The northbound Crescent, over two hours late, glides into Culpeper for a quick stop to take on half a dozen passengers before continuing on to DC, where the Whales will be replaced with AEM-7 or HHP-8 power for the rest of the ride to New York City.
Amtrak took over the New York - New Orleans market when the Southern Railway discontinued its famed Southern Crescent. Following the same route, it takes two days and a night to connect the Big Apple with the Big Easy. The crossing of Lake Ponchartrain is
