AMTRAK SUNSET LIMITED ORLANDO, FL JULY 2002 In late June of 2002, the Amtrak crisis hits a high. Amtrak boss says
in a few words: send money or I am closing the shop. At the last minute,
funds are found to run the trains for another month or so. On my way down
and back up from the NMRA National in Fort Lauderdale in mid July, I catch
as many Amtrak trains as I can. On Sunday, once finished with the Silver
Star and the Silver Meteor meet in Kissimmee, I run to Orlando "Central".
On my way up, because I had to wait in Kissimmee for both delayed trains,
I thought I was too late for the Sunset Limited until I see it on its way
to Taft to turn around on the Y. I get to the old Seaboard station and
wait another 1/2 hour for the train to come back. To my surprise, when
the train comes in, I get to see a wave of passengers rushing onto the
platform to form lines at the different check points to board the train.
Despite all problems with the delays, the train picks up a good load of
passengers. While waiting for the train, I peeked at the tags of the luggage;
To my surprise, I see a few Los Angeles, New Orleans, Houston and a couple
of Seattle!!! No short-timers on this train. A few days later, an agreement
is reached, and the trains will run at least until the end of September.
As the train is sitting at the platform, CSX dispatcher gives the green
light. I wait for the departure of the train, then head home to Tallahassee
somewhat the long way. As I get in town, I hear the dispatcher giving the
blocks West of Tallahassee to the same P002.
