Classic Florida Rails, Volume 1, 1940s – 1970s

Florida was the destination for so many during the steam and early diesel period, and we’ll see those famous passenger trains (and some freight action) in this show. Volume 1 of this 2 volume series covers the West Coast locations of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa, Lakeland, Auburndale (and more). We begin with an overview of FEC operations and then quickly broaden out look into other operations in the Sunshine State.

We see passenger trains, including name trains, of the Florida East Coast, Seaboard Air Line, Seaboard Coast Line and early Amtrak. We also get to see SCL trains 93/94. This pair of locals served St. Petersburg to Jacksonville via Ocala and Gainesville and were the West Coast connection for the City of Miami and South Wind.

There is a lot of fast paced action here, especially when we visit the SCL’s former ACL “A” Line. Another visit is to the SAL’s Gary Roundhouse in Tampa and the St Pete Coach Yard. Special Bonus: Royal American Show’s 1970 train that ran in two sections!