We had an interesting program by Wally Watts last month with steam and diesel action in Oregon.  I hope that you were able to see it.

I saw an interesting article by the new President of Amtrak outlining his support for increasing the amount of electrified rail line in the US, especially along the East Coast.  Joe Boardman told a House Subcommittee that he would like to see the present intercity electrified corridor which extends from Washington, D.C. to Boston extended to reach from Miami to Maine.

These thoughts have surfaced occasionally by many people and were last seriously considered in the 1970s.  Europe and some other countries have extensive electrified stretches of track but these seem to be more easily justified in areas that are more densely populated, support very heavy traffic, or have air quality considerations. The high cost per mile of electrified track along with the necessary electric supply support system makes this a decision that requires much thought.

Mr. Boardman would like to see the extension done in stages, perhaps going to Richmond, VA in 5 years and to Jacksonville, FL in the next 5 years. These proposals would require sound support from Congress but perhaps could be justified with the present economic recovery bills to make new jobs and to improve the environment which are high on the new President’s agenda. There are even some rumors that the BNSF Railroad is quietly looking into the idea of electrifying some track.

Only time will tell if any of these proposals are viable given the extreme conditions in our economy.  It has been a long time before any mainline track has been electrified in this country.  However, there have been a lot of new electrified rail accomplishments in light rail and commuter service around the country.  Those of us that have had electric trains in our basement for a half century would relish the new interest in quiet, efficient, and cleaner trains.