Prototype News

Roger Harris, Amtrak President

Amtrak President Roger Harris will step down on July 31 and be replaced by Byl Herrmann while the railroad’s board of directors searches for a new permanent chief executive officer. 

The Harris departure comes a year after his predecessor, Stephen Gardner, was forced out by the Trump administration. Gardner said he wanted to step aside to ensure that the railroad “continues to enjoy the full faith and confidence” of the administration. Gardner’s surprise departure made way for Harris to claim the top spot, albeit briefly. 

While Harris has been the top executive for just over a year, it has been a notable period for the passenger railroad. Under Roger, Amtrak has seen record ridership and revenue, the launch of NextGen Acela and Mardi Gras service, and the advancement of major capital projects, such as the Portal North Bridge. 

Byl is a 27-year veteran of Amtrak, with a deep knowledge of many aspects of the company.

“As Interim President, Byl will work closely with the Board and executive leadership team to maintain continuity, support our workforce, and keep our focus on safe, reliable service, and delivering on our commitments to customers, partners, and the communities we serve,” Board Chair Tony Coscia said in a statement. 

—Justin Franz 

The post Amtrak President to Step Down appeared first on Railfan & Railroad Magazine.

A former Union Pacific SD40-2 that was painted in the 1990s to honor military members who served during Operation Desert Storm against Iraq has been donated to the American Heartland Railroad Society in Sioux City, Iowa.

UP 3593, built as No. 8084 in August 1979, was painted in a camouflage-like livery in February 1991. It included a panel with the names of 66 UP employees who served during the conflict. The engine was later sold to the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern and then the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern, becoming that road’s No. 3422. RC&E is donating the locomotive to the nonprofit society. The locomotive is currently in Huron, S.D., but it is expected to be moved to Iowa in the coming months. American Heartland Railroad Society officials said they hope to have the locomotive painted in its “Desert Victory” livery by Veterans Day in November.

American Heartland Railroad Society has been involved with a number of preservation efforts, most notably the ongoing restoration of Great Northern Railway 4-6-2 1355.

—Justin Franz 

The former UP SD40-2 as it appears today on the Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern. Photo by Ross Heeren. 

The post Former UP ‘Desert Victory’ SD40-2 Preserved appeared first on Railfan & Railroad Magazine.