Trains.com

Will Biden ride Amtrak to inauguration ?

5712 views
42 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Will Biden ride Amtrak to inauguration ?
Posted by blue streak 1 on Saturday, January 9, 2021 1:40 AM

CNN reporting Biden will use Amtrak.  Find it hard to believe.  Would expect Harris not to travel same train if it happens.  Security  ?  Oh Boy!!!.  It will take a 1000 focal length to take a picture if even that.  Only official photos would be able to get close ?

Biden to take train to Washington for inauguration, moving forward to 'not be deterred' by neither violence nor virus - CNNPolitics

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 1,530 posts
Posted by NKP guy on Saturday, January 9, 2021 7:53 AM

   Mr. Biden rode his special train through Ohio before the election and now he'll take one to his innauguration.  I think it's great to have an Amtrak-friendly, train-riding person become our President.  It's also going to be a welcome thing to have a train-friendly Secretary of Transportation.  

  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Dallas, TX
  • 6,952 posts
Posted by CMStPnP on Saturday, January 9, 2021 8:50 AM

The Wilmington, Del to Washington D.C. ride on the NEC is about 90 min.

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • 5,636 posts
Posted by charlie hebdo on Saturday, January 9, 2021 11:16 AM

NKP guy

   Mr. Biden rode his special train through Ohio before the election and now he'll take one to his innauguration.  I think it's great to have an Amtrak-friendly, train-riding person become our President.  It's also going to be a welcome thing to have a train-friendly Secretary of Transportation.  

 

Definitely.  Let's just hope we've seen the last of the Capitol riot/insurrection mobs. Lincoln,  Grant and Sherman would have been appalled to see rebel flags desecrating our Capitol. 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 1,530 posts
Posted by NKP guy on Saturday, January 9, 2021 2:46 PM

deleted

  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Dallas, TX
  • 6,952 posts
Posted by CMStPnP on Saturday, January 9, 2021 3:24 PM

charlie hebdo
Definitely.  Let's just hope we've seen the last of the Capitol riot/insurrection mobs. Lincoln,  Grant and Sherman would have been appalled to see rebel flags desecrating our Capitol. 

Thread was basically trains centric until this post.

  • Member since
    December 2018
  • 865 posts
Posted by JPS1 on Saturday, January 9, 2021 3:44 PM
President Elect Biden professes to be a man of the people.  What better way to do it than to travel from Wilmington to Washington on one of Amtrak’s regularly scheduled trains, which the article seems to imply is the plan.  Well, there is Greyhound, but that may be over doing the common man image.    
 
Understanding that he wants to be in D.C. the night before the festivities, he could book the 12:32 pm Acela, which takes 1h 26 minutes to complete the trip.  Business class would cost $79; first class would be $158.  But the Acela service has a bit of a patrician ring to it.  Maybe a better statement could be made by riding the 1:25 pm Northeast Regional train.  It takes 1h 39m.  Busines class would cost $59 while a coach ticket goes for $22.  Going coach class would really cement his image as the people’s president. 
 
On either train the President Elect would be in Washington in time to spend the evening schmoozing with his supporters over pre-festive cocktails.  Given that Trump’s star has lost its luster, he might get a good deal at Trump’s hotel. Cool Big Smile
  • Member since
    September 2017
  • 5,636 posts
Posted by charlie hebdo on Saturday, January 9, 2021 4:38 PM

The thread was discussing the inauguration,  which occurs at the recently ransacked Capitol. Totally on topic since plans may need to be changed. 

  • Member since
    December 2017
  • From: I've been everywhere, man
  • 4,269 posts
Posted by SD70Dude on Saturday, January 9, 2021 4:58 PM

Is the Georgia 300 still available for Presidential use?

A shame the Ferdinand Magellan is on display down in Florida, with all that armour it would be perfect for the security-concious politician!

Greetings from Alberta

-an Articulate Malcontent

  • Member since
    December 2018
  • 865 posts
Posted by JPS1 on Saturday, January 9, 2021 7:16 PM

SD70Dude
 Is the Georgia 300 still available for Presidential use?

A shame the Ferdinand Magellan is on display down in Florida, with all that armour it would be perfect for the security-concious politician! 

Given the state of American politics, every politician better be security-conscious!  Unlike our more civilized neighbors to the north, politicians in the U.S. tend to be targets!

