Beyond the big-city bubble of Denver, where people wear masks to walk their dogs, the rural plains seem nonplussed by this new COVID-19 reality. Stopping for gas during a road trip through Kansas in June, I ran through a mental checklist of safety precautions as if refueling a spaceship, and in a way, I was. My Honda capsule allowed me to travel through the landscape, remaining socially distant, as those around me carried on with little notice.
While I was traveling, Amtrak announced it would reduce long-distance route service from a daily schedule to every other day to cut costs during the pandemic—a serious reduction for places with already limited options. Most passenger trains cross the plains nocturnally, quietly witnessed by only the train crew, the hardy passenger, and the occasional insomniac.
Hutchinson, Kansas, on the route of the Southwest Chief, is a typical stop. Its spacious, mid-century modern, locked-tight station serves as a convenient place to hang the town’s name and a target for the engineer to brake for. The eastbound Chief arrives first, just a few minutes off the carded time of 1:39 a.m. Two passengers get off. None get on. The train is rolling in less than two minutes.
There are no passengers waiting, just a bleary-eyed photographer and the town taxi driver.
At 3:10 a.m., the westbound train can be heard hitting distant crossings, right on time. The stainless Superliner comes to a halt at the station with the conductor cautiously peering out, wearing a face mask. There are no passengers waiting for his arrival, just a bleary-eyed photographer and the town taxi driver. The conductor gives a small wave of recognition, appreciative that someone cares, as the train begins to roll.
Bryan Bechtold – Photographs and text Copyright 2021
Nice story and pictures. The part about the Amtrak train I’m sure happens countless times a day all over the country. With more people getting vaccinated we should see more of a change in that. Although I remember years ago I ran the Night Owl and we stopped at a station that rarely had passengers except on weekends. But there was one guy who got on I think it was on Monday night who went somewhere to work I’m sure. He knew right where to stand and gave a little wave as the headlight lit him up. Your story brought back that memorie.
Thanks John! Your appreciation makes the effort worthwhile. Thank you for sharing your “night train” experience with me. It is wonderful to connect with others on the subject of railroading. Best, BB
The stories and photographs on the Trackside Photographer are never less than wonderful, but these pictures and the evocative writing are fabulous. Thank you so much!
Thanks John, glad you enjoyed it. Your appreciation makes the effort worthwhile.
Nice concise story with some wonderful images to back it up!
I grew up in Hutchinson, KS and spent a lot of time watching trains go by. Hutchinson was also home to the Bisonte Hotel, a Fred Harvey house on the Santa Fe line. Unfortunately it was torn down and the city leaders did nothing to save it. I left Hutchinson in 1971 to go to college and did not return until 1983. I spent another 20 years in Hutch but left again in 2002 and now live in Texas. I wish I had taken photos back in the 60’s when steam was still alive on the Santa Fe but my interest in trains would not be until many years later.