north get off and catch the train headed south, the next day I believe, and the ones that started in Lorton catch the train north.
Hi Alan ! Thanks for that sneak-peek of the new SunRail :) Hope you get to be the first passenger ! This Amtrak video was well worth watching to the end. Very interesting, and CONGRATS ON YOUR 500 VIDEOS !
Someday I got to take a ride on the Auto Train, but I got to get a new car first. Very interesting video of how Amtrak's Auto Train is put together and ready for a 4 PM departure, arriving at Lorton, VA at 9 AM the next day. By the way, Amtrak strictly enforces the 3 PM cutoff time for cars being transported on Auto Train. Congratulations on your 500th video, Alan!
This is actually the best way to travel indeed. Sure, it covers about the same time as driving, but train travel is never rushed. Besides, you have a dining car, sleeper car if you can afford it. You get to your destination much refreshed. Just wish Amtrak added this service to other parts of the US. I'm sure the logistics are very costly. I used to ride NJ-NC twice a month for a couple of years, and sometimes wished I could take my car.
Congrats on 500 Alan! I always saw the dismantling and unloading at Sanford, and never the loading, and put together! Nice footage, and perhaps I will maybe on my next Sanford visit do my own version! Also when there in December caught the Conrad Yellvington (ex B&O GP30 right down the Main Line behind the Auto Train Terminal after videotaping it Early last Month!
I will be taking my car on the Auto Train on Saturday April 19th and I will be filming the journey getting on riding and getting off. I will be available sometime in May.
We don't have any 'superliner' or 'doubledecker' cars here in Canada. I didn't reralize they had multiple configureations for the superliner cars. I'm used to seeing single level cars here. Sorry for any confusion, and thanks for the info!
I've grown to enjoy your vids and you have greatly improved. Keep 'em coming. I'd like to see a train crossing the Cape Cod Canal on the elevator Bridge. I think there's a new run from South Station in Boston to Hyannis.
Great video, I always wondered what those cars carried now I know they carry cars, and I also learned how there loaded. Again Kudos great video great job.
Informative video, Alan. Here in Canada we don't have any kind of 'auto train'. I noticed that there's no coaches or baggage car, just the double decker cars and then, of course, the auto rack cars. Is this an all-sleeper train?
Great video, I had no idea it took so much work and skill to put together such a wonderful train. Strange question, but about how long is the auto train? Some people say it's 20 cars long and some people say it's 30 cars. Is there a set number as to how long it really is?
Amtrak 52 and 53 does make one stop in Florence, SC for Refueling and Crew Change for engineers after that it's non stop until their destination point.
just an FYI Bicyclist of all kind are not allowed to run rail road crossing when active and if a Local/state/county agencies sees you running an active train crossing the bicyclist could be in major trouble. Once the arm goes down bell, lights are on it means you better stop No exception and wait just like a normal car.
Superliners are coaches. Not sure what you're referring to. Perhaps in Canada you guys use different terminologies. There were 7 sleeper cars and 4 standard coaches on this train, the other passenger cars were a mix of diners and lounge cars.
@rjinFL. I'm taking the autotrain w my mustang. Rhe only part that is under 4inchs is the motors cross member, will that cause a problem? Does the Sanford station let you bring your car to be looked at prior to leaving.. just wondering if I need to cancel the train.
And me and my mom would take Am track 91 from clomba S.C. to DeLand FL. And take 92 back up so thanks for the video Allen and I hoped I spelled your name right .
Nearly all trains change crews without stopping. Time is the main element on all railroads, and train crews are well trained on how to dis-embark and get on to moving trains. Yes, it is dangerous at times, and I have known myself, in my own 22 railroad career, 2 people who have been killed getting onto moving locomotives. None of them were actual trainmen, they were both trainmasters.
