Hey cool video just to let u know the top speed of Auto Train is not 60. I was on Auto Train earlier TODAY and we timed him between mile posts and got him at 75mph. Came back on Northbound auto train today
For many years, all trains have been limited to 50 mph through downtown Folkston. Don't know why. I have heard (13 Apr 2010) that the limit is about to be increased to 60 mph for Amtrak, but I don't know if this will apply to the Auto Train as well as the Silver Meteor and Silver Star.
For many years, all trains have been limited to 50 mph through downtown Folkston. Don't know why. I have heard (13 Apr 2010) that the limit is about to be increased to 60 mph for Amtrak, but I don't know if this will apply to the Auto Train as well as the Silver Meteor and Silver Star.
@cygnusixion There are about five different Auto Train consists. This particular consist was: P42 Diesel Engine (x2) Transition Sleeper Sleeper Sleeper Sleeper AT Lounge Diner Sleeper Sleeper Sleeper Coach Coach Coach Coach Diner Diner AutoRacks
Corrected Autotrain info, 70 MPH is the maximum Autotrain speed. I.E. whatever track speed is, but not the full 79 mph passenger train speed. This is per one of their engineers.
and this is because most intermodel trains are limited to 70 (112kph) and only the ATSF ran its super C trailer train at 90mph that would be great If amtrak could run that train at 79 or 90 mph someday
Auto train is restricted to Intermodal speed not 60 mph, unless 60 mph is I speed. On the South and North End subs I speed is 70mph so the auto train would be allowed to go 70 mph not 60.
There are two reasons for the slower speed, first Autotrain being a passenger and autorack combo top speed is 60 MPH. 2nd, they are crossing over from track two to track one, the double track ends a mile or so ahead and it is a slower turnout. Even regular Amtraks slow up through Folkston.
The fact that auto train has auto racks doesn't restrict it's speed. Even though the train uses freight train style brakes, all the cars have high speed trucks & is allowed to travel at the top speed of it's route: 79. When the Southwest Chief had all of it's mail cars (sometimes outnumbering the passenger cars greatly) it was allowed to travel at 90.
You want to see a faster train, even if it's a freight train? Type in "Santa Fe Fast Train" in the YOUTUBE search box. Then you'll see a fast train instead of this pathetic AMTRAK slow-speed crap.
Keep in mind the terrain over which 52/53 run is relatively flat. Plus, AutoTrain only stops once in Florence for its service stop (unless it catches a signal somewhere), so the acceleration factor isn't really an issue either. 2 P42s provide fine power for this train.
The engineer of The Crescent commented on one of my videos and said it took extra effort just to pull one extra 'dead head' viewliner! Much less this gigantic train with just 2 P-42DC's!!!
2 locomotives are sometimes required by the host railroad. Not only is the acceleration factor greater, but in the event of an engine failure, the train can still function on one, which means the train doesn't get stranded. Either way, I've seen Silver Service trains running on one engine before, either with just one unit leading, or with 2 units leading with just one providing motive power.
52 was crossing over to Track 1 at the Folkston signals, so judging by its speed, it probably got a speed restricting signal to do so. I've seen AutoTrain slide through Folkston on a clear signal at 50 mph no problem.
How many trains does the Auto Train route own? is it only one train for both ways?
TheDylanJoyce 10 months ago
poor train looks exhausted! : (
TheDylanJoyce 1 year ago
Hey cool video just to let u know the top speed of Auto Train is not 60. I was on Auto Train earlier TODAY and we timed him between mile posts and got him at 75mph. Came back on Northbound auto train today
alvintrain 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
For many years, all trains have been limited to 50 mph through downtown Folkston. Don't know why. I have heard (13 Apr 2010) that the limit is about to be increased to 60 mph for Amtrak, but I don't know if this will apply to the Auto Train as well as the Silver Meteor and Silver Star.
ctillnc 1 year ago
For many years, all trains have been limited to 50 mph through downtown Folkston. Don't know why. I have heard (13 Apr 2010) that the limit is about to be increased to 60 mph for Amtrak, but I don't know if this will apply to the Auto Train as well as the Silver Meteor and Silver Star.
ctillnc 1 year ago
Does anyone know the exact consist of the passenger cars?
cygnusixion 1 year ago
Neno8403 1 year ago
The dining cars come in pairs of two I see.
travelsonic 2 years ago
1 diner is for the sleeper pax the other is for coach
lexmarks567 2 years ago
Comment removed
csxketh1 2 years ago
How do they get the cars in? o.o
sparcal54 2 years ago
Corrected Autotrain info, 70 MPH is the maximum Autotrain speed. I.E. whatever track speed is, but not the full 79 mph passenger train speed. This is per one of their engineers.
woobub 2 years ago
and this is because most intermodel trains are limited to 70 (112kph) and only the ATSF ran its super C trailer train at 90mph that would be great If amtrak could run that train at 79 or 90 mph someday
andybowe 1 year ago
@andybowe They better fix up the track in S.C. before they do that!
fiddlerpin 1 week ago
Is this south or north bound?
randommagnum 2 years ago
nice video
xxxDeath9572xxx 3 years ago
Auto train is restricted to Intermodal speed not 60 mph, unless 60 mph is I speed. On the South and North End subs I speed is 70mph so the auto train would be allowed to go 70 mph not 60.
