( The ongoing discussion thread for the 2014 trips can be found here on the Amtrak Forum. )
Amtrak's "Autumn Express" excursions commenced in 2013 with a Philadelphia-Perryville, MD.-Harrisburg-Philadelphia circle trip over former PRR lines. This was originally planned as a single day-trip on a Saturday as a rather speculative venture on Amtrak's part. Here is the complete discussion thread on our Amtrak forum concerning the 2013 excursion; an interesting read.
However, public response to the announcement for last year's trip was so overwhelmingly positive that not only did tickets for the trip sell out completely (and quickly!), but the railroad also operated a Sunday excursion in order to accommodate the overflow demand. Extra coaches even had to be made available in order to cater to the demand on both days, which reportedly was over 800 passengers. Really fortunate that Amtrak was able to make extra coaches available. It was amazing how each time another batch of tickets was put up for sale, they typically vanished that very same day (sometimes within a half-hour and less!).
This autumn, Amtrak Autumn Express will roll once again - Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, 2014!
This year's special surprise? It's time to "take a ride on the Reading"!
The itinerary is Philadelphia-Harrisburg-Philadelphia, with at least the return leg of the trip being made over the full length of Reading's Lebanon Valley Branch via Hershey, switching to the Main Line at Reading itself and rolling along the Schuylkill through Pottstown, Valley Forge and Gladwyne.
At present, the linked webpage is not fully clear whether both halves of the trip are ex-RDG, or whether the outbound portion will be over the electrified ex-PRR main line via Paoli and Lancaster. Hopefully Amtrak will soon correct the ambiguity seen on their excursion website - as of today, we still don't know if this is a round trip or a circle trip. My personal belief is that it will most likely be out and back on the Reading both ways, *BUT* it's best to be sure before purchasing tickets.
Quoted from the excursion's reservations webpage:
Reminder:
Last year's Amtrak Autumn Excursion sold out VERY QUICKLY. These trips are being marketed well outside of railfan social circles; non-railfans eager to enjoy a day-long fall foliage tour across the heart of the former "Reading Lines" are going to be purchasing these starting on day 1 of sales! Tickets will begin being sold at 10:00 AM next Thursday, October 9. That's only a wee bit more than four weeks before the weekend of the trips themselves, so don't delay.
You don't have to be "anthracite-friendly" in order to have an wonderfully fun day with these excursions. Still... the more history-minded you happen to be, the sweeter the experience.
Amtrak's "Autumn Express" excursions commenced in 2013 with a Philadelphia-Perryville, MD.-Harrisburg-Philadelphia circle trip over former PRR lines. This was originally planned as a single day-trip on a Saturday as a rather speculative venture on Amtrak's part. Here is the complete discussion thread on our Amtrak forum concerning the 2013 excursion; an interesting read.
However, public response to the announcement for last year's trip was so overwhelmingly positive that not only did tickets for the trip sell out completely (and quickly!), but the railroad also operated a Sunday excursion in order to accommodate the overflow demand. Extra coaches even had to be made available in order to cater to the demand on both days, which reportedly was over 800 passengers. Really fortunate that Amtrak was able to make extra coaches available. It was amazing how each time another batch of tickets was put up for sale, they typically vanished that very same day (sometimes within a half-hour and less!).
This autumn, Amtrak Autumn Express will roll once again - Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, 2014!
This year's special surprise? It's time to "take a ride on the Reading"!
The itinerary is Philadelphia-Harrisburg-Philadelphia, with at least the return leg of the trip being made over the full length of Reading's Lebanon Valley Branch via Hershey, switching to the Main Line at Reading itself and rolling along the Schuylkill through Pottstown, Valley Forge and Gladwyne.
At present, the linked webpage is not fully clear whether both halves of the trip are ex-RDG, or whether the outbound portion will be over the electrified ex-PRR main line via Paoli and Lancaster. Hopefully Amtrak will soon correct the ambiguity seen on their excursion website - as of today, we still don't know if this is a round trip or a circle trip. My personal belief is that it will most likely be out and back on the Reading both ways, *BUT* it's best to be sure before purchasing tickets.
Quoted from the excursion's reservations webpage:
The 2014 Autumn Express is Here
Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, 2014
Tickets go on sale Thursday, October 9 at 10:00 am ET, and are sure to go fast.
Reserve your seats quickly.
Due to popular demand, the Autumn Express is back. Come along for a historic train ride, departing from and returning to Philadelphia 30th Street Station on Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, 2014. Travel through small towns, historic tunnels, see key landmarks and experience rare mileage along a route that hasn't seen regular passenger service in decades.
$129 per Adult. Many Benefits.
See fall scenery on a rare trip beginning with the Philadelphia Highline above and across the Penn Coach Yards and mainline. Travel along the Schuykill River and through the countryside that only freight trains travel now. You'll pass through the Flat Rock Tunnel, constructed in 1836 - 1840 (one of the oldest in the country) and the Black Rock Tunnel, constructed in 1838, the third oldest tunnel still in use in this country. After a brief stop in Harrisburg, PA, the Autumn Express will take you back to Philadelphia via Hershey and Reading, PA, while travelling through scenic Montgomery, Chester, Berks, Lebanon and Dauphin Counties.
The train departs Philadelphia at 9:45 am and returns at 6:00 pm.
Tickets are $129 for adults and include a boxed lunch (turkey sandwich, chips, water and cookie) and souvenir tote bag.
Children 2 - 12 ride for half price and receive a boxed lunch and tote bag.
Wi-Fi will be available.
Seating is limited for this unique opportunity.
Reminder:
Last year's Amtrak Autumn Excursion sold out VERY QUICKLY. These trips are being marketed well outside of railfan social circles; non-railfans eager to enjoy a day-long fall foliage tour across the heart of the former "Reading Lines" are going to be purchasing these starting on day 1 of sales! Tickets will begin being sold at 10:00 AM next Thursday, October 9. That's only a wee bit more than four weeks before the weekend of the trips themselves, so don't delay.
You don't have to be "anthracite-friendly" in order to have an wonderfully fun day with these excursions. Still... the more history-minded you happen to be, the sweeter the experience.
Franklin Gowen • • • • READING COMPANY forum moderator
Click here for "America's Largest Anthracite Hauler"!
In 2024, the late, great RDG overlaps with RBM&N, SEPTA, NS, CSX, and several shortlines - that's life . . .
Click here for "America's Largest Anthracite Hauler"!
In 2024, the late, great RDG overlaps with RBM&N, SEPTA, NS, CSX, and several shortlines - that's life . . .