The Fred goes on the end of the train and they are putting the train together from several sections. The P40's are rated at 4000 horsepower and the majority of the P40's have been sold to the state of Connecticut for shoreline commuter service to new haven. That leaves the P42 locomotive's rated at 4200 horsepower each with one locomotive providing HEP ( head end power 480 volts three phase power to the train for light heat and air conditioning. ) That takes about 700- 1000 horsepower off the locomotive for HEP load with the rest of the power from the hep locomotive to move the train and all 4200 horsepower of the other engine used to move the train. The original auto train before Amtrak used three GE U36B locomotive's to pull the train but Amtrak decided with the newer more powerful P42 locomotive's they only needed two. The 800 class Amtrak engines are P40's while the Amtrak engines number 1 to 200 are P42 locomotive's. The auto train is pulled entirely bye the P42 locomotive's and on rare occasions by the P32-8 locomotive's which are used primarily for switching or work trains. The P32-8's look more like freight engines not having a smooth continuous body like the P42's do. But other than lower horsepower the P32-8 locomotive's are fully capable of hauling Amtrak passenger trains.
It was interesting to notice the 'cover plate' on the end of of the lead passenger car diaphragm when they were coupling the auto carriers to the train at 10:28 and at 11:22, I didn't realize they actually had a cover to protect the doorway.
Let me see if I got that: you got five auto carriers, A, B, C, D and E, attached one after other. First 10 cars get in by the E carrier, pass through D, C and B until get into carrier A, then it's closed. Next 10 cars get in by the E carrier, pass through D and C, arrive to B carrier and it's closed. Next 10 cars get in by the E carrier, pass through D, arrive to C carrier and it's closed. Next 10 cars get in by the E carrier to arrive to D carrier and it's closed. Last 10 cars get into the E carrier, it's closed. Finally the train can backup to attach the five carriers, and wait the time to leave. Or the train has to switch tracks to attach the carriers one by one?
I am not sure but I believe Orlando because it's a big vacation destination and all the snow birds from the northeast come down here just like the spring breakers
Because its very tough to generate enough steady revenue on a lot of routes. Don't forget that Amtrak does not own the rails these are freight railroads and its difficult to obtain trackage rights that would impede for profit private freight operations on those tracks, as well as slow passenger service up waiting for the owners trains to clear or make deliveries to their customers first. Amtrak must lease trackage rights and have contracts that may make timely operations impossible verse the revenue generated by the service. Outside of the Northeast corridor Amtrak does not own track. Auto train runs on CSX track from Lorton to Sanford.
On top of all that The Auto Train is a very long train and the different terrain could make it quite difficult to pull 50 train cars and using just 2 locomotives. The Auto Train is lucky because their terrains is as flat as a pancake but anywhere else could make it quite more difficult.
![🔋 Exploring Hong Kong's BYD B12D Electric Double Deckers ⚡ [KMB]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OmFiQaSx8WI/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks pal -
I'm an 80 year old geezer who grew up with the steam puffer-billies. Now I sit in New York awaiting yet another snowstorm. Relocated to Palm Beach years ago and sent my new Caddy convertible via the Autotrain
I never realized how large the consist is for this train. Most excellent and enjoyable video
Thank you and please stay tuned I ride the auto train on April 19th and will air the footage in May sometime with my car getting loaded the ride and meal they serve and the car getting unloaded.
Millenniumforce Thanks yep I subbed. Looking forward to it.
bagelboi66 Thank you I will make it a good documentary
+Millenniumforce who puts the cars on the autoracks
+Terminator X About a dozen drivers
my dad used to work on the Auto Train for years! I think he said he quit working for them after the 2002 derailment in Northern Florida.
Have taken the Auto Train several times in both directions. First time we've seen what goes on behind the scenes. Thanks for your hard work.
Best Auto-Train video since the Pentrex one in 1994!!
Finally! I know what's an auto train! It's really interesting! Although we have high-speed train in China, we don't have such ways for leisure. Amtrak does know how to make money!
