Photos and Videos

Founded at a time of peril for U.S. rail travel, Amtrak has endured decades of political uncertainty. But of late, it has been showing robust momentum. Shown here, a new F59PHI (#460), delivered in 1998, is coupled to one of the oldest active road diesels, an FL9 (#485). Photo by Matt Donnelly

Photos & Videos

Amtrak turns 40

Founded at a time of peril for U.S. rail travel, Amtrak has endured decades of political uncertainty. But of late, it has been showing robust momentum. Shown here, a new F59PHI (#460), delivered in 1998, is coupled to one of the oldest active road diesels, an FL9 (#485). Photo by Matt Donnelly

Founded at a time of peril for U.S. rail travel, Amtrak has endured decades of political uncertainty. But of late, it has been showing robust momentum. Shown here, a new F59PHI (#460), delivered in 1998, is coupled to one of the oldest active road diesels, an FL9 (#485). Photo by Matt Donnelly

An F40 locomotive and Amfleet passenger cars, 1976.

The launch of service from Richmond, Va., to New York, on Oct. 28, 1984. Photo courtesy of Kalmbach Publishing Co.

The National Operations Center in L’Enfant Plaza, Washington, in the early 1970s. Photo by Mike Schafer/Collection of Kalmbach Publishing Co.

Track work along the Northeast Corridor, 2006. Photo courtesy of Mark L. Wojcik

Track inspectors, 1970s.

Interior of a Turboliner car as it travels through New York state in 1978.

Metroliner service in the 1970s.

In the Ivy City yard in Washington, D.C., early 1980s

California Zephyr just outside of Denver on its way to San Francisco. Photo by Ann Owens

"Light Rapid Comfortable" prototypes were tested in 1980, but never purchased.

The James Whitcomb Riley arrives in Williamsburg, Va., in 1974. Photo by Doug Riddell

An AEM-7 engine being worked on at the garage in Wilmington, Del. Photo courtesy of John Carten.

An E8 pulling a train during the winter.

Amtrak engine # 212. Photo by Matt Donnelly

An overhead view of two Amtrak Turbos meeting. Courtesy of Mike Schafer