Things have been in the works for a restoration of the Black Hawk service since 2010 when the state of Illinois refunded the train. I have been reading about the progress of the return of this once active 182 mile route and there is some info here:
http://members.trainorders.com/dr04/BlackHawk/
Preliminary schedule here;
http://members.trainorders.com/dr04/BlackHawk/schedule.htm
This route (originally an Illinois Central train called the Land O Corn) ) has not run from CUS since 1983. It originally ran from Chicago to Waterloo, IA ( 247 miles) but was shortened when Amtrak assumed the train route (but shot=rtened to Dubuque). At that time of its discontinuance, I believe that Amtrak may have been running three coaches, and a dining car. The trip took 6.6 hours so there were no sleepers.
Apparently new demand for Iowa service surfaced in the past few years and the state of Illinois has committed towards its funding again. Last I read the CN tracks are being upgraded and service may start by 2014. Nippon Sharyo is building the cars for this route and I cannot find info on what the consist will look like or what the cars will be like.. Will there be a business class, or first class?
This is positive news for the Amtrak system and a new route for us to look forward to riding. Just goes to show what can happen when a state wants rail service again and doesn't mind chipping in. Since my info is sketchy; please feel free everyone, to fill in the blanks.
http://members.trainorders.com/dr04/BlackHawk/
Preliminary schedule here;
http://members.trainorders.com/dr04/BlackHawk/schedule.htm
This route (originally an Illinois Central train called the Land O Corn) ) has not run from CUS since 1983. It originally ran from Chicago to Waterloo, IA ( 247 miles) but was shortened when Amtrak assumed the train route (but shot=rtened to Dubuque). At that time of its discontinuance, I believe that Amtrak may have been running three coaches, and a dining car. The trip took 6.6 hours so there were no sleepers.
Apparently new demand for Iowa service surfaced in the past few years and the state of Illinois has committed towards its funding again. Last I read the CN tracks are being upgraded and service may start by 2014. Nippon Sharyo is building the cars for this route and I cannot find info on what the consist will look like or what the cars will be like.. Will there be a business class, or first class?
This is positive news for the Amtrak system and a new route for us to look forward to riding. Just goes to show what can happen when a state wants rail service again and doesn't mind chipping in. Since my info is sketchy; please feel free everyone, to fill in the blanks.
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