Train carrying members of Congress hits a truck

[mahatmakanejeeves]

34. It was an Amtrak passenger extra.

Last edited Wed Mar 7, 2018, 11:41 AM - Edit history (3)

For decades, both the Republicans and Democrats have taken retreats in January or thereabouts. They often go to the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. The Greenbrier is in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. White Sulphur Springs is on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, now called CSX. It is on an Amtrak route, that of the Cardinal.

The easiest way for members of Congress to get from Washington to White Sulphur Springs is to take a train. Amtrak engineers are qualified on the route, as they run it all the time.

The passenger extra will not be found in the timetable. Train enthusiasts, aka railfans, will be tracking it online and photographing it along the way. See, for example: Passenger Trains > Congressional Greenbrier train hits truck.

Anybody can see the train; just go stand by the tracks. There's nothing secret about it, but since tickets aren't sold to ride it, Amtrak doesn't publicize it.

Added: the line on which the collision occurred is now operated by the Buckingham Branch Railroad.