Amtrak's Auto Train, Sanford, FL

[The23113]

i think i saw this train once at Staples Mill Road Amtrak station

[Irineu6116]

Vídeo maravilhoso - Parabéns!

[araquan]

@Irineu6116 Obrigado!

[BNSF36542]

Is that the crossing at Rand Yard?

[araquan]

@BNSF36542 It's where Monroe Road crosses the main just east of Rand Yard.

[araquan]

@BNSF36542 Er, just *WEST* of Rand yard, that is. I need coffee.

[BNSF36542]

@araquan Great Thanks!

[Mogadad1]

If two units can pull this, why are there two units on the Capital?

[Neno8403]

@Mogadad1 The Auto Train is not subjected to the same, steep grade crossings, that the Capital Limited experiences. The Auto Train route is almost entirely along very flat areas. Two P40/42s are usually sufficient, but sometimes a third engine is added for the longer consists.

[Jemalacane]

They should have pulled this with two SD70ACEs.

[legotrainswii]

This is the longest Amtrak I have ever seen!

[araquan]

@legotrainswii It's the longest one there is!

[BlindAspie]

In USSR of A, Amtrak watches you, and so does everyone else. My uncle, who grew up in communist Romania, once told me that this country is far worse in terms of rules, regulations and interference in every day life than his home country. In my eyes, that's bloody sad, very bloody sad indeed. Great video though, LOVE the horn! Maybe you should call the cops before you make each and every train video, hahaha! Then they might get sick of bothering you, and leave you in relative peace.

[araquan]

@BlindAspie Yeah, it's a shame what things are coming to. And 90-95% of it is just look-busy security theater anyway.

[drumsTJ]

i Was On That last summer

[mattallen95]

theres an intersection in sanford that a train track goes by, like right through it. does anybody have any videos of a train going by that intersection?

[damiross]

Some busy body who probably thinks anyone, even if they don't look like a muslim, who takes video of a train must be a terrorist.

I didn't realize this train was so long. Never having seen it, I always though it was 2 or 3 passenger cars and 4 or 5 cars for the vehicles.

[araquan]

@damiross Yeah, well, those are the times we live in I guess... Even back then I always make sure to wear a train shirt (usually Amtrak) whenever watching trains, so the cops, if any, will know I'm a train nut. So far it's always worked. And no, this isn't the first time this has happened to me.

Yeah, the Auto Train is huge. A couple years after making this I got to ride it, northbound. Fun ride.

[trainmasta227]

@araquan My dad is state police in VA so alot of cops know me and just dont do anything if they see me filming a train. Its the Local PD that i sometime have trouble with.

[yanksman2137]

I rode on this train. It was really fun.. i stole a plate with the amtrack logo on it =P

[suthe243]

hey check out some of my train vids...in some of em i put the camera under the train. if u like it feel free to like,comment, and subscribe...thanks

[WheelieRider4Life]

its called rail faning

[stonecrazy89]

I hang around that area all the time, I didn't know they call the cops on you. 

[araquan]

@stonecrazy89 I'm not sure who actually made the call... There had been some CSX trucks driving around, but any random person on the road there could have done it too.

[stonecrazy89]

@araquan I spoke to soon. A cop stopped me last week.

[scarlettschmeeda]

Gotta be careful.Nice video!!!! 5 stars for you!

[araquan]

@scarlettschmeeda Thanks!

[2002puravida]

Why did the gate bells stop sounding before the train came? heh... nice vid though

[araquan]

@2002puravida There are some crossings where the bell only sounds when the gates are moving... They figure once the gates are down that's enough of an attention-getter that they don't need the continuous bell. They're kind of the exception more than the rule, but in some areas they've been used as a noise abatement feature.

[dmpetrick]

What a HUGE train! I can't believe they have that much business to run this train every day. Maybe different in 2010.

[AmtrakFlorida]

@dmpetrick Yeah, different being longer! My train a few weeks ago was almost 50 cars long!

[AmtrakFlorida]

@dmpetrick Yeah, different being longer! My train a few weeks ago was almost 50 cars long! It's a great ride, though!

[g4viscon1]

Not exactly a speeding bullet is it!

[araquan]

@g4viscon1 Well, it is emerging from a yard, some of the light fixtures for which are visible in the video, actually.

[TheDylanJoyce]

what is youtube filming day?

