Amtrak Eastern Long Distance Trains: Train Talk Ep. 26

In this episode of Train Talk, we will be finishing off our discussion of Amtrak's long distance passenger train network with a look at their trains in the Eastern United States. I'll discuss all 8 Amtrak long distance train routes that run east of the Mississippi River. We'll look at the routes of these trains including the major states each train passes through as well as some scenic highlights along the way.
Video on the Western Long Distance Amtrak Trains: • Amtrak Western Long Di...
Video on the Auto Train: • Riding Aboard Amtrak's...
CoasterFan2105 is the home of all sorts of train and railroad related video content. Stop by every Friday at 9 AM Pacific time for an all new railroading adventure and be sure to check out all of my social media pages @coasterfan2105 for even more great railroad content. Thanks, and I'll see you down the line!

[@mariosonicaviationrailroad6703]

This is by far my favorite Amtrak Train Talk Episode.

[@MFPTransitVideos]

This episode is going to be amazing! Thanks for getting us familiar with the Amtrak eastern System. Also First train talk episode of the decade! (2020)

[@CoasterFan2105]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoy these videos!

[@MFPTransitVideos]

CoasterFan2105 will you be covering other commuter rail systems in future train talk episodes?

[@destroyergaming637]

I Live on a Mid-East coast state

[@CentralPennRailProductions]

Great video, Mike!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@YeahRailfan]

Currently on the Coast Starlight while watching this. 👌

[@famous1803]

Nice!

[@nolantherailfan5048]

8:33 my grandfather was on that train heading to Memphis to see me

[@MetraFan81]

I've been waiting for this video for months and it's finally here!

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

My favorite Amtrak eastern long-distance train is either the Lake Shore Limited or Cardinal

[@CSXKid5016]

The viewliner diner will be back on the Silver Star starting may 1st 2020 per Amtrak :)

[@ultramanbelial3790]

Omg Mike thank you for making this Vid

[@CoasterFan2105]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@maxsido2149]

@@CoasterFan2105 can we get as Train Talk the Class I Freight Railroads

[@MrBnsftrain]

I think adding dual-mode locomotives to the Crescent, Cardinal, and Silver Services might be more efficient and interesting as they won't have to change locomotives at Washington DC for the trip up the NEC. Or maybe, electrifying more of the Silver Services' routes. I also like the fact that the Silver Meteor has a full diner, while the Silver Star does not.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yeah, it could. I think that is something Amtrak was looking into for replacing the P42s on some of the eastern routes.

[@famous1803]

Hey Mike! When Will There Be A Metrolink Train Talk?

[@CoasterFan2105]

I'm not sure, but hopefully, I'll get to Metrolink in the not too distant future!

[@ryansrailfanningproduction9267]

Do the same with maybe tri rail

[@WillEdmond]

I'm taking my first train ride next weekend! I can't wait.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Awesome! Have fun!

[@edwardhudson5505]

I took a train ride from Charleston, SC to Richmond, VA.

[@santoryushiro]

wheres the birds having the funny sword fight with their beaks

[@dabboisang5165]

Same brother, dunkey lied

[@CoasterFan2105]

If you magnify the video at 1:39 by a factor of 1000, you can actually see the birds sword fighting with their beaks.

[@spicetruckin]

Excellent video. I took the Cardinal recently between CHW-CVS (roundtrip) over a weekend. Passing all the rivers was lot of fun!

[@TommyPicklesFan]

I rode the Crescent from Atlanta to New York with My Mom for My Cousin's Wedding back in July of 2015.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Sounds like fun!

[@TrainGuru]

Thank you Mike! I have recently watched ever one of your videos that you’ve ever posted. Keep up the good work!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Wow, now that takes dedication! Thank you so much!

[@TrainGuru]

No problem! I have recently noticed that when I come home after a long day of filming trains, I always watch your videos first. That shows that you are my favorite channel on KZbin! Keep chugging!

