Amtrak's new Airo intercity high-speed train-sets have been recently sighted passing through the Midwest enroute to the Pacific Northwest for final testing prior to entering revenue service on the "Cascades." Built in Sacramento, the trains underwent preliminary testing on the Northeast corridor. Amtrak has ordered 83 of the modern trains, with the initial eight slated for service on the 467-mile route between Eugene, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia.

The new high-speed passenger equipment will be powered by Siemen's ALC 42E Charger locomotives; train operation will be push-pull with a coach/baggage/cab at the opposite train end. Amtrak says the six-car Airo trains will "deliver greater comfort, improved reliability, and modern connectivity."

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Long-time contributor Ed Wiesensel has provided photos of the new push-pull equipment, along with associated data.

A passenger car's five-digit national reporting number is printed on the lower frame panel for maintenance and tracking. Additionally, a single digit (1 through 6) helps travelers identify their assigned car. A typical Cascade consist would include:

• Car 1: Business Class (71XXX series) - directly adjacent the locomotive. (standard knuckle coupler)
• Car 2: Café / Food Service (73XXX series) - Adjacent the Business Class. Digital display in the left window.
• Cars 3, 4, 5: Economy & Coach (74XXX) series)
• Car 6: Coach/Cab/Baggage (75XXX series) - economy seats w/ baggage section and aerodynamic ops cab.