[maqnchs]

people r stupid god forbid u like trains and wanted to film one, Hes a terrorist!!!! I like Sanford but so many stupid asses live here. How SPD treat u , they can be alittle rough around the edges but most of them are good guys.

[araquan]

@maqnchs Well, in this case it was Seminole County, not Sanford PD that responded, but the officer was professional and when I cooperated with him. I maintained my position that I had the right to do what I was doing, and he let me record it, as you can see, though he was off camera watching me as I did so.

[VIA909]

nice shot

[MungoPoPo]

Amtrak rocks and is destined to be the best rail travel in the USA. T.C. 4-18-2010

[salemcripple]

Why the hell would someone call the cops?? Jack asses.

[araquan]

@salemcripple That's just the times we live in I guess.

[NIGHTWHMAN]

@salemcripple OOh trust me, i was plane spotting a few years ago one morning in ny, & someone called the cops on me too!! It's just ppl w/ nothing better to do or old people who do that 9 times out of 10

[stickdog100]

I guess the deputy never had heard of a railfan.

[araquan]

@stickdog100 Yeah, I guess not.

[mpwelk]

He probably suspected you of domestic terrorism.

[araquan]

@mpwelk I imagine that was the case.

[bnsfMAN93]

Nice. Trains like this are the only conventional kind that will ever make a profit in the USA

[IamtheBurceDickenson]

Wow that thing is a lot longer than the Crecent or Carolinian, the only two Amtrak trains I have taken, I wish they could have as many cars then maybe the cost of the sleepers wouldn't go up so much as they are sold. And it wouldn't be sold out as sometimes happens on the Crecent. Why should a train ever be sold out why not just add more cars?

[araquan]

Part of it is just not having the cars. Amtrak hasn't had the resources to buy much in the way of new equipment since the mid '90s (Amfleet II cars from the late '80s, Viewliner sleepers and Superliner II cars are from the mid '90s) and ridership is way up. Also, many cars that have been damaged over the years have been stored rather than repaired due to lack of funding, though that's being dealt with to some extent. Proposals for new equipment are coming. Here's hoping that works out.

[cunaboy213]

what is an auto train again??? I feel dumb lol.

[thechoosendude]

You take your car with you on the trip, so your vehicle is there at your destination for transportation. All the cars are in the autocarrier cars at the end of the train.

[rhiacumming]

awesome

[fernando93540]

EXCELENTE, MUITO BÃO!!!

[Timsierramist]

Holy Smokes! That's amazing! I never imagined Auto Train was that long! It's like the spaceship at the beginning of Spaceballs!

[araquan]

Yeah, it's a long one... In the years since I recorded this I got to ride it once- it's even neater from on board. On the inside of a curve it's an endless wall of silver in both directions.

[ACLTony]

I remember reading somewhere that the Auto Train is the longest regularly scheduled passenger train in the world. Pretty cool distinction. I must admit though that I miss the 1970s Auto Train with its handsome (and mechanically faulty) GE P30CH locomotives. Those tough old six axle brutes could yank a heavy train and get up to speed easily.

[scarlettschmeeda]

I have seen auto trains before.I like the new auto train than the old one.We use to stop Sanford station with silver star and silver metor and i am going to Jacksonville in dec 2 and 3 for the people work for amtrak 30 and 35 yrs.Nice video!

[jpwolfe79]

sweet video, two thumbs way up but im wondering does anybody know the five different consists that make up the Amtrak Auto train? Imm just wondering.

[araquan]

Thanks! Not sure on the exact arrangement of all the trainsets that cover Auto Train service though- I'm sure some observation trackside would reveal that, but I've never heard of anyone having gathered that information.

[onealhart54]

I can't figure out that consist. Help please

[TheGreenSabre1]

i live about 5 mile from sanford

[Joshua958654]

I've never noticed how long it is no matter how many times I've rode on it.

[keinpostmann]

It's a shame Florida has developed so rapidly, lots of old rail lines now just old peoples memories. The young folks walking all the linear trails missed the glory days of central Florida's Orange production. Orange Blossom scent so strong it could be smelled from anywhere in Orange County, Orange Juice on the roads during picking season. from any hilltop west of Orlando, nothing but Orange trees as far as one could see. Now just a mass of houses and Asphalt.

[araquan]

I feel fortunate in that I've gotten to see a lot of what orange groves remain in Orange and Lake counties, as I've stayed with folks I know in Clermont for weeks at a time... But I've also gotten to see some of that disappear as well- the area was under heavy development during the real estate boom of the last several years. Not so much anymore, I'd imagine.

