henryj
Conductor
Since Amtrak is grappling with how to keep the SWC on it's current route and how to pay BNSF to maintain the Hutchinson to La Junta to Trinidad trackage, why not operate a second train on the route. At least Amtrak will be getting a little more for their money and Texas would get a connection to Colorado, which we haven't had since the 1960's. Apparently that route is now devoid of heavy traffic so space is available. It's really quite easy and it avoids all the congestion on the BNSF route through Amarillo and Trinchera Pass. Just extend the Heartland Flyer to Newton, Kansas as has been already discussed, but then continue on west through La Junta to Pueblo and up the front range on the BNSF to Colorado Springs and Denver. Using current and past timetables the run could be made from OKC to Denver in about 13+ hours giving a mid morning arrival in Denver and an evening departure southbound. It would also connect in Newton with the SWC from KC in both directions something that has been discussed already. And you could extend it southward on the BNSF's old Lone Star/Texas Chief route to Houston, giving Houston a north/south connection and a train to Colorado. Would take just three sets of equipment. With the Sunset Eagle going daily you are freeing up 4 superliner diners and 4 superliner sleepers and a ssl. All you need is 6 coaches and 2 ssl's to finish up the consist. The joint line is congested, but it is also double track from Palmer Lake to Denver and you are only on it from Pueblo north.
Of course with unlimited funds and equipment you could extend it on the UP from Denver all the way to Portland, restoring the Pioneer.
Of course with unlimited funds and equipment you could extend it on the UP from Denver all the way to Portland, restoring the Pioneer.