Many years ago, when I was a student at Penn State, I took a course in Canadian history.  A surprising number of Canadians, including my roommate and best friend, were Penn State students, and they took the course.  I don't remember that much about it, but I don't recall any Canadian prime minister or governor general being assassinated.  

  • Member since
    December 2017
  • From: I've been everywhere, man
  • 4,269 posts
Posted by SD70Dude on Saturday, January 9, 2021 7:22 PM

JPS1
SD70Dude
 Is the Georgia 300 still available for Presidential use?

A shame the Ferdinand Magellan is on display down in Florida, with all that armour it would be perfect for the security-concious politician! 

Given the state of American politics, every politician better be security-concious!  Unlike our more civilized neighbors to the north, we tend to shoot our politicans!

We prefer to maroon them on ice floes.... ...Polar Bears do love pork!

Greetings from Alberta

-an Articulate Malcontent

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Georgia USA SW of Atlanta
  • 11,919 posts
Posted by blue streak 1 on Sunday, January 10, 2021 12:33 PM

Although plans may change and the train could be a diversion plans are definitely being made for a train for Biden.  Here is preliminary FAA notice.

FEDERAL AVIATION DMINISTRATION (faasafety.gov)  

A good train set might be 2  or 3 P-42s towing an electric the several Amfleet-2 coaches then a V-2 diners , 2 lounges, V-2 diner, 2 or 3 V-2 sleepers, 300, and then 10003.  300 for obvious reasons to our knowledgeable posters. 

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • From: Matthews NC
  • 363 posts
Posted by matthewsaggie on Sunday, January 10, 2021 4:08 PM

There will be a 4 or 5 car advance train, too, along with lots of military air overhead. Wish I lived closer for photos.

  • Member since
    July 2016
  • 2,631 posts
Posted by Backshop on Monday, January 11, 2021 8:15 AM

With everything that's been going on, don't expect him to go the way that they are publicizing.

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Monday, January 11, 2021 9:13 AM

They should rent #90 from the Strasburg Railroad to pull the train.  NO-ONE's going to harm a train with a steam engine on the head end!  Well, maybe Jesse James would, but he's dead!  

  • Member since
    December 2018
  • 865 posts
Posted by JPS1 on Monday, January 11, 2021 11:12 AM

Flintlock76
 They should rent #90 from the Strasburg Railroad to pull the train.  NO-ONE's going to harm a train with a steam engine on the head end!  

Given the mentality of most bad guys, they will think it is a monster come to get them and run.
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 1,530 posts
Posted by NKP guy on Monday, January 11, 2021 3:57 PM

Flintlock76

They should rent #90 from the Strasburg Railroad to pull the train.  NO-ONE's going to harm a train with a steam engine on the head end!  Well, maybe Jesse James would, but he's dead!  

 

Let's have a little fun with this, Flintlock.

   First preference:  Mr. Biden's train is pulled by a fully-restored GG-1, which was made that way in less than a week by the application of old fashioned American know-how and our famous can-do spirit; vintage private cars make up the train.

   Second preference:  Mr. Biden's train is pulled by NKP 765, making a very grand entrance into Union Station, redolent of the America of when he and many of us here were young, enthusiastic, anything-is-possible kids; vintage private cars comprise the train.

   Third preference:  Mr. Biden's train is pulled by the best up-to-date equipment Amtrak has.

   Which will look to the rest of the 21st century passenger train world as if Mr. Biden is arriving in Washington in a coach drawn by six bay horses with postilions.  In other words, once again the world sees what we all know:  Even on the NEC, to say nothing of the LD network, we are no longer "the Standard Railroad of the World," as we used to be and ought to be.  Myself, I'd like to be proud of our state-of-the-art passenger trains, and I'm willing to pay my taxes to have the government invest in them.

   So I wish Amtrak and Mr. Biden a happy and fruitful next four years.

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • 5,636 posts
Posted by charlie hebdo on Monday, January 11, 2021 4:19 PM

If Amtrak has an operational new Acela trainset or two,  that would be my first choice: 21st century equipment as we move forward. 

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: The 17th hole at TPC
  • 2,283 posts
Posted by n012944 on Monday, January 11, 2021 5:16 PM

NKP guy

 

 

   Third preference:  Mr. Biden's train is pulled by the best up-to-date equipment Amtrak has.