[@thenewpatticakes4214]

I've been watching your vids for a while now but Dunkey brought me back lol

[@kevp9601]

Happy New Year, Mike Armstrong! And Happy New Decade 2020s!!! :-D

[@natejackson8213]

Thank you Mike getting us the Amtrak eastern system for train talk. My favorite Amtrak long distance train from the eastern is the Crescent. Happy 2020.

[@CoasterFan2105]

You're very welcome, Nate. I'm hoping to do a full video on the Crescent at some point. Happy 2020!

[@edwardhudson5505]

My favorite train from the east is the Palmetto train because I got to take pictures whenever it stopped.

[@coolleo149]

Don’t forget the Texas Eagle. It’s also a long distance train. They usually have the baggage car but they added one P42DC a viewliner baggage car, and seven super liner cars. However they removed the baggage car and kept the super liners to however many sets their is, and 1 P42DC. They also detour to my area Tyler, TX back in 2017-18

[@CoasterFan2105]

I included the Texas Eagle as part of the "Sunset Limited" section of the "Western Long Distance" episode!

[@coolleo149]

Yay! :D

[@average_joe8905]

Great video, Mike! I’m glad I was able to learn a bit more about the long distance trains on the East Coast. Also, congrats on half a million subs!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you very much!

[@jakegleghorn3562]

Hey man , few things , sometimes the Auto Train 52/53 carry a Dash 8 , between Lorton & Sanford . Also the Crescent usually has a extra coach car during the holidays where as the cardinal sometimes gets a extra sleeping car & trains 97/98 get a 4th sleeping car . Just some edits

[@CoasterFan2105]

That's true. I just mention usual consists for all the trains because the video would drag on too long if I mentioned all the different variations. Thanks for sharing this, though!

[@basictransportenthusiast4386]

Fun fact: the cardinal used to use superliner consists until the early 2000’s

[@CoasterFan2105]

That's right, from some time in the mid 1990s up to the early 2000s. I think it only went Chicago to Washington at that time, too.

[@GARails]

I was in Savannah and I saw the Amtrak 42 heritage loco pulling the Auto Train along with Amtrak #835 P40DC behind it

[@EntertainmentWorldz]

great video bro

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@julianamontolio5047]

One question: do you play Minecraft?

[@Trolleyatthestation]

I love these videos, they make me want to ride a train right now.

[@engineersdash]

The Palmetto was left out trains 89, 90 from NY Savannah, Ga.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yeah, I thought it wasn't a long distance train, but I should've checked before. It will be included in my last Amtrak trains video where I cover the routes that I haven't featured yet.

[@daboidarwin1299]

I like to call the superliner consists, "the superliner set", & the single lvl consists, "the amfleet set" (this is for the long distance trains, not the corridor or intercity trains).

[@jasonwagner4869]

Man, that was enjoyable. Thanks so much!

[@TheRrxing]

Another great video. It’s going to be interesting to see what Rich Anderson, CEO does with the long distance trains in the near future. He doesn’t like to run trains at a loss.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you, Eddy!

[@harrisonofcolorado8886]

Anderson is a Puppet of anti rail people that's why he kicked out the Coast Starlight Parlour Cars and kicked full service Dining Cars from the Eastern Long Distance trains. And why he stopped funding Steam excursions. I wish he could get sacked.

[@railwaysfan92]

Happy new year Mike and thanks for this interresting video with great comments

[@aliciacatchings3371]

I love your videos

[@RatatoskrProduction]

One thing that did not surprise me was the lack of Cardinal shots it is, not one of the easiest trains to catch let alone chase. But what makes this train unique in its own way is the crew. The crew is full of great old-time railroaders that you don't see anymore. And sadly not for much longer more than 5 crew members are retiring mid-year. Overall they had over +200 years of experience between all of them. If you get a chance feel free to talk to the conductors between Huntington and Charlottesville the stories that can tell are unique in their own way and some can't be repeated.

[@CoasterFan2105]

It's a really neat train and I would've liked to get more video of it. I have a feeling that I will be seeing more of it at some point in the future.

[@AcelaRailan2150]

Great video! I liked this episode a lot!

[@OregonRailfan83]

Excellent!!

[@BandBHawks]

11:13 - 11:33 is some amazing editing. Great episode!

