Early Amtrak Across Wisconsin
SKU: DVD-PNX-EWISCOriginal price was: $29.95.$24.95Current price is: $24.95.
When Amtrak began, only the Empire Builder and Chicago-to-Milwaukee corridor service were spared. By November, 1971, Amtrak was ready for some new Wisconsin trains.
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| Producer | Pentrex |
|---|---|
| Run Time | 1 hour |
| Narration | Yes |
| Shrink Wrap | Yes, Brand New |
| Technical Details | No Region Code, NTSC |
On May 1, 1971, Amtrak became Wisconsin’s rail passenger carrier. Passenger service along the Burlington Northern’s Mississippi River Route ended as did all service on the Chicago & North Western. Famous train names such as the Milwaukee Road’s Hiawathas, C&NW’s Streamliners, and Burlington Northern’s North Coast Limited disappeared. When Amtrak began, only the Empire Builder and Chicago-to-Milwaukee corridor service were spared, and the Builder was rerouted from the BN onto the Milwaukee’s Twin Cities line. By November, 1971, Amtrak was ready for some new Wisconsin trains. Added were Hiawatha trains to the Twin Cities; North Coast Hiawatha trains to Seattle via Southern Montana; and St. Louis service through Chicago to Milwaukee. Things were looking up for Wisconsin’s rail passenger service.
The first vestiges of Amtrak paint slowly appeared in 1972 and in 1973 there were brand new Amtrak engines. However, mismatched “Rainbow” consists were still the rule. GM&O heavyweight parlor cars often appeared as did Denver, Kansas City and California Zephyr Silver dome-observation cars. Soon the E and F locomotives would disappear forever, but in these vintage years they still dominated the trains.
Early Amtrak Across Wisconsin follows Amtrak from the Twin Cities to Southern Wisconsin in the years 1971-73. Locations include such railroading hot spots as St. Croix Junction south of St. Paul, La Crosse, and Duplainville Tower west of Milwaukee. There are scenic views along the Mississippi River and many photo locations in the metro Milwaukee area. The Amtrak trains you will see include: The Empire Builder, The Hiawatha, The North Coast Hiawatha and The Abraham Lincoln.
Also included are views of pre-Amtrak trains along the Burlington Northern’s now freight-only Mississippi River Route, the Milwaukee Road’s commuter Cannonball, and many freights on the Milwaukee, BN, and SOO Lines. The 1972 and 1973 Schlitz Brewing Circus Trains appear. Finally, we see Amtrak’s City of New Orleans, South Wind, Super Chief, and others in the metro Chicago area. You’ll find great variety in this look at Early Amtrak Across Wisconsin!
David Holland –
This video is a must have if you want to see the early years of Amtrak. You will see equipment under Amtrak ownership still in the fallen flag paintschemes. If you are Amtrak enthusiast like me, then add this to your collection. It is worth it.
Mwdonoughue –
This program showcases Amtrak operations in Minnesota and Wisconsin during the early years of its existence, along with pre-Amtrak trains, freights and special movements.
collinvarney24 –
Totally awesome! Amtrak in the early 1970’s with E and F units in action on the Empire Builder and many of the fallen flag railroads that long faded into history. Southern 4501 made an excellent appearance on the circus train as well some cool Burlington Northern motive power on freight trains, the SDP40F’s were nice to watch too. Lots of amazing action to see in Wisconsin along with a train ride at the end.
Lloyd –
Rainbow trains. No better word to describe this video. Amtrak had a challenge as it took on power units and passenger cars from various companies. To give this video more interest was the freight railroads as we see many of them along with a circus train. The video is slightly more than Wisconsin as trains around Chicago also make appearances. Very good video.
Aw –
Excellent video showing Amtrak’s early days. I love seeing the mix of power and equipment, truly an interesting era that will not be repeated. Very informative and lots of great footage.