[keinpostmann]

I live right by the old warehouse to the right about 30 years ago. This is in Lake Monroe, Fl. This view is looking toward the Rand Yard and down line to Sanford. I-4 and Orange Blvd is behind the camera... Lake Monroe Pos Office (if it still exists) is 4 or 5 hundred feet to the right. I haven't been there in many years, thanks for the "blast from the past".. P.S. Amtrak doesn't own any rails, they only own and operate trains. The tracks were Seaboard Coast Line, now probably CSX tracks.

[keinpostmann]

I remember the Auto Train breaking down at this crossing once during the time when Amtrak was suffering. I was working close to the Lake Monroe Siding and the train with Amtrak dignitaries on board stopped. An Engineer and some other men came over to where I was working and asked me to saw them a small piece of wood. They then used the little piece of wood to fix something in the Slave Locomotive on the train. I've often wondered if I helped save Amtrak?

[Intransitman]

You did a really good deed that day.

[araquan]

Some of those buildings to the right of where I was shooting this video were gone when I rode the train this January. It didn't look like anything was going to replace them right away, but by now it's been over six months since I went through.

CSX owns these tracks now, yes- there wasn't any doubt about that. I saw some CSX vehicles around and suspect they may be the ones that called the Sheriff.

[araquan]

Amtrak does own track however, just not there in Florida- the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington is theirs, as is a portion of the route between Chicago and Detroit.

[keinpostmann]

Doh!! Okay, I stand corrected about Amtrak owning rail. BTW, I was on my way home tonight and was delayed at the rail crossing in Coosawhatchie, SC by... yes, the Auto Train... Deja Vu.. IIRC it pulls out of Sanford at 14:30, it crossed SC Hwy 462 tonight at about 21:20. I didn't count cars, but it was a beautiful sight...

[GSXRMark99]

FYI, Amtrak owns ALL track in the Northeast Corridor from Washington DC to Boston, MA Back Bay Station.

[Intransitman]

Though there's a gap in the ownership, from New Haven CT west the track that they use is owned by CDOT/Metro North.

[ipodtouchone]

wow thats one big ass train

[araquan]

That it is!

[Semitruckman101]

Are those the passengers vehicals in the auto train

[araquan]

Yup, those are the passengers' cars. I've been on it since that was recorded- and my car traveled in the carriers behind me.

[Semitruckman101]

Thanks :)

[killerbees177]

Ive never seen those types of cars, was those baggage cars. And whats wrong with filming a train

[Amtrakboy32]

They're autorack cars.

[malavoie]

Been on that train twice ... fun ride, but no sleep... too bumpy ...

Apparently it is the longest passenger train in the world.

[BDOUG23]

Wow, I never realized how damn long those auto trains were!!

[araquan]

They are rather big aren't they. I've ridden on that train since taping this. Kind of interesting how they put it all together.

[tudorgui1992]

but what s wrong in recording a train? :-s

[Metracab123]

Thats Just Wrong Becuase Now On The Metra Lines Union Pacific Is Thinking About Abondaning All Railfans From The Plateform !!! So..... Yeah It What Are We Going To Do we only have a camera !

[techphy100]

How does that train only use 2 engines? I've been wondering for 10 years.

I had the same thing happen to me in southern Spain last year, i was recording the Talgo and the local cops came over, i told them i was a train enthusiats and they didnt beleive me, i left my passport in the hotel, Then they didnt beleive that my license was real and the hologriphics caught them off guard. Luckily im familiar with the area for 10 years so i wasnt nervous and they let me go. they have every right.

[gp40mc]

I think that it only has two engines because it does not have any stops between Sanford and Lorton. There isn't much of a need for fast acceleration after each station like many other Amtrak trains. I was thinking that two because most Amtrak routes that use 2 or 3 engines could definitely make due with one if two P42s can handle the entire Auto Train, except maybe those that cross mountains like the Zephyr and such.

[cfredrics]

The how come I have see consists of 3 engines at the albany station.

[gp40mc]

Sometimes the Lakeshore Limited has 3 engines if they need another locomotive in New York or Chicago. Or maybe even in Albany because theres some shops there.

[543GP7]

Why do the cops mess with us for taking pictures????!!!!!

[araquan]

It's all in the name of national security.

[travelsonic]

Yes, this security theatre is getting dreadfully annoying.

