Route Proposal: The Auto Train

Discussion in 'Route Suggestions & Proposals' started by Blacknred81, Nov 2, 2019.

  1. Blacknred81

    Blacknred81 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2019
    Messages:
    5,570
    Likes Received:
    11,841
    So, one of the more unique passenger trains on the east coast is the Auto Train, running from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida, with a short lived service between Louisville Kentucky and Sanford. However the Auto-Train Corporation went bankrupt and the service was cut in April 1981.

    [​IMG]

    However, Amtrak has since restored the service in October 1983, and is still in service to this day.
    [​IMG]

    The route for this unique train could be situated around either station, and could involved scenarios arriving/departing either station, as well as assembling the train for departure. The Sanford Station would be a little different than the Lorton Station, as its platforms are too short to fit the full Amtrak consist, and the passenger cars are split to 2 platforms. A railroad crossing also complicates Sanford's operations.

    Google Satellite image of Lorton Station
    [​IMG]

    Sanford Station
    [​IMG]

    Rolling Stock

    Auto Train rolling stock
    GE U36B
    [​IMG]
    Baldwin's S-12, VO-1000 or ALCO's S-2
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    Autorack
    [​IMG]
    Steam Generator cars
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Various Passenger Equipment (Baggage,Food Service,Sleeper,Dome)
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Amtrak Rolling Stock
    GE P40s or P42s & Superliner's
    [​IMG]
    Auto rack
    [​IMG]
    GE B32-8WH, or SW1000R
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    • Like Like x 6
  2. Average_Joe57

    Average_Joe57 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2018
    Messages:
    146
    Likes Received:
    153
    This would be a nice addition to Train Sim! Would give us a route to run the various Northeast Regionals that run in Virginia if the route were to be set around Lorton.
     
    • Like Like x 4
  3. TommyPicklesfan1992

    TommyPicklesfan1992 Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2018
    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    68
    Yeah. After Watching Coasterfan2105's Video of The Auto Train, This will be prefect addon for Train Simulator.
     
    • Like Like x 3
  4. Random Railfan

    Random Railfan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2019
    Messages:
    1,042
    Likes Received:
    1,396
    This would be excellent to see. I'd much rather have the route based out of Lorton instead of Sanford since Florida is very flat and boring, and I wouldn't want this to be boring like Miami-WPB.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  5. jpmackay

    jpmackay Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2016
    Messages:
    219
    Likes Received:
    40
    I think that there was a repaint of Amtrak Autoracks at Facebook but now can't find and am sure there was one there before. Found one at Railworks America to download. I do have mine through RWA.

    John
     
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2020
    • Like Like x 2
  6. jedi247

    jedi247 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2018
    Messages:
    1,195
    Likes Received:
    1,525
    I'd definitely like either the original Auto Train or the Amtrak version.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  7. 777Gaming

    777Gaming Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2018
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    252
    I would love this, Amtrak or original AutoTrain Corp. I think AutoTrain Corp would be cooler though, as we would get a use out of the SCL U36B in the game, as ATC owned some (as you stated). Also a new Florida or Virginia route would be nice.
     
  8. TommyPicklesfan1992

    TommyPicklesfan1992 Member

    Joined:
    Mar 15, 2018
    Messages:
    33
    Likes Received:
    68
    Why Not Both?
     
    • Like Like x 2
  9. Blacknred81

    Blacknred81 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2019
    Messages:
    5,570
    Likes Received:
    11,841
    I say both could work if one was included in the route, and the other was added as a loco pack, or make 2 routes around each station with one dedicated to the Auto Train and one to Amtrak.
     
    • Like Like x 2
  10. Blacknred81

    Blacknred81 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2019
    Messages:
    5,570
    Likes Received:
    11,841
    So did a little more research and figured out potential extensions for the route.

    The Lorton Part of the route could extend north to Washington DC, and include the southern end of the NEC. South of Lorton, the route could run at least as far as Richmond, Va, which is just under 100 miles. And would include the city of Ashland, where the mainline runs right down the middle of town splitting Center Street, and the CSX yards of Richmond.
    cq5dam.web.900.600.jpeg

    Sanford Station on the southern end of the route would most likely be the southern end of the route, with the northern part of the route extending to at least Jacksonville, FL. Which is Appx 125 track miles. And can include the CSX yards located there as well.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  11. Blacknred81

    Blacknred81 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2019
    Messages:
    5,570
    Likes Received:
    11,841
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2020
  12. Therchias

    Therchias New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2024
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    I say do the whole entire thing. I know it would be a huge undertaking, probably impossible for the whole 18 hour trek. But I would pay over a 100 for that kinda ultimate route for TSW.
     

Share This Page