It took almost a decade to get the job done, but on November 16, 2000, Amtak ran its inaugural Acela Express train carrying VIPS and journalists. It operated from Washington to Boston. Here, it is crossing Thames River Movable Bridge between New London and Groton, Conn. Engine (Bombardier called them "power cars") 2020 led with 2009 pushing. The trainset - up until one day earlier - had been THE test train between Southampton Street Yard, Boston, and Kingston, R.I.

Photographed by Leo King, November 16, 2000.
Added to the photo archive by Leo King, April 24, 2004.
Railroad: Amtrak/Acela Express.

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