[sparcal54]

Aren't the auto trains primarily for people leaving before hurricanes start? That was my impression

[araquan]

Nope, they run daily, each way, all year. I rode it myself in January of this year- fair weather at both ends. Well, a bit cold in D.C. I suppose.

[sparcal54]

No, I knew they traveled all year long. Sorry, I worded it wrong. n.n; I meant, that was their primary purpose, helping people evacuate with their cars.

But, after a quick wiki run through, I figured that to be wrong. Thanks, though~

[dumbbuff]

Had a very frustrating experience with the seminole county cops just yesterday 12-23-08 at the former sanford station waiting to video the 98 coming north. they gave me the "ever since 9-11" speech 3 times, threatened me with arrest, searched through every image on my camera multiple times, told me photographing trains was illegal and told me to not be seen near the tracks in seminole county. i got to watch 98 and a southbound freight from the officers car. FUCK FLORIDA!

[travelsonic]

"told me photographing trains was illegal"

actually, this is horeshit, and I'd bring it up with his superiors.

[Colortiniz]

Recording in a public space is perfectly legal. What could be an issue is if you were on Amtrak's property/right-of-way.

[travelsonic]

Exactly

[BoneThugsEternal]

is this a ho train?

[R1608713]

wtf, HO scale? if so, hell no.

[jason27swg]

the auto racks in the back, are they carrying new cars or cars who bleong to the passengers of the train?

[araquan]

They're carrying the passengers' automobiles, exclusively.

[jackroyfan33]

passengers cars

[Vortilon4]

If the train stops anywere in Seminole Co don't get off the train.

[dumbbuff]

it terminates in seminole county, you don't have a cjoice

[skaterslate]

y did u tape a train?

not being gay im interested

[araquan]

Because I like 'em, and enjoy sharing the video with other like-minded folk. :D

[191191119]

do you live near here?

[araquan]

I don't, nope. I visit a lot though.

[191191119]

i live close to it at night you can hear trains go by sometimes!

[RyanNorville]

Do you recall what the officers name was? There is one @ the sanford station that tells me 2 leave but it seems that the one employee always has my back and tells him no. I have not made a video yet but I called to ask if I could take a tour and they said yes so I will TRY to film it on bord and departing. The tour MIGHT be this week or next keep your eyes open for a video if I post one

[araquan]

I didn't get his name or badge number- since he didn't actually stop me from doing what I was doing, I didn't think it was worth getting that information as there was no reason to file any complaint. I'd like to see that sort of video if you can get it without any trouble. :)

[Kortoso]

Most of those rear cars are filled with automobiles, right? The idea is that you can go on vacation to Florida without driving 900 miles and still have your car.

[araquan]

Yup. Hence the name "Auto Train". ;) I do wish the Louisville-Sanford service offered by the old Auto Train corporation had worked out. If Amtrak ran that route today- or even one from Chicago to Sanford- I'd use it on an almost annual basis.

[themangodess]

Holy shit there's stupid people in the world who give so much of a shit they call the cops on ANYTHING. Hey COPS SOMEONE'S MAKING A VIDEO THAT'S HORRIBLE! ;_;

Ugh I hate moralfags

[araquan]

We've cultivated a culture of paranoia in this country, haven't we...

[themangodess]

There's not that many stupid people in the world these days, there's just some people who care about every little thing. Thankfully not that many these days.

[lespaulguy32]

@themangodess Someone called the cops on me for tripping on a tipped over traffic cone. The sun glare was so bad and I couldnt see. They said I was destroying city property

[tf51d]

Nice video! Sorry about the cops! I have a question though,why did the RR Xing bells go out before the train reached them?

[araquan]

Thanks. As for the bells, a lot of gate-equipped crossings only have the bells ringing while the gates are in motion. Once they're down, I guess they figure a stripey stick with lights on it being right in a driver's path should be sufficient motivation to stop- far moreso than the bells anyway. For most people. :D

[chessiethecat]

I actually think some Australian trains are longer. The two that come to mind are the Indian Pacific, and the Ghan. I believe a number of the scheduled Ghan's ran 50 cars or better, and I think one of them hit 100. Don't qoute me on it though. The Ghan qualifies as a "Mixed" train however.

The Indian Pacific has a basic consist of 22 cars.

[chessiethecat]

Nice Vid btw.

