The 20th Century Railroad Club issued this today:
"See Washington, D.C. in style.
"Ride with the 20th Century Railroad Club via “Private Varnish”.
"The Club last partnered with American Rail Excursions on this trip to Washington D.C. in 2013. Our partner has informed us that railroad economics have deteriorated to the point where this could be your last chance to make this trip. There has been a significant decrease in coal rail traffic as electric plants have converted to natural gas. One of the railroads affected is CSX. Amtrak’s Cardinal route east of Cincinnati runs on CSX tracks, that includes the stretch through the scenic New River Gorge. The yard at Russell KY is being closed and over 100 employees are to be laid off. The next step that may occur is that the CSX will downgrade the route to 30 mph, which would adversely impact the operation of the Cardinal. Therefore, it is possible that this tour may be your last chance to ride Private Varnish on this former Chesapeake & Ohio mainline across Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia.
"If you are interested, you need to act fast as the trip leaves from Chicago on April 12th."
"See Washington, D.C. in style.
"Ride with the 20th Century Railroad Club via “Private Varnish”.
"The Club last partnered with American Rail Excursions on this trip to Washington D.C. in 2013. Our partner has informed us that railroad economics have deteriorated to the point where this could be your last chance to make this trip. There has been a significant decrease in coal rail traffic as electric plants have converted to natural gas. One of the railroads affected is CSX. Amtrak’s Cardinal route east of Cincinnati runs on CSX tracks, that includes the stretch through the scenic New River Gorge. The yard at Russell KY is being closed and over 100 employees are to be laid off. The next step that may occur is that the CSX will downgrade the route to 30 mph, which would adversely impact the operation of the Cardinal. Therefore, it is possible that this tour may be your last chance to ride Private Varnish on this former Chesapeake & Ohio mainline across Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia.
"If you are interested, you need to act fast as the trip leaves from Chicago on April 12th."