by Gilbert B Norman
Now that I am again learning that Superliners have marker lights, this discussion of expansion of "Auto Train Service" initiated by Mr. Loco has new relevance.
At this time, the Chief is "Express free" (Zephyr still seems to have "one or two Reefers in consist).
I would prefer to see "overnight" markets developed rather than the end to ends. The reason is simply that, based on thirteen Auto Train trips over the years, "arewethereyetitis' rapidly sets in by noon second day. These AT passengers, or at least the Bennie-Caddy-Lex crowd that is always aboard when I am, are not fans. They are not even "train lovers' i.e. those non-fans that simply enjoy the "laid back" ambience of LD train travel. They simply are looking for an expedient means to move their auto over a monotonous, and even at times dangerous, route (last January, I can recall driving to AT from friends in Woodford, VA along I-95 when the temp was 35dg, raining, and even foggy - I was just as glad I was on AT that afternoon). They like the convenience of "loading 'er up' with extended stay belongings - something I do not think is allowed by other "you fly, we haul' auto shipping services.
For "Chief Auto Train" (love that name for the service???) I would have in mind passengers simply using line space in the class of their choice and with the auto carriers operating Fort Madison-La Junta and again Albuqurque-San Bernardino. Those would be the only segments over which the service would be offered.
The reason for Fort Madison is, as I recall, the open space around the depot to set up a ramping facility and the BNSF has switch engines to handle the chores. From a marketing perspective, it's equidistant not only from Chicago, but also St Louis and even Twin Cities. La Junta offers access to the array of Front Range resorts and attractions.
There is no point operating auto carriers over Raton if unnecessary, especially considering the locomotive assignment has now been reduced from three to two units.
San Bernardino over LA as a Western terminus simply allows equal access to all "LA Basin" destinations without having to "double back" from Downtown LA as would be the case with many.
At this time, the Chief is "Express free" (Zephyr still seems to have "one or two Reefers in consist).
I would prefer to see "overnight" markets developed rather than the end to ends. The reason is simply that, based on thirteen Auto Train trips over the years, "arewethereyetitis' rapidly sets in by noon second day. These AT passengers, or at least the Bennie-Caddy-Lex crowd that is always aboard when I am, are not fans. They are not even "train lovers' i.e. those non-fans that simply enjoy the "laid back" ambience of LD train travel. They simply are looking for an expedient means to move their auto over a monotonous, and even at times dangerous, route (last January, I can recall driving to AT from friends in Woodford, VA along I-95 when the temp was 35dg, raining, and even foggy - I was just as glad I was on AT that afternoon). They like the convenience of "loading 'er up' with extended stay belongings - something I do not think is allowed by other "you fly, we haul' auto shipping services.
For "Chief Auto Train" (love that name for the service???) I would have in mind passengers simply using line space in the class of their choice and with the auto carriers operating Fort Madison-La Junta and again Albuqurque-San Bernardino. Those would be the only segments over which the service would be offered.
The reason for Fort Madison is, as I recall, the open space around the depot to set up a ramping facility and the BNSF has switch engines to handle the chores. From a marketing perspective, it's equidistant not only from Chicago, but also St Louis and even Twin Cities. La Junta offers access to the array of Front Range resorts and attractions.
There is no point operating auto carriers over Raton if unnecessary, especially considering the locomotive assignment has now been reduced from three to two units.
San Bernardino over LA as a Western terminus simply allows equal access to all "LA Basin" destinations without having to "double back" from Downtown LA as would be the case with many.