Passenger Trains > Maximum speed allowed for auto train.

Just viewed a photo of the auto train with approximately 50 cars. Would like information on the maximum speed allowed for this train. How many automobiles does each auto transport car carry? Would think that two engines would not provide enough power to pull this train due to this extra weight and the power they have to provide for the consist such as heating and air conditioning, etc. Your comments would be appreciated.

Auto train is held to 70MPH. The Silver Service/Palmetto are allowed 79MPH over the same route. ACL trains were allowed 100MPH over much of the Richmond to Charleston portion in the 40s.

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In theory it's 79 mph max on the ex-ACL for Amtrak, except 70 mph for 52/53. In practice, some of the second track (in places where there are two tracks) is good for only 60.

Caught 53 last week in Ashland, VA. It is one impressive train!

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One difference between Amtrak trains is the auto racks.
Both the braking system and suspension have to be rated for speeds higher than encountered in regular freight service.

railstiesballast Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> One difference between Amtrak trains is the auto
> racks.
> Both the braking system and suspension have to be
> rated for speeds higher than encountered in
> regular freight service.


are the AT trains using ECP braking ??? ...

railstiesballast Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> One difference between Amtrak trains is the auto
> racks.
> Both the braking system and suspension have to be
> rated for speeds higher than encountered in
> regular freight service.


The Autoracks are built to go 79mph. It does 70 because CSX imposes a 70mph speed limit on trains carrying multilevel autoracks. The rule is only there to restrict AT, as no CSX freight train is authorized to go above 70mph anyways.