The Amtrak Exhibit Train, showcasing the past, present and future of America's Railroad®, and powered by a specially painted locomotive thanking veterans, will be open to the public for free tours this weekend during Railroad Days in Galesburg. The new Amtrak Experience display will also be installed trainside for the weekend in Galesburg as part of the national Amtrak Train Days tour and their last scheduled Illinois visit this year.
The Exhibit Train and Amtrak Experience are open this Saturday, June 27, and this Sunday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, at the Amtrak Station in Galesburg, 225 South Seminary Street. Veterans are invited to be first to board.
Media is invited to a preview of the Exhibit Train at 4 p.m. this Friday, June 26, in advance of the 5 p.m. opening ceremony for Railroad Days at the adjacent rail museum.
In addition to the Exhibit Train and Amtrak Experience, the Chuggington® Kids Depot based on the popular children's animated television series on Disney Junior will be open, famed railroad artist Andy Fletcher will be showing his work and rail safety information will be distributed by Amtrak employees on both Saturday and Sunday.
The Exhibit Train features displays including workable signals, virtual sleeping accommodation tours and trivia, the locomotive control stand and horns In addition, it features photos, uniforms, vintage advertising and memorabilia from the beginning of Amtrak in 1971 to today's modern sleeping cars and high-speed rail service. The train includes three baggage cars renovated into exhibit cars and one bistro car, all with historic paint schemes.
The Amtrak Veterans' Locomotive honors those who have served in all branches of the military. Amtrak painted the locomotive red, white and blue with an "America's Railroad Salutes Our Veterans" logo and 50 stars. It is a symbol of an Amtrak commitment that 25 percent of new employees will consist of veterans.
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