I am a student at Embry Riddle, and I am catching the auto train on the 27th, as I am from Spotsylvania, Virginia(50 miles south of dc). I found this video very interesting, thank you for the education!
Great video.i'm still waiting for Amtrak to have service here in VeroBeach,FL.
If there are tracks, then possibly. If you don't have any tracks, there won't ever be any service.
Congrats on 500, always find interest in your videos, can't wait to see what you do for number 1000
I've had several family members who used to work for the Autotrain.. Actually there is one stop between Sanford and Lorton and that's for the conductors in Florence S.C. The conductors riding north get off and catch the train headed south, the next day I believe, and the ones that started in Lorton catch the train north.
Gees, I wish P40DC 814 was up here! What a horn on that beast! Awesome video!
Hi Alan ! Thanks for that sneak-peek of the new SunRail :) Hope you get to be the first passenger ! This Amtrak video was well worth watching to the end. Very interesting, and CONGRATS ON YOUR 500 VIDEOS !
Awesome shot Alan! I travelled on the Auto train 2 times before to Orlando and back! It was a very deccent and fun trip! I recommend it.
Someday I got to take a ride on the Auto Train, but I got to get a new car first. Very interesting video of how Amtrak's Auto Train is put together and ready for a 4 PM departure, arriving at Lorton, VA at 9 AM the next day. By the way, Amtrak strictly enforces the 3 PM cutoff time for cars being transported on Auto Train.
Congratulations on your 500th video, Alan!
Very pleased to stumble upon your video by accident. Very interesting and well made.
Gaurang Vaishnav, NJ
Thank you!! Wait till you see what's next? Always a surprise on my channel. I try to mix Comedy with Entertainment
Thank you. I am traveling on it in July from Lorton to Sanford. I will be filming it.
This is actually the best way to travel indeed. Sure, it covers about the same time as driving, but train travel is never rushed. Besides, you have a dining car, sleeper car if you can afford it. You get to your destination much refreshed. Just wish Amtrak added this service to other parts of the US. I'm sure the logistics are very costly. I used to ride NJ-NC twice a month for a couple of years, and sometimes wished I could take my car.
Yes, The passenger coaches are in the front and the vehicles follow behind them
Thank you very much!! Yes I recorded the guy in his car that missed it by 15 minutes
Congrats on 500 Alan! I always saw the dismantling and unloading at Sanford, and never the loading, and put together! Nice footage, and perhaps I will maybe on my next Sanford visit do my own version! Also when there in December caught the Conrad Yellvington (ex B&O GP30 right down the Main Line behind the Auto Train Terminal after videotaping it Early last Month!
Very nice video, sir! I just love trains so much!!!
This was a really cool and detailed video. Thank you so much for this. Nice to see the hooking up part. Really made my day!
You have a wonderful addiction to trains! Thanks for all you share with us.
How about a clip of UNLOADING the Auto-train?
I will be taking my car on the Auto Train on Saturday April 19th and I will be filming the journey getting on riding and getting off. I will be available sometime in May.
It's a new commuter rail service they are building in Orlando Florida set to open next Spring. Just go to Sunrail Dot Com
We don't have any 'superliner' or 'doubledecker' cars here in Canada. I didn't reralize they had multiple configureations for the superliner cars. I'm used to seeing single level cars here. Sorry for any confusion, and thanks for the info!
I've grown to enjoy your vids and you have greatly improved. Keep 'em coming. I'd like to see a train crossing the Cape Cod Canal on the elevator Bridge. I think there's a new run from South Station in Boston to Hyannis.
You should travel to hamburg,NY to see the buffalo southern railroad. Its really cool I live right by the yard.
Congratulations on 500 videos!
Your videos are great! I enjoyed everyone of them.
Great video, I always wondered what those cars carried now I know they carry cars, and I also learned how there loaded. Again Kudos great video great job.
This is awesome. What a fabulous 500th video. Balloons, anybody?
