southwest-chief-galleryhttps://www.trains.com/trn/railroads/southwest-chief-gallery/Campaigning to preserve the route of the Southwest Chief | Trains MagazineTrains magazine offers railroad news, railroad industry insight, commentary on today's freight railroads, passenger service (Amtrak), locomotive technology, railroad preservation and history, railfan opportunities (tourist railroads, fan trips), and great railroad photography.InStockUSD1.001.00railroadsarticleTRN2020-11-032014-08-2018511
A 120-car BNSF empty coal train slinks west through a 30-mph speed restriction 10 miles east of Syracuse, Kan., on July 13. Once a raceway for the Super Chief and other streamliners, the Kansas portion of the line was downgraded under the current operating contract to 60 mph maximum passenger speeds with mostly bolted rail dating from the 1950s. But on this track, with signaling that allows 90 mph operation, there are now over 40 miles of 30 mph slow orders in the 100 miles between Garden City and Lamar, Colo.
A close-up of rails at Milepost 365.1 (between Dodge City and Garden City) shows how the ends are battered at the joints, making a ride on the Chief across Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico a noisy experience. BNSF’s plan to restore track to 79 mph (Class 4) and agree to maintain it at that speed for 20 years calls for replacing this bolted rail with continuous welded rail. It will renew the ties and ballast if the states and Amtrak help pay for new rail.
BNSF Executive Chairman Matt Rose talks about the initiative with community leaders at Dodge City. He told TRAINS he was optimistic that $9.5 million in matching funds which BNSF, Amtrak, on-line communities, and the Kansas DOT have pledged will help win a $15 million pending federal TIGER grant to help with the rehab, so any reroute on the Transcon through Amarillo, Tex., in 2016 when the current contract expires won’t be necessary.
P42’s 145 and 822, painted in Amtrak’s Phase 3 scheme, pause with the special on July 11 at Garden City, while Joe Boardman and Kansas DOT Secretary Mike King talk with local officials and the media. Behind the locomotives are Heritage sleeper Pacific Cape, a Viewliner sleeper, office car Beech Grove, and theatre inspection car American View.
The westbound Southwest Chief arrives at Raton, N.M., where a sign displays a speed limit for freight trains that have been absent between Trinidad, Colo., and Lamy, N.M., for 5 years
Almost 200 people turned out at Raton, N.M., to greet Amtrak president Joe Boardman, who presented them with a sign. The supporters’ signs say “Save our city. Don’t take our Southwest Chief. It’s our lifeblood.”
After Raton, the Amtrak special stopped on the passing track at Springer, N.M., while the group traveled by van to a lunch at Philmont Scout Ranch. Theatre inspection car American View was originally one of two prototype sleepers assembled from Budd Company stainless steel shells in 1987 at Beech Grove. Shop forces also did the renovation.
Amtrak president Joe Boardman confers with Las Vegas, N.M., mayor Alfonso Ortiz, Jr. In the background, New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich talks to another city official.
With Wagon Mound in the background, the eastbound Southwest Chief drops an aging semaphore signal as it arrives at Levy, N.M., for a meet with the Amtrak special.
With the Chief having passed, Amtrak’s inspection special takes the signal to return to the main line and head west.
On July 11 and 12, 2014, Amtrak President Joe Boardman hosted a four-car passenger extra between Kansas City, Mo., and Albuquerque, N.M., to give local and state stakeholders the opportunity to observe deteriorating track conditions along the Southwest Chief’s route, and to discuss infrastructure improvement funding with Amtrak operations and government affairs managers. BNSF Railway Executive Chairman Matt Rose was also aboard the first day between Topeka and Dodge City, Kan. After an overnight stop at La Junta, Colo., on the second day, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D—N.M.) and New Mexico Transportation Secretary Tom Church boarded the special in Raton, N.M. The train stopped on the passing track at Springer, N.M., for a side trip to the Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, N.M.
Passenger correspondent Bob Johnston rode the Chief from Chicago to Garden City, Kan., on July 10, then shadowed the extra by car from Dodge City as it headed west to Las Vegas, N.M., over the next two days. His report, “Probing the Chief alternatives,” is on pages 20-21 of TRAINS’ October, 2014, issue. This photo gallery from the trip further illustrates what he saw along the way.
22 thoughts on “Campaigning to preserve the route of the Southwest Chief”
Dave, Are you aware that the Highway Trust Fund, the one that pays for the construction and maintenance of the Interstate Highway System, was broke before the Republicans in the house and senate voted for an INCREASE in the subsidy for the fund?
This was taken from the 2013 CBO's status of the interstate trust fund,
since 2008, the Congress has avoided such shortfalls by transferring $41 billion from the general fund of the Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund. The Congress has enacted an additional transfer of $12.6 billion that is scheduled to occur in 2014. If lawmakers chose to continue authorizing such transfers, they would have to transfer an additional $15 billion in 2015 and increasing amounts in subsequent years to prevent future shortfalls, if spending was maintained at the 2013 level, as adjusted for inflation.
It was either increase the subsidy or increase the gas tax by $.10/gal., so much for paying as you go.
If anyone expects the republican members of congress to vote for a subsidy for Amtrak it would be against all of their principles to support a subsidy for any form of mass transit.
It's a shame we live in a first world country and have what is almost third world rail service. America we can do better than the current passenger rail system. Our government wastes billions on nonsense and we ride in 25-35 year old Superliners as the backbone of our national rail system.
My job used to take me from Tulsa to deliver steel products from Hutchinson Ks. to Dodge; Lamar; and LaJunta. I would leave early on Sunday to be in place for my first delivery Monday and be it Dodge or Lamar I was always surprised at how few people would board the train at these small to medium sized towns. Conversations with locals over the years many times centered on the feeling that these trains were expensive to ride and other than the Amtrak sign with the 800 number for Julie the kind robot reservationist; most folks did not know how to buy a ticket. I think Amtrak should round up a superliner coach; lounge; and sleeper and spend a day at each stop between Newton and Albuquerque with an open house and help on how to use Julie and her human helpers and of course the web site. The Chief needs all the help it can get in the current political climate; so Amtrak do the same tour president Joe took with the political leaders but this time for the folks on the street. I'm not implying that hundreds of people in these towns travel to KC or Albuquerque daily; but an extra few a day at each stop will certainly help the bottom line and the trains stop there anyway.
My last air trip was so miserable I swore I wanted to always travel by train. We did just that a year ago, from Chicago to LA. What a wonderful trip via Amtrak. Loved it and have talked to others many times about trading air travel to rail. I understand the need for upgrades, though we had a great trip; guess we were fortunate to have had such great help planning the trip from South Bend, IN Amtrak personnel. Agree congress should help the industry and all, especially elders who much prefer travel by rail. Air travel is no longer comfortable and enjoyable especially for elders. Seats are closer and smaller; lower fares seem to always mean the very back by the washroom facilities. Lower fares now also mean more money spent for what used to be carry on items. I became weary from guiding people to the empty washrooms. The airline should have paid me for my work! Who needs it!!!
Let's rise up as a huge group and see if we can actually get through to the government about actually tackling the rail lines problems and concerns. Help them understand there are enough of us that care about improving rail travel. Air travel will not fail – the more wealthy will still be able to afford first class or at least more expensive travel by air for their businesses as they are usually on fast track deadlines.
Let's gather and cause enough interested people to be assured there is still a reason to be so thankful we are Americans and can actually communicate with our Government and make a difference! Good luck to us all. WE WANT SAFE TRAINS ON SAFE RAILS EVERY TIME! God Bless America.
I think Amtrak should spend a lot more money on better track and cars. I have taken the Taxes Eagle and what a great ride. This is the best way to see America for seniors. Our wonderful congress needs to wake up and provide a good rail system like most of the world has. A great way to move many people with less pollution.
I rode the SW Chief out of Newton to Flagstaff and back last year and loved every minute of it. Looking forward to taking another ride this year. IMHO I think it would benefit everyone if this train passed through more larger cities like Wichita, Oklahoma City and Amarillo to Albuquerque. That would also give us in KS a link to Texas and east to FL.
Passenger rail in the USA continues to grow each year but we fail to invest in it. Yet highways, and airports gets tons of federal aid. Amtrak is only 3% of the annual transportation budget, yet congress talks about it as if it is the whole of the federal budget. Additionally passengers pay for their tickets which helps pay Amtrak employees and for those in the related services that support the service. Sorry fact is that passenger rail service is far smaller and worst now than it was in the 1950's.
I've been across that line in the ATSF days and it was a far smoother and faster experience than the UP's Kansas Pacific line to the north. That was easily the noisiest, bumpiest ride around. I hope that BNSF is serious in gaining back the speeds. What I do remember is seeing a longtime ATSF station stop like Streator, Illinois dumped and the SWC moving to the ex-CB&Q where the top speed is 79 versus 90+ on the ex-ATSF.
If there were pro-rail politicians in office in New Mexico and Colorado and not a bunch of idiots, the Railrunner could be extended to Denver up the front range and even serving the Denver airport!. Of course, the long proposed fast freight bypass line needs to be built east of the historic line from Denver through Colorado Springs and down to Pueblo.
Another case of the US failing to build for the future of railroading. Fred Frailey points this out on the Chicago issue on his blog. The late John W. Barriger III proposed super railroads for America eons ago and in many areas, there are still toonerville trolley operations to be found all across the US.
Sad when one considers many third world countries and banana republics are rebuilding and improving their railways, including Cuba!
The proposal was to re-route the Southwestern Chief over the Clovis line and through Amarillo. This line is double tracked, and mostly flat. There is no Raton Pass to deal with. In the end, it would be cheaper. The route is the same as the old San Francisco Chief used to take. The "Roadrunner" commute trains could be used to shuttle passengers from Albuquerque to Raton. This idea may not appeal to purists, but it keeps the Chiefs in service!
If you book a room on this train, try to get the room away from the wheels. It's a very rough ride. Too rough in fact. Can't wait until they put in welded rail.
I rode the Chief last fall and loved it, it was very nice ride great view and I hope the Republicans do not kill this train and yes to keep it open for only two passenger trains now seem like a waste but just wait the future will demand more and more trains, I just know it
One only has to consider just how many millions of taxpayer dollars are wasted everyday fighting wars around the planet, why not save Raton and make it a preserved historic rail line? Create Steamtown West for goodness sakes. What happened to the American Dream? Both Colorado and New Mexico saved the Rio Grande's narrow gauge line over Cumbres. Steamtown West could continue to host the Amtrak Southwest Chief and a new regional Super Chief Cruise Train in the Santa Fe tradition as well.
The West doesn't need another Rails to Trails railroad right of way like the Milwaukee Road's Pacific Extention!
The bill that Colorado passed is valid only if New Mexico and Kansas Kick in 4 million each for 10 years. But here is a kink in the details–New Mexico passed a study bill but it was killed in Finance Committee, The state of New Mexico can not fulfill the request because its constitution has an ANTI-DONATION clause regarding private railroads. So that means the Colorado bill is dead. Guess Colorado loves to blow smoke!
I rode the Chief last month. Foamer heaven. Jointed rail and semaphore signals over Raton Pass. I hope the clickety-clack never goes out of style. It was like the Santa Fe was still alive.
I was on that section of railroad on the Southwest Chief last year at this time. It was rough, noisy then. and probably hasn't gotten any better since.
Dave, Are you aware that the Highway Trust Fund, the one that pays for the construction and maintenance of the Interstate Highway System, was broke before the Republicans in the house and senate voted for an INCREASE in the subsidy for the fund?
This was taken from the 2013 CBO's status of the interstate trust fund,
since 2008, the Congress has avoided such shortfalls
by transferring $41 billion from the general fund
of the Treasury to the Highway Trust Fund. The
Congress has enacted an additional transfer of
$12.6 billion that is scheduled to occur in 2014.
If lawmakers chose to continue authorizing such
transfers, they would have to transfer an additional
$15 billion in 2015 and increasing amounts in subsequent
years to prevent future shortfalls, if spending
was maintained at the 2013 level, as adjusted for
inflation.
It was either increase the subsidy or increase the gas tax by $.10/gal., so much for paying as you go.
I could go on, but I doubt you would get it.
If anyone expects the republican members of congress to vote for a subsidy for Amtrak it would be against all of their principles to support a subsidy for any form of mass transit.
It's a shame we live in a first world country and have what is almost third world rail service. America we can do better than the current passenger rail system. Our government wastes billions on nonsense and we ride in 25-35 year old Superliners as the backbone of our national rail system.
My job used to take me from Tulsa to deliver steel products from Hutchinson Ks. to Dodge; Lamar; and LaJunta.
I would leave early on Sunday to be in place for my first delivery Monday and be it Dodge or Lamar I was always surprised at how few people would board the train at these small to medium sized towns.
Conversations with locals over the years many times centered on the feeling that these trains were expensive to ride and other than the Amtrak sign with the 800 number for Julie the kind robot reservationist; most folks did not know how to buy a ticket.
I think Amtrak should round up a superliner coach; lounge; and sleeper and spend a day at each stop between Newton and Albuquerque with an open house and help on how to use Julie and her human helpers and of course the web site.
The Chief needs all the help it can get in the current political climate; so Amtrak do the same tour president Joe took with the political leaders but this time for the folks on the street.
I'm not implying that hundreds of people in these towns travel to KC or Albuquerque daily; but an extra few a day at each stop will certainly help the bottom line and the trains stop there anyway.
My last air trip was so miserable I swore I wanted to always travel by train. We did just that a year ago, from Chicago to LA. What a wonderful trip via Amtrak. Loved it and have talked to others many times about trading air travel to rail. I understand the need for upgrades, though we had a great trip; guess we were fortunate to have had such great help planning the trip from South Bend, IN Amtrak personnel. Agree congress should help the industry and all, especially elders who much prefer travel by rail. Air travel is no longer comfortable and enjoyable especially for elders. Seats are closer and smaller; lower fares seem to always mean the very back by the washroom facilities. Lower fares now also mean more money spent for what used to be carry on items. I became weary from guiding people to the empty washrooms. The airline should have paid me for my work! Who needs it!!!
