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Although most Americans have heard of the Auto Train, many have uncertain ideas regarding what it is and where it operates. The longest passenger train in the world provides a luxury auto-ferry service between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida. The original Auto-Train Corporation, founded by Dr. Eugene Garfield, struggled financially in spite of its immense popularity. The company faced numerous crises, including financial setbacks and equipment problems due to damages that occurred during several derailments, which led to the corporations demise in 1981. Although the corporation sold off its corporate assets, the concept was revived when Amtrak added the Auto Train service to its East Coast schedule. Images of Rail: Auto-Train presents photographs from the early operations to today, including pictures from the Amtrak era.
About the author
Author Wallace R. "Wally" Ely comes from a railroading family-his dad worked for the Reading Company for 45 years. He is a volunteer and past president of the WK&S Railroad in Kempton, Pennsylvania, and wrote a history book about that line, Does This Train Go Up Hawk Mountain? In retirement, Wally is a segment producer for RCN-TV in the Lehigh Valley of Eastern Pennsylvania. Wally uses any excuse to watch or ride on a train.
