I cannot recall much about this 1975 Amtrak misadventure that was going to operate an "Auto Train Service" between Indianapolis and Poinciana, FL. This book, written by retired Amtrak Passenger Engineer Doug Riddel addresses the "caper".
It appears that Amtrak was going to attach an Auto Rack car to the Floridian and operate such to a newly built Amshack at Poinciana. Passengers would be accommodated in line space aboard the train.
As I recall, Amtrak employees with their own autos were rounded up to be "guinea pigs". The "reward" was a week's free vacation (apparently not chargeable, and a meals and lodging allowance - taxable by the way). Apparently, only one such trip was operated and every auto had some kind of damage occurring during transit.
To my knowledge, that was that.
"Such a deal" Amtrak made with the Auto Train Corp Estate when they acquired the expertise to safely handle autos and to expediently handle any such claims arising (reportedly those involved at the recent DeLand incident were "showered with kindness") - and all for $1.00.
During 1983, I once went on an "archeological expedition" at Poinciana looking for relics of the station. There were still remains of a concrete loading area and chips of same colored a "familiar" Red and Blue. Today, surely redeveloped or reclaimed by Mother Nature.
Finally, I'll always wonder if Mr. Riddel was aboard a Northbound #52 a few years ago that I was also riding. I noted a dark Blue colored Hyundai with the Virginia tag "Amtrak 1" and have wondered if that auto was his. But needless to say, I wasn't looking for him, nor was he for me.
It appears that Amtrak was going to attach an Auto Rack car to the Floridian and operate such to a newly built Amshack at Poinciana. Passengers would be accommodated in line space aboard the train.
As I recall, Amtrak employees with their own autos were rounded up to be "guinea pigs". The "reward" was a week's free vacation (apparently not chargeable, and a meals and lodging allowance - taxable by the way). Apparently, only one such trip was operated and every auto had some kind of damage occurring during transit.
To my knowledge, that was that.
"Such a deal" Amtrak made with the Auto Train Corp Estate when they acquired the expertise to safely handle autos and to expediently handle any such claims arising (reportedly those involved at the recent DeLand incident were "showered with kindness") - and all for $1.00.
During 1983, I once went on an "archeological expedition" at Poinciana looking for relics of the station. There were still remains of a concrete loading area and chips of same colored a "familiar" Red and Blue. Today, surely redeveloped or reclaimed by Mother Nature.
Finally, I'll always wonder if Mr. Riddel was aboard a Northbound #52 a few years ago that I was also riding. I noted a dark Blue colored Hyundai with the Virginia tag "Amtrak 1" and have wondered if that auto was his. But needless to say, I wasn't looking for him, nor was he for me.