Let's rise up as a huge group and see if we can actually get through to the government about actually tackling the rail lines problems and concerns. Help them understand there are enough of us that care about improving rail travel. Air travel will not fail – the more wealthy will still be able to afford first class or at least more expensive travel by air for their businesses as they are usually on fast track deadlines.
Let's gather and cause enough interested people to be assured there is still a reason to be so thankful we are Americans and can actually communicate with our Government and make a difference! Good luck to us all. WE WANT SAFE TRAINS ON SAFE RAILS EVERY TIME! God Bless America.
Mr. and Mrs. Ness
I think Amtrak should spend a lot more money on better track and cars. I have taken the Taxes Eagle and what a great ride. This is the best way to see America for seniors. Our wonderful congress needs to wake up and provide a good rail system like most of the world has. A great way to move many people with less pollution.
I rode the SW Chief out of Newton to Flagstaff and back last year and loved every minute of it. Looking forward to taking another ride this year. IMHO I think it would benefit everyone if this train passed through more larger cities like Wichita, Oklahoma City and Amarillo to Albuquerque. That would also give us in KS a link to Texas and east to FL.
I agree with you Dennis, about highway and airport funds we do not need to change any routes lets just work to make the trains on time performance.
Passenger rail in the USA continues to grow each year but we fail to invest in it. Yet highways, and airports gets tons of federal aid. Amtrak is only 3% of the annual transportation budget, yet congress talks about it as if it is the whole of the federal budget. Additionally passengers pay for their tickets which helps pay Amtrak employees and for those in the related services that support the service. Sorry fact is that passenger rail service is far smaller and worst now than it was in the 1950's.
18 days left for suppose to be deadline for funds to be available in order to avoid route change.
I've been across that line in the ATSF days and it was a far smoother and faster experience than the UP's Kansas Pacific line to the north. That was easily the noisiest, bumpiest ride around. I hope that BNSF is serious in gaining back the speeds. What I do remember is seeing a longtime ATSF station stop like Streator, Illinois dumped and the SWC moving to the ex-CB&Q where the top speed is 79 versus 90+ on the ex-ATSF.
If there were pro-rail politicians in office in New Mexico and Colorado and not a bunch of idiots, the Railrunner could be extended to Denver up the front range and even serving the Denver airport!. Of course, the long proposed fast freight bypass line needs to be built east of the historic line from Denver through Colorado Springs and down to Pueblo.
Another case of the US failing to build for the future of railroading. Fred Frailey points this out on the Chicago issue on his blog. The late John W. Barriger III proposed super railroads for America eons ago and in many areas, there are still toonerville trolley operations to be found all across the US.
Sad when one considers many third world countries and banana republics are rebuilding and improving their railways, including Cuba!
The proposal was to re-route the Southwestern Chief over the Clovis line and through Amarillo. This line is double tracked, and mostly flat. There is no Raton Pass to deal with. In the end, it would be cheaper. The route is the same as the old San Francisco Chief used to take. The "Roadrunner" commute trains could be used to shuttle passengers from Albuquerque to Raton. This idea may not appeal to purists, but it keeps the Chiefs in service!
and most likely won't by a dvd instead
If you book a room on this train, try to get the room away from the wheels. It's a very rough ride. Too rough in fact. Can't wait until they put in welded rail.
I rode the Chief last fall and loved it, it was very nice ride great view and I hope the Republicans do not kill this train and yes to keep it open for only two passenger trains now seem like a waste but just wait the future will demand more and more trains, I just know it
One only has to consider just how many millions of taxpayer dollars are wasted everyday fighting wars around the planet, why not save Raton and make it a preserved historic rail line? Create Steamtown West for goodness sakes. What happened to the American Dream? Both Colorado and New Mexico saved the Rio Grande's narrow gauge line over Cumbres. Steamtown West could continue to host the Amtrak Southwest Chief and a new regional Super Chief Cruise Train in the Santa Fe tradition as well.
The West doesn't need another Rails to Trails railroad right of way like the Milwaukee Road's Pacific Extention!
The click-clack never gets old
To keep the Raton Pass route open for only 2 passenger trains a day has a whiff of madness about it.
The bill that Colorado passed is valid only if New Mexico and Kansas Kick in 4 million each for 10 years. But here is a kink in the details–New Mexico passed a study bill but it was killed in Finance Committee, The state of New Mexico can not fulfill the request because its constitution has an ANTI-DONATION clause regarding private railroads. So that means the Colorado bill is dead. Guess Colorado loves to blow smoke!
I rode the Chief last month. Foamer heaven. Jointed rail and semaphore signals over Raton Pass. I hope the clickety-clack never goes out of style. It was like the Santa Fe was still alive.
I was on that section of railroad on the Southwest Chief last year at this time. It was rough, noisy then. and probably hasn't gotten any better since.