Ejaymd11 3 years ago
i wonder how the trains fit into the stations...
sammydenyc 3 years ago
We know where all the Superliner II's are at! Excellent video.
silkensky 3 years ago
5 star video of the Auto Train! I wondered what it looked like, as I'll be riding it in November.
cwhistorian1 3 years ago
There are two reasons for the slower speed, first Autotrain being a passenger and autorack combo top speed is 60 MPH. 2nd, they are crossing over from track two to track one, the double track ends a mile or so ahead and it is a slower turnout. Even regular Amtraks slow up through Folkston.
woobub 3 years ago
Thanks for the information. I appreciate it.
roslundb 3 years ago
The fact that auto train has auto racks doesn't restrict it's speed. Even though the train uses freight train style brakes, all the cars have high speed trucks & is allowed to travel at the top speed of it's route: 79. When the Southwest Chief had all of it's mail cars (sometimes outnumbering the passenger cars greatly) it was allowed to travel at 90.
TrainDr101 2 years ago
how come ever auto train video ive seen its creeping by? whats there top speed?
hemirango 3 years ago
Top speed is 79 m.p.h. Auto Train coasts thru Folkston, Georgia.
roslundb 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
You want to see a faster train, even if it's a freight train? Type in "Santa Fe Fast Train" in the YOUTUBE search box. Then you'll see a fast train instead of this pathetic AMTRAK slow-speed crap.
voiceonthehill 3 years ago
I'm sorry you don't support amtrak. Have fun with your Santa Fe Videos.
roslundb 3 years ago
Does anyone know what time the auto train normally runs through Folkston?
TrainMan7070 3 years ago
It runs after 5 p.m. and before 8 p.m. Hopefully someone else can give you a more exact answer.
roslundb 3 years ago
If on time, between 6 and 7 PM for 52. 53 usually comes through anywhere from 5-7 AM.
BobWeaver112 3 years ago
The last car of this particular consist didn't have an End-of-Train light or marker lamps. I thought the GCOR mandated that...
-Alex
AODProds 3 years ago
Good question. Am I just not seeing it in the video?
roslundb 3 years ago
It's integrated into the car. If you look at the bottom right corner of the rear autorack at 2:44, you'll see the rectangular area where it's housed.
BobWeaver112 3 years ago
Thanks Bob! Good eye!
roslundb 3 years ago
Who knows what the train contains, could be empty coaches and railcars ay the end.
govan44 3 years ago
I thought the Auto Train used to have additional power (locos). I haven't followed its motive power history, anyone know?
roslundb 3 years ago
Keep in mind the terrain over which 52/53 run is relatively flat. Plus, AutoTrain only stops once in Florence for its service stop (unless it catches a signal somewhere), so the acceleration factor isn't really an issue either. 2 P42s provide fine power for this train.
BobWeaver112 3 years ago
I think those P-42DC's are struggling with that train for sure! Need 3 or 4 of them! 5*****
DJGENEX71 3 years ago
Hard core to the bone!!!! It takes 3 P42's to get the Grandluxe Tours train over Donner Pass when it heads my direction. 5 stars!
CoastStarlight11 3 years ago 4
Yea and those Grand Luxe cars don't have automobiles in them either!
DJGENEX71 3 years ago
LOL!!! True!!!
CoastStarlight11 3 years ago
I thought the same thing this evening! 2 pull the Silver Meteor which has a lot less cars!
roslundb 3 years ago
The engineer of The Crescent commented on one of my videos and said it took extra effort just to pull one extra 'dead head' viewliner! Much less this gigantic train with just 2 P-42DC's!!!
DJGENEX71 3 years ago
2 locomotives are sometimes required by the host railroad. Not only is the acceleration factor greater, but in the event of an engine failure, the train can still function on one, which means the train doesn't get stranded. Either way, I've seen Silver Service trains running on one engine before, either with just one unit leading, or with 2 units leading with just one providing motive power.
BobWeaver112 3 years ago
52 was crossing over to Track 1 at the Folkston signals, so judging by its speed, it probably got a speed restricting signal to do so. I've seen AutoTrain slide through Folkston on a clear signal at 50 mph no problem.
BobWeaver112 3 years ago