| In 1978, I was 19 years old, working for a McDonalds in Queens while I was attending St John's University. One of the benefits was that even as a part time employee, I was entitled to paid vacation. This was based on average hours worked over a year. In my case, this amounted to 28 hours. At that time, Amtrak was offering a $10 return fare on round trips. Chicago was $61 one way, with the $10 return, too good to pass up. I took the Broadway west, and returned on the Lake Shore. Heres my westbound train about to leave Penn Station behind GG 1 4932. It took the train to Harrisburg, where it swapped out for three E 8s. The G performed flawlessly, and really ran for an almost 40 year old engine. The train even had an ex PRR twin unit diner. On the adjacent track is a Bay Head train, also led by a G, but only as far as South Amboy, where E's will take over. Except for the paint, not much has changed since the 1950's!! |