The fittings are a friction-closure, they interlock together, and there is a gasket in each connection to provide a full seal against air bleed.
Thank you for your kind comment
Very nice video, thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the kind comment
Thank you for commenting
Thank you very much. I have so much more to come and funny ones to
Great video. I think the crew change is in Florence, SC.
Informative video, Alan. Here in Canada we don't have any kind of 'auto train'. I noticed that there's no coaches or baggage car, just the double decker cars and then, of course, the auto rack cars. Is this an all-sleeper train?
Somewhere in South Carolina they change crews and refuel
Great video, I had no idea it took so much work and skill to put together such a wonderful train. Strange question, but about how long is the auto train? Some people say it's 20 cars long and some people say it's 30 cars. Is there a set number as to how long it really is?
Very Kind Words. Thank you
Amtrak 52 and 53 does make one stop in Florence, SC for Refueling and Crew Change for engineers after that it's non stop until their destination point.
just an FYI Bicyclist of all kind are not allowed to run rail road crossing when active and if a Local/state/county agencies sees you running an active train crossing the bicyclist could be in major trouble. Once the arm goes down bell, lights are on it means you better stop No exception and wait just like a normal car.
Sanford to Lorton is about 800 miles. About 16 hours of drive time. So they want to relax with there families instead of being cooped up in a car.
I rode Amtrak from Cincinnati to Orlando Florida by way of Washington DC. I want to take my car the next time.
It does stop to refuel and change crews in Florence, SC and usually the two auto trains pass there.
Cool, thanks for showing us this! I've always wondered it clear since yesterday (01/10/16) how this was done!
You should have no problem. They look and take pictures of all vehicles for insurance purposes.
Awesome catch Alan!
you have some cool videos thanks for sharring
Very nice video, very informative.
Great Job thank for sharing!
Superliners are coaches. Not sure what you're referring to. Perhaps in Canada you guys use different terminologies. There were 7 sleeper cars and 4 standard coaches on this train, the other passenger cars were a mix of diners and lounge cars.
@rjinFL. I'm taking the autotrain w my mustang. Rhe only part that is under 4inchs is the motors cross member, will that cause a problem? Does the Sanford station let you bring your car to be looked at prior to leaving.. just wondering if I need to cancel the train.
And me and my mom would take Am track 91 from clomba S.C. to DeLand FL. And take 92 back up so thanks for the video Allen and I hoped I spelled your name right .
ALAN
Millenniumforce сдм
Congrats on 500th video
5:55 what horn was that? sounds kinda like a csx horn as the csx aloma branch runs right past the auto train yard
@ the 12:00 mark what was that hose for? At first I thought it was a water house until he drain the air from it
Great job!!!! Great video!!!!
Wow!! thanks
Does anyone know the propper name for the whistle the amtrak employee was using at 9:20?
Are air hoses "ball bearing locks or electric magnetic?
Nearly all trains change crews without stopping. Time is the main element on all railroads, and train crews are well trained on how to dis-embark and get on to moving trains. Yes, it is dangerous at times, and I have known myself, in my own 22 railroad career, 2 people who have been killed getting onto moving locomotives. None of them were actual trainmen, they were both trainmasters.
Love your vids. I'm glad I subscribed.
During Peak Times It Can Be Up To 50 Cars Long.
Thank you again
I just saw yesterday some random Amtrak auto-rack cars sitting in the middle of an active bridge. ;p
on average how long to load a typical run? great video!
What are amtrak's services? Do they deliver goods etc? I see a lot of cars that are non passenger cars.
are you gona film riding the sunrail? and railfan it?
Thank you very much
what was the whistling all about?
15:45 Can someone tell me why there is a playground right next to a train station?
Union people have to do some things
Great Video!
