The
Autorack (or "Auto Carrier") is a piece of railroad rolling stock built
for a specific purpose - to transport cars. Commonly used to transport cars from
the manufacturer to larger automotive distributors (before they're loaded onto
the semis that are commonly seen on highways), they are also used on services
such as Amtrak's Auto Train - a special train which operates between Lorton, VA
and Sanford, FL in which passengers can load their cars aboard any one of the
20-30 trailing Autorack cars and enjoy a luxurious ride down the United States'
east coast, the end of which they can take their car with them for the continuation
of their journey. This
particular type of Autorack is quite modern - first introduced in 2004 in Canada,
this fully enclosed autorack is built with an Aluminum shell that is more weather
resistant than the older style "open" or "grated" Autorack
cars, and with a roomier interior and smoother ride that better protects the cars
within. |