According to the Amtrak schedule for the Southwest Chief, it's 23 miles from Trinidad, CO (at the east end of Raton Pass--north on the map) to Raton, NM (at the west end). The WB train (#3) is allowed 1:06 to go over the pass, while the EB (#4) is allowed 0:59. In either case, the train will average only about 20 mph.
For a few reasons: 1, before cargo planes became popular in the 90's, people shipped stuff through Amtrak. 2, for a while, Amtrak tried to carry freight to make more money. 3, the train was slightly longer than today - more passengers mean more baggage. 4, Amtrak likely had a US Post Office contract on the SW Chief. 5, before budget airlines, people used to take Amtrak more (thus, more baggage.)
3 baggage cars, dang
CoastStarlight11 3 months ago
Love the click clack.
Trainlover4ever2006 2 years ago
cool historic train stuff!
PilotKev170 3 years ago
Thank You.
jrmasoh 3 years ago
Why was the train so slow?
Flyermac 3 years ago
Because Raton is a mountain pass with a steep grade (3.5%) Amtrak is pulling pretty much with all it's got at this point.
jrmasoh 3 years ago
According to the Amtrak schedule for the Southwest Chief, it's 23 miles from Trinidad, CO (at the east end of Raton Pass--north on the map) to Raton, NM (at the west end). The WB train (#3) is allowed 1:06 to go over the pass, while the EB (#4) is allowed 0:59. In either case, the train will average only about 20 mph.
decline2state 2 years ago
Very nice, really cool.
SF3751 3 years ago
Excelent vid and super historical footage. 5 stars!
CoastStarlight11 3 years ago
Jerry has done it again! 5***** Beautiful engines and awesome video!
DJGENEX71 3 years ago
Didn't you see that guy wave?
cc10266 4 years ago
I probably would have been hurt if he didn't.
Most Amtrak crews wave.
jrmasoh 4 years ago
For a few reasons: 1, before cargo planes became popular in the 90's, people shipped stuff through Amtrak. 2, for a while, Amtrak tried to carry freight to make more money. 3, the train was slightly longer than today - more passengers mean more baggage. 4, Amtrak likely had a US Post Office contract on the SW Chief. 5, before budget airlines, people used to take Amtrak more (thus, more baggage.)
garginshmunkle 4 years ago
4-5 baggage cars why so many back then today they only need 1
lexmarks567 4 years ago