Alan,did you go in the amtrak auto train
MIllenniumforce. Do you know if they will accept a vehicle that is lower then what their requirements are?
any videos on the inside of the auto car ? thanks for posting
Only passenger and there vehicles. Sometimes they will have a mail car
Thank you
Yes I just found that out. Thank you for pointing that out
The Fred goes on the end of the train and they are putting the train together from several sections. The P40's are rated at 4000 horsepower and the majority of the P40's have been sold to the state of Connecticut for shoreline commuter service to new haven. That leaves the P42 locomotive's rated at 4200 horsepower each with one locomotive providing HEP ( head end power 480 volts three phase power to the train for light heat and air conditioning. ) That takes about 700- 1000 horsepower off the locomotive for HEP load with the rest of the power from the hep locomotive to move the train and all 4200 horsepower of the other engine used to move the train. The original auto train before Amtrak used three GE U36B locomotive's to pull the train but Amtrak decided with the newer more powerful P42 locomotive's they only needed two.
The 800 class Amtrak engines are P40's while the Amtrak engines number 1 to 200 are P42 locomotive's. The auto train is pulled entirely bye the P42 locomotive's and on rare occasions by the P32-8 locomotive's which are used primarily for switching or work trains. The P32-8's look more like freight engines not having a smooth continuous body like the P42's do. But other than lower horsepower the P32-8 locomotive's are fully capable of hauling Amtrak passenger trains.
Great video.
Cool video!
It was interesting to notice the 'cover plate' on the end of of the lead passenger car diaphragm when they were coupling the auto carriers to the train at 10:28 and at 11:22, I didn't realize they actually had a cover to protect the doorway.
Let me see if I got that: you got five auto carriers, A, B, C, D and E, attached one after other.
First 10 cars get in by the E carrier, pass through D, C and B until get into carrier A, then it's closed.
Next 10 cars get in by the E carrier, pass through D and C, arrive to B carrier and it's closed.
Next 10 cars get in by the E carrier, pass through D, arrive to C carrier and it's closed.
Next 10 cars get in by the E carrier to arrive to D carrier and it's closed.
Last 10 cars get into the E carrier, it's closed.
Finally the train can backup to attach the five carriers, and wait the time to leave.
Or the train has to switch tracks to attach the carriers one by one?
*****
So the train switches tracks to couple the auto cars, and then switches to couple the passenger cars?
*****
Yes, that helps, I understood now.
Thanks for answering! :D
Railfan Rowan h
Is a amtrak auto train
When it opens next spring. I am going to try to be the first one on it.
i assume the train cars full of, well, cars are the passengers cars?
Coasters and trains? you sir win!
I think it would be neat to stay in your car ...wow no caboose at the end
good luck with that!
How is the interior of these trains?
The auto train is great i just wish it went from NYC of Philly and went alot faster
amtrak also gets 3 step? learned something new.
What is the sunrail line
fantastico
My grand mother used to live very close to that station
OMG!!! LOL LOL LOL YEAH
What i don't get is why Sanford Fl and Lorton Va??? Why of all places do the autotrain only goes there? Why not Chicago, NY, California???
I am not sure but I believe Orlando because it's a big vacation destination and all the snow birds from the northeast come down here just like the spring breakers
Because its very tough to generate enough steady revenue on a lot of routes. Don't forget that Amtrak does not own the rails these are freight railroads and its difficult to obtain trackage rights that would impede for profit private freight operations on those tracks, as well as slow passenger service up waiting for the owners trains to clear or make deliveries to their customers first. Amtrak must lease trackage rights and have contracts that may make timely operations impossible verse the revenue generated by the service. Outside of the Northeast corridor Amtrak does not own track. Auto train runs on CSX track from Lorton to Sanford.
It can only have 2 stops, because of the time it takes to load these cars.
On top of all that The Auto Train is a very long train and the different terrain could make it quite difficult to pull 50 train cars and using just 2 locomotives. The Auto Train is lucky because their terrains is as flat as a pancake but anywhere else could make it quite more difficult.