AAPRCO Special Train
Albany-Rensselaer NY – Rutland VT – Hoosick Junction NY – North Bennington VT – Burlington VT – Albany-Rensselaer NY
September 27 thru October 1, 2020

As of August 3, 2020, despite these uncertain times, plans to run our American Autumn Explorer special train remain on track. Special thanks go to Taylor Johnson who has devoted untold hours to developing the routing, securing insurance, and negotiating with Amtrak and our friends at the Vermont Rail System.

While the corona virus has not forced us to cancel this trip, our board has decided to modify aspects of both the special train operation and our convention format.

Convention and Membership Meetings: Our usual schedule of car parties, tours of area attractions, and membership meetings pose undue risk in light of the pandemic. The board has determined it is not feasible to hold a convention in Burlington as originally planned. All convention activities planned for Burlington VT have been cancelled. Instead, our annual membership meetings will be conducted in October via video conferencing.

 The American Autumn Explorer special train will operate September 27th through October 1st as a separate event and fundraiser for the organization. Passengers on the special train will be asked to comply with general health precautions, as well as the public health requirements of our host states. These include certifying compliance with applicable state regulations, signing liability waivers, and observing all safety precautions AAPRCO may require such as hand washing, masking in public areas, and social distancing. Passage through the consist will be prohibited and health checks will be conducted daily. Specific guidelines will be shared with each participating car owner for distribution to all passengers prior to the trip.

It is pleasing to note that we are able to continue our long tradition of operating special trains, something that has been missing from our last two conventions. The American Autumn Explorer promises to be a fun special event. Thanks to owners of the following cars who have made plans to participate:

Birch Grove
Chapel Hill
Dagny Taggart
Moonlight Dome
Northern Dreams
Northern Sky
NYC 3
San Marino
Wisconsin

The best news of all is that space on the American Autumn Explorer is still available. Visit the ‘Travel Opportunities’ section of this website for details and make plans to join us in Vermont.