[@annastasiamorgan8516]

Thank u. I was one of the people who wanted to see this.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Glad I was finally able to make it happen! Thanks for watching!

[@annastasiamorgan8516]

Oooohhhhh mmmmmyyyyy ggggooooddd... I’m talking to Coaster Fan 2105!!

[@kpkp2563]

Super train journey and extremely informative video by Arm Strong. Enjoying watching the awesome video.

[@ajoyfulnoisepianostudio]

Nice video mike!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@pennsyr1]

Great stuff.

[@nathancorcoran5347]

You did a good job.

[@ladybard]

I've seen the Cardinal several times in Thurmond.

[@railfantrainsofsandiegopro1557]

Nice info! Really good 🙂

[@kevp9601]

Best 2020 KZbin Video of Yours Ever, Mr. Mike Armstrong Dude! :-D

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks, Kev!

[@FPHFan]

I heard about train talk sometimes and I also like the passenger train Amtrak because it was my favorite Amtrak passenger train

[@bazineversformerchannel9114]

Great video Mike! Your a great KZbinr. I love these videos!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you so much!

[@bazineversformerchannel9114]

Your welcome!

[@edwardhudson5505]

I like this video too.

[@M80T]

I love Amtrak ❤️

[@edwardhudson5505]

Me too.

[@namratajha9712]

Me too

[@calvinh2196]

Nice video and documentary of the long-distance routes all over, Mike! And fun fact, after the past two months from the middle of November until now, the Crescent now has a baggage dorm on the rear of the train (same like the view liner baggage but is a sleeper/baggage car together)

[@CoasterFan2105]

Wow, I didn't know that! Thanks for watching!

[@trainsplanescoins6784]

I am from Maryland.I get PO30 and PO29.i love your videos.

[@mattsworld2162]

Wow very nice.

[@SpotterCrazyperson]

Awesome spots and cool trains!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you!

[@strasburgsteamproductions3302]

Nice video 👍. I went on the Capital Limited train in the spring of 2012, and I went on the auto train in the summer of 2015.

[@ns_railfanner7299]

You came a long way mike happy new year!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! Happy New Year!

[@ElliottWolcott]

That looks cool.

[@RailfanTurner]

Terrific catches! Amazing narration! I hope you do more narration for videos for the future!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you so much! Lots more narrated videos on the way!

[@g-manonthego6678]

You have done it again. Another amazing video. In fact, I grew up taking the City of New Orleans, along with the Metra Electric district (it runs alongside the train from Chicago to University Park).

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you very much, Gabriel! I've been right through that area a number of times now.

[@g-manonthego6678]

CoasterFan2105 you have? That’s nice! Both the Metra Electric and the City of New Orleans are legendary. Plus, it is very important to the state of Tennessee because it is the only Amtrak train to run through that state. (In fact, before last year, I rode the CONO from Chicago to Memphis and back, but last year on MLK day, I rode it all the way to NOLA for the first time.

[@CoasterFan2105]

@@g-manonthego6678 It seems like a fun train. That's one I've wanted to take for quite a while now. About 10 years ago, I took the Metra Electric all the way down to Blue Island and back, but that's about as far as I've gone along that line.

[@g-manonthego6678]

That’s nice! You got to ride the first Highliners when they were in their final years of service. In fact, I have yet to ride the Blue Island Branch of the Metra Electric, because it is the only route that I haven’t been on. Also, how was that experience?

[@rockfishrailfanproductions5495]

Excellent video a always!!!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you very much!

[@sotomanuel3]

Could someone explain to me how private cars work, those from old companies, like PRR, Milwaukee Road, ATSF, etc., how one can travel in them, when it is more common to see them, because they are coupled to an Amtrak train, etc?

[@Juice556]

My 2 year olds go crazy over your "Oh Deeeeeer" joke. Do you have a shirt related to this?

