Amtrak Across America combo

Producer: Mike Clayton

Locations: USA,  Sweden

Timeframe: 1971- 1996, 1992/ X2000

Length: 1 hour

Sources: Mike Clayton, Stan McInturf, Dan Hadley, ABB-Traction

An Amtrak double-feature DVD. Amtrak Across America – 25th Anniversary. Amtrak’s X 2000 Demonstration. There you go…

Both shows on a single disc. Fullscreen 4×3 aspect ratio. Live audio. Top shelf, as we expect from Pentrex.

Main menu for shows. Push play to operate. On-screen graphics. Route maps throughout. Narrated by David Drui.

To the Trains… 👉

Amtrak Across America (36 minutes)

A whirlwind tour including pre-Amtrak passenger service history. A bunch of trains from the earlier era are shown. Compare this to a more modern Empire Builder.

Early Amtrak with the pointless arrow diesel scheme.

The Amtrak system is divided into three business units here. The Northeast Corridor, Intercity Rail Service, and Amtrak West. Above is a unique design. An Electromotive FL-9. Amtrak engine 486. This is The Lake Shore Limited. Train is at Pennsylvania Station in New York City. Amtrak Metroliners are shown on electrified lines. Some cab ride footage is included to Washington Union Station.

Amtrak’s Empire Builder. A more modern era version at Bison, Montana. Engine 309 leads this F40 pair. Additional Chicago service name trains such as: California Zephyr and Southwest Chief are included.

Auto Train service to Florida was adopted by Amtrak. Even more name trains and scenic locations.

Amtrak’s X2000 Demonstration (30 minutes)

A look at Amtrak testing an X2000 trainset. Here is some cab ride action, from Penn Station to New Haven, CT. The X2000 is built by ABB-Traction. Leased from Swedish State Railways to assist in the design of new Amtrak power. For the most part, an 80 mph speed restriction initially. Higher speeds are later.

This motor is rated at 4600 hp. A Swedish State Railways official rides along. At West Haven, having left New Haven.

Another run is from Washington, D.C. to New York City. A single stop in Maryland. It speeds along at up to 135 mph! Adaptive suspension allows tilt to have higher speed on curves.

Interior views show a roomy passenger space. The ride is pretty smooth and quiet. One can read and write at high speeds.

The X2000 is making 135 mph here. This Metroliner meet is at Princeton Jct., New Jersey.

Insights regarding the Amtrak evaluation and design process. Equipment comparisons, custom specifications, and more items are discussed. Footage of Swedish State Railways operation of the X2000 trainsets on their home rails. Good views of the specialized tilting function during high-speed operation.

Amtrak Across America combo

This double-feature is a greater value in a two-fer. Both shows are about 30 minutes in length. Combination of them works for  related presentation.

Everything exhibits reliable Pentrex quality. Zero concerns regarding production.

Amtrak Across America provides history into a contemporary era in an efficient, succinct fashion. All the interests a viewer needs and fat free. Excellent show.

Amtrak’s X2000 was the one I was slightly hesitant about. This show exceeds expectations. An informative program that moves briskly along. Fine compliment to this pair.

Amtrak fans should find this an enjoyable look at various aspects of our national passenger system.

Rating: 5 Stars