[araquan]

Well, if it's running as part of a freight service as well... then only the passenger bit should count, or those cars that are related to hauling material related to passenger service. Some Ontario Northland services to Churchill, ON were very long too if you counted the whole train, but those were often attached to freight trains- the actual passenger compliment was as short as two cars!

[csxES44DC]

Someone called the cops in early December of last year, when I was on NS's Raleigh District in Cary, NC.

[araquan]

It's a sad state of affairs these days, isn't it?

[csxES44DC]

Yeah, it is. I didn't get in trouble and the cops were very friendly. One told me we're in a pre-9/11 world now a days. 9/11 messed everything up.

[deathstarmygnr]

An officer stopped me for railfanning and after telling my situation he said good luck! I never got in trouble and right after that a BNSF frieght rolled by!

[csxES44DC]

Yeah, that's the same they did with me. They checked my gear and asked me some questions.

[deathstarmygnr]

He asked me why I was taking photos of houses. Apparently thats waht an old lady did. Anyways this seems long to me fro an Amtrak train. Whats the normal length for an auto train? I don't live in the east so I don't know.

[csxES44DC]

Well, I can't tell you what the actual length is, but I can tell you by it's axles. This train consists of 2 engines and 40 cars. There are a total of 168axles on this train. I'd have to be near a defect detector to hear the train's length and axles. Hope this helps.

[marklester01]

I too have gotten in trouble once,but it does depend on who called you in and what they said,well,Auto has to have at least two locs,but sometimes it has 3 to help,and the train can be anywhere from 23 cars to 50,depending on the needs,what's avail.,and how many auto rack cars are onboard.

[TrainiacProductions]

Ah you guys have it nice. Here on the NorthEast Corridor, they literally kick you out of the station. I needed to get a permit to film now.

[SHAVOISCOOL]

wow 38 cars!

[Kjr0se]

Darn, that was a LOT for those two locomotives to be pulling. They probably should have aded another locomotive to help out at the front of the train, but overall, it's a good video anyway.

[slammin1down]

I agree. Usually, Amtrak's locomotive to passenger car ratio is roughly 8:1 (for every 8 cars their is 1 locomotive). Yet, like you say, "it's still a good video!"

[kmothersil]

Well both engines have 4250hp despite them weighing 268,850 pounds.

[EWM27]

a big load for 2 P42's

[wisteela]

That's great.

[jaydude28]

let me know when you will be out there again I live in Oviedo and am so intereted in train crossings

[lexmarks567]

why do they call the cops for can;t they tell your not a terrorist jeeze people can't railfan anymore

[mallmaven60]

Great Horn!

[araquan]

Ah, so it is. I've always loved the K5LA, and I think it really came through well on this video.

[WhistlepostWP]

When I was filming the Auto Train in the same location, the locals called the cops on me too. But that was on a weekday. Usually on a weekends people/ cops don't bother me as much.

[araquan]

Interesting- I was there on a weekday too. Still, I think if I ever go to see the Auto Train again, it'll be at a more sechluded crossing.

[marklester01]

what someone got you for video taping a train? man it even happens down here! let me tell you a story about what happend to me @ winter Haven fl,amtrak depot.,but i'm gonna youtube message you.

[marklester01]

standard 41 cars!! sometimes it gets up 50! 18 normal

superliners,and 23 new type auto racks=41

[sims7992]

LONG LONG TRAIN

[araquan]

Yup- I think it's the longest regularly scheduled passenger train in the world- though of course most of that is in the auto carriers. :D

[68Jaguar420G]

araquan, Except that the Auto Trainis technically a mixed trian, not a passenger train. Even so the passenger section at 17 cars is still impressive in itself, especially for North America in 2007.

[araquan]

Ah, but the auto carriers are there exclusively for the haulage of the passengers' own posessions (automobiles and the included luggage in this case). They aren't for the carriage of general freight, as is typical for most mixed trains, nor even express freight. Also the auto carriers are dedicated to this service and do not mix with the general freight pool.

[68Jaguar420G]

Araquan, Yes everything you say is correct and I'm not arguing it's validity. But "technically" the Auto Train is a mixed train so it will not be officially recognized as the longest regularly scheduled passenger train in the world. All that being said darn they are impressive at 100+km/hr.

[araquan]

Well, most authorities I've read on the matter don't consider it one, so... *shrug?* :)

[CSX1023]

It is mixed as it is not all the same car, but it is a passenger train as it carries passengers.