   Which will look to the rest of the 21st century passenger train world as if Mr. Biden is arriving in Washington in a coach drawn by six bay horses with postilions.  In other words, once again the world sees what we all know:  Even on the NEC, to say nothing of the LD network, we are no longer "the Standard Railroad of the World," as we used to be and ought to be.  Myself, I'd like to be proud of our state-of-the-art passenger trains, and I'm willing to pay my taxes to have the government invest in them.

   So I wish Amtrak and Mr. Biden a happy and fruitful next four years.

 

 

It is amusing to think that in this pandemic world, with the major change at the White House, that one would think the "rest of the world" would give a crap about the kind of train President Elect Biden shows up in.

 

Do foamers really think regular people care that much about trains?

An "expensive model collector"

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Monday, January 11, 2021 5:34 PM

n012944
Do foamers really think regular people care that much about trains?

Real foamers don't CARE what other people think about trains!  Wink

NKP Guy, I LIKE your first two suggestions, but could live with the third.

And no, I don't think the rest of the world gives a flying (ahem) at a rollin' doughnut about what train Joe rides to DC, for a variety of reasons. 

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 1,530 posts
Posted by NKP guy on Monday, January 11, 2021 5:53 PM

   I go on record in complete agreement with Flintlock and n012944.

   

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 2,515 posts
Posted by Electroliner 1935 on Monday, January 11, 2021 7:41 PM

I like the image of Joe riding a new Acela to take the oath at the inauguratiion but not this year. When crazies storm the Capitol, deficate in its halls, steal documents and Pelosi's gavel, kill a Capitol policeman etc. It is not wise to tempt those who would do that, so not this year. 

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • 5,636 posts
Posted by charlie hebdo on Monday, January 11, 2021 7:52 PM

Probably most people don't care what method President Biden uses, but on here one hopes we can still express our opinions without such testy comments.   And I agree that it is safer in a potentially dangerous DC to use a helicopter or one of the presidential limos for transportation. 

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Monday, January 11, 2021 9:25 PM

Unless I miss my guess - 45 was never on a train either through his original campaign and for the time he has been in office.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    December 2016
  • 554 posts
Posted by Shock Control on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 8:43 AM

Is there an existing B&O Capitol with E units for power?  That's what he should ride!

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 9:10 AM

Shock Control

Is there an existing B&O Capitol with E units for power?  That's what he should ride!

 

Not that I'm aware of, but there is Bennett Levin's Pennsy E8's.  The downside is they're not set up for PTC and Bennett's not going to spend the money to do so, so they're sidelined for the time being. 

There's also an F unit done in classic B&O colors on a tourist 'road in West Virginia who's name escapes me at the moment, but I seriously doubt it's set up for PTC as well, it never leaves home rails. 

Yes, I know the steam engines suggested don't have PTC either, but the use of those was only us dreamers fantasizing a bit.

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: The 17th hole at TPC
  • 2,283 posts
Posted by n012944 on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 9:25 AM

charlie hebdo

Probably most people don't care what method President Biden uses, but on here one hopes we can still express our opinions without such testy comments.   

So you hope that you can express your opinion, but someone can't express their opinions on what you said?   

An "expensive model collector"

  • Member since
    September 2017
  • 5,636 posts
Posted by charlie hebdo on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 11:04 AM

n012944

 

 
charlie hebdo

Probably most people don't care what method President Biden uses, but on here one hopes we can still express our opinions without such testy comments.   

 

 

So you hope that you can express your opinion, but someone can't express their opinions on what you said?   

 

Sure, go ahead as you already have, hopefully minus the vulgarity. I never said you or anyone else could not express their thoughts. Just follow the rules, don't engage in ad hominem attacks and attempt to not put words in others mouths as you also just did with a faux question.

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • 2,325 posts
Posted by rdamon on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 11:36 AM

Flintlock76

 

Yes, I know the steam engines suggested don't have PTC either, but the use of those was only us dreamers fantasizing a bit.

 

 

Did they equip 4014 with PTC or did they use a trailing unit? 

  • Member since
    January 2019
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 9,728 posts
Posted by Flintlock76 on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 11:48 AM

rdamon

 

 
Flintlock76

 

Yes, I know the steam engines suggested don't have PTC either, but the use of those was only us dreamers fantasizing a bit.

 

 

 

 

Did they equip 4014 with PTC or did they use a trailing unit? 

 

As far as I know only the trailing unit had PTC.

I've also heard trailing units referred to as "panic diesels" but that's another story.  Whistling

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy