Greenbrier Presidential Express
The Greenbrier Presidential Express was a failed luxury passenger train that was planned to operate between Union Station in Washington, D.C., United States, and the train station at The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV. The project was initiated in June 2011 but was canceled in May 2012 due to numerous issues, among which were capacity constraints on the Buckingham Branch railroad and Federal approval of the engineering designs in the railcars.
History
Following his purchase of The Greenbrier resort in his native West Virginia, millionaire coal entrepreneur Jim Justice launched a number of new initiatives aimed at reinvigorating the struggling property, including significant renovations, the Greenbrier Classic PGA Tour event, and the construction of a casino. He unveiled concept drawings for the Greenbier Presidential Express, designed to bring guests to and from the resort, at a June 2011 launch party in Washington, D.C.[1]
Efforts to prepare for the new train began with a $15 million investment by Justice to purchase and rehabilitate 15 passenger cars at a plant in Pennsylvania. The train's consist will be made up of baggage cars, club cars, and dining cars offering Greenbrier-style luxury. Most cars will be named after presidents who summered at the resort. The decor for these cars is being supervised by interior designer Carlton Varney, the student of the woman behind the Greenbrier's signature style, Dorothy Draper. Deluxe cocktails will be served during the 6-hour journey, and a registered nurse will be on hand to serve the passengers and plan treatments at the resort's spa and medical facilities.[2] Upon arrival, guests will be met by horse-drawn carriages at the station and conveyed across the street to the resort's main building.[3]
4-8-4 steam locomotive No. 614, formerly used by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway was repainted in Greenbrier Presidential Express livery to serve as the lead unit of the train. However, it soon became clear that CSX's longstanding no steam policy would say in effect and as of July 2012, 614 is stored at Clifton Forge, VA.[4]
Trains magazine reported in January 2012 that the future of the Presidential Express was in doubt due to capacity problems on the Buckingham Branch railroad, a problem also affecting plans to make Amtrak's Cardinal (which also serves White Sulphur Springs) a daily train.
Following a meeting with financier Jim Justice, the Greenbrier Presidential Express project was canceled in May of 2012. [5] Most staff were laid off, and numerous rail cars and locomotives were placed for sale.
References
- ^ "Hotel Watch: The Greenbrier Express". Washington Life. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Designer's palette full of color, full with projects". Saturday Gazette-Mail. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "The Frill Ride: Riding in Luxury on the Greenbrier Presidential Express". expressnightout.com. Retrieved 19 December 2011.
- ^ "C&O 614 - The Greenbrier Presidential Express - v1.1 - 3:21". Retrieved 19 December 2011.
- ^ "Bob Bryant's Big Little Railroad", Trains, January 2012, 51.