[@CoasterFan2105]

Hey, sorry I missed your comment! I did indeed put together an "Oh Deer!" T-shirt for my teespring store. Here's the link: teespring.com/shop/oh-deer-tee?aid=marketplace&tsmac=marketplace&tsmic=search&pid=369&cid=6515

[@rypatmackrock]

I once saw an ad for Amtrak’s double Decker coach that’s been on the surfliner a few times, and used to be owned by the great northern, being used on the cardinal for one fall season. I thought that meant the cardinal was also a single level coach route, but maybe they attached it to the back or made the switch in recent years. I also have a feeling all the single level coach routes start or end in New York City given the size constraints with Penn station.

[@CoasterFan2105]

That was probably Amtrak's full length dome car, the Ocean View. It is a low level car, but it has a glass dome canopy that people can go up in for sight seeing. The car was just retired last year because it was getting very old and difficult to maintain.

[@rypatmackrock]

CoasterFan2105 i’ve been in it’s lower level on the surfliner before, and who knows where it will go from here let it be a museum, or scrap. Until then, thanks for the memories.

[@greatsmokymtnsrailfan]

YAY! You mentioned Selma, NC!!!!!!!!!!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yup! It's an important city in the Amtrak rail network!

[@greatsmokymtnsrailfan]

@@CoasterFan2105 I like to railfan there. :)

[@s0nnyburnett]

Big country to see. I could spend my whole years vacation time and only be able to ride them all one way.

[@CoasterFan2105]

There's a lot of cool stuff to see out there.

[@Mr.RailYard-LJLRailYard]

Pretty cool video. Thanks for sharing. LJL

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you for watching!

[@RailfanCountyRiverside]

Nice job Mike, happy new year.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you! Happy New Year!

[@larailfan1714]

When are the Ace chargers going to be delivered? They said December but that was wrong.

[@CoasterFan2105]

I'm not sure. Most of them are completed and at least one has been delivered so far.

[@kennyt1674]

Awesome job and I hope you a awesome day

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you, Kenny! You too

[@kennyt1674]

@@CoasterFan2105 your welcome :)

[@FamilyGuyandWonderGarbo8448]

Awesome video mate and Happy New Year Mike

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thank you so much! Happy New Year!

[@FamilyGuyandWonderGarbo8448]

@CoasterFan2105 Your welcome and you too Mike

[@bramjen13]

Awesome trains and video!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@georgeadams1853]

I think the reason the Superliner equipment is used on only three routes is because of tunnel clearance restrictions on the other routes in the NYC metro area. B&O used to run dome cars on the old Capital Limited, so their tunnels would accommodate Superliner cars later.

[@Thecoolestboyinapopka]

So what auto train is from the railroad?

[@Ramseylove]

Nice Great work 👏👍

[@manueldeltoro8398]

In assuming that the electric engine will be changed the date of ax and ca this year

[@conceyullena]

Very nice video!!!! 😍🚂👍

[@footballer5611]

Yes nice

[@ericviet06]

Imagine if the auto train had to travel on the northeast corridor. How many ACS-64s would have to pull that thing?

[@adventuresofamtrakcascades301]

Maybe 3

[@elperenza]

ACS-64s are very powerful locos, 2 or even 1 would suffice. The P42s output 4250 hp, while the ACS-64 can output a maximum of 8600 hp (for short periods) and a continuous 6700 hp.

[@ericviet06]

It was a rhetorical question... don’t torture yourself with a whole science experiment.

[@NSFAN8000]

Can't wait for the 2020 Q&A update

[@arthur.jaanus]

Me too

[@CoasterFan2105]

Should be good!

[@SouthernerFloridain2006]

Southern Railway Ps-4 #1397 pulled the Cresent during the Steam age

[@dxshel4298]

I am planning on going on the coast starlight

[@TippyHippy]

I’ll have the spaghetti and meatballs

[@silverengine3769]

This is my favorite episode because I live on the east coast. Why don't they use superliner coaches on northeast corridor?

[@NERRP2017]

Nice

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@PG13hockeyman]

Wow. I asked for this like 2 years ago.

[@CoasterFan2105]

Yeah, it sometimes takes me a while to do videos because I try to only use my own material for all the videos I make. I was hoping to do this video during the second half of 2017 but unfortunately, I didn't have enough video of the Auto Train, Crescent, City of New Orleans, Silver Star and Silver Meteor. So at long last, this video is finally here.

