Pre-Amtrak Southern Railway Crescent 1977 with E8 Diesels

8mm film of arrival at Alexandria, Virginia on August 28, 1977 after passing of northbound Amtrak
Silver Meteor. Train is nearing its terminus at Washington DC after overnight run from New Orleans and Atlanta.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Southern Railway
• Crescent Limited
• Southern Crescent
• Alexandria Station
• E8's
• E8
• E8A
• SRR
• Southern
• Railway
• Amtrak
• Crescent
• Alexandria
• Station

[howardkevinm]

i dont understand if the Southern Crescent was privately owned, why are there Amtrak coaches on the train? shouldnt it be an all southern consist?

[cnlGNERnh]

@howardkevinm As best as we can remember, given that the Crescent was a Washington-New Orleans train, the Amtrak cars were carried through/ from New York for riders goingnorth  of Washington DC. . I think these were attached to a regular Amtrak train north of Washington. Also, Southern may have been borrowing some Amtrak equipment to add its own fleet, especially towards then end of Southern operation. That said, the train stayed mostly a Southern consist until the end of private operatation.

[DJGENEX71]

Awesome! Classic! I remember seein the real Southern Crescent back in the mid 70's a a kid, then Amtrak took over, I think that was what really got me into trains, was the Crescent!!! Thanks for sharing this classic footage!!!

[cnlGNERnh]

@DJGENEX71 Thank you for the comments!

[ACLTony]

One thing I vaguely remember. The Southern Crescent had a very bad accident when rounding a curve at speed back in 1977 or 78. Anyone remember this? I was a teen then and saw it on the news. I think that a well liked dining car chef or steward was killed.

[cnlGNERnh]

@ACLTony Your memory is correct. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, this and almost every other major railroad accident has its full report complete with pictures at the Department of Transportation website (ICC accident investigation reports.) I tried to paste the exact link but maybe Youtube doesn't allow that. Google around at that sight and you'll find all the info, I just looked and its there. Cheers!

[METX611]

Nice classic ol' Southern E8's!

[canders37]

I lived in Alexandria, VA in the mid 70's and spent many hours just sitting on the platform watching the trains come and go. Thamks for the memories. BTW, I love Pat Matheny as well!

[howardkevinm]

@cnlGNERnh ya but every single coach is Amtraks, i know the Southern Crescent still had her own coaches?

[telsport]

@cnlGNERnh Lorton Va. Mr Price, the breakfast chef, who was asked by FDR to be his private chef at the White House  during the 40's , was killed. I believe 7 died.

Tom Loughlin Jr Utica NY

Grandson of Henry D Cheek Chief Dispatcher of the Clinchfield Railroad.

[goodeye03]

I had the pleasure of riding the Crescent in 1975 from WAS to ATL, it was fantastic. I was in my Army uniform and had a great time. What a train, it had a Round bar car at the rear. What a great ride compared to the ride from Boston to WAS...Shame that Amtrak has removed the names from so many trains..

[joebeckham1]

I use to work for NS. 1st hired on as a switchman -Char. Yard. Before becoming an engineer out of Grnvll on my off days I would ride the headend, with George Ambrose, to Salisbury, wait an hour, and catch Train #1 back to Char. I rode so often that once George allowed me to run those E-8s half of the trip! It was indeed a marvelous train with the most awesome power, always a lash-up of 4 E-8s, 9000 hp, and the best horn, Nathan M5! Maticulously maintained train throughout engines and all.