[@GTApex]

I've always wanted to ride a train but I fear it's a lot like riding a city bus. Cool channel!

[@CoasterFan2105]

Thanks!

[@newenglandrailfanproductio5350]

Can you do an episode on the mpi hsp46?

[@joshuastanbury3166]

With the Capitol Limited are the superliner carriages able to travel along the Northeast Corridor?

[@CoasterFan2105]

The Superliners are too tall to fit through several of the tunnels on the Northeast Corridor, so the Capitol Limited ends in Washington D.C.

[@edwardrhg]

9:47 what day year and month did you take that video

[@edwardrhg]

also same question for the footage at 11:12

[@edwardrhg]

Those were Amtrak trains 91 and 92 they were from rail fest plant city 2019 I saw both of those trains 91 was lead by 88 and 92 was lead by 9 I live in Tampa so I can see them

[@Swrdfshtrmbns]

Hi Mike, I like your videos and I don't know a lot about trains. If you are taking video ideas, one topic that has sort of perplexed me is the architecture of locomotives themselves, like why they look the way they do, the choices that motivated the development of the hood unit vs. cab unit vs. cowl unit divide, the different nose shapes, etc. I can't find anything on youtube about this subject.

[@sebastianmunera5470]

Amtrak’s lake shore limited now goes from Boston to Chicago

[@d64tv06]

Can you make another train talk video about the MP36PH-3C Locomotive.

[@adambuesser6264]

Can you make another video of Amtrak short distance trains in the eastern US?

[@CoasterFan2105]

I made a video on all of the corridor trains about 2 years ago. There are about half a dozen Amtrak trains I still haven't included in any of my videos yet, so I will eventually be doing a video on all of those.

[@adambuesser6264]

@@CoasterFan2105 OK, thanks

[@Drewtrainfan]

Train Talk Videos Are Live Action Mike.

[@sebastianmunera5470]

This my favorite to

[@vivyan92]

Hi Mike, I have a question. In the last year's video of Corridor trains as you mention Amtrak, you forgot to mention Vermonter from Washington D.C. to St Albans, VT and Ethan Allen's Express from Rutland, VT to New York, NY. Can you consider to do both those routes for your next video? I do admire you and trains and I'm always a big Amtrak fan too with the routes to get them all off the bucket list.

[@CoasterFan2105]

I will eventually be covering all of those routes, but it depends on when I am able to get video of them. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Thanks for watching!

[@magicaleditz]

Wow Nice Video 🤩 🤩 🤩 🤩

[@Acidzilla1]

The Fact that The City of New Orleans Long Distance Train Goea through Fulton Kentucky....I can just head over there to that Station Stop....yea it's not a Major Stop....but the Train does Stop there if there are passengers that want to be picked up or Dropped off at Fulton....and I live near Fulton so Heck Yes

[@kliont22]

the lake shore limited trains didnt have wifi atleast that was when i took it

[@85308arizonaboy]

I still can’t believe I live in the 5th largest city in the country and we don’t have an Amtrak station...!!!

[@harrisonofcolorado8886]

Phoenix?

[@85308arizonaboy]

Harrison La time traveler yup....have to drive almost 2 hours north to Flagstaff....

[@blahaj4995]

The consists in the east is different bc. Most long distance trains in the east travel on the northeast corridor and the consists they use are perfect for the corridor unlike the superliners.

[@weatherdude5129]

When are you going to do a yearly Q and A video

[@CoasterFan2105]

That should be coming in 2 weeks on JAN 17th. I posted a full schedule for this month on the community tab!

[@weatherdude5129]

Ok thanks

[@loungegeffrard3122]

As a railfan in Massachusetts, I find this unfair because New York has TOO many trains starting there and the only long distance train starting at Boston IS SHORT! This is 84% unfair to train lovers in Massachusetts and I hope the Crescent and the Silver Meteor start in Boston instead of NYC. I hope you make a vid about why more eastern long-distance trains start in New York and not Boston. Great channel though!