The first Amtrak Cascades Airo trainset arrived in the Pacific Northwest on May 16. The trainset will now undergo a final round of testing before entering service between Eugene, Ore., and Vancouver, B.C. The Siemens-built train was first tested in Pueblo, Colo., before being sent north for additional testing on the Northeast Corridor. 

Last week, the train was moved west to Chicago as a special movement before being added to the consist of the Empire Builder for movement to Seattle. Amtrak officials have said this train set will undergo a final round of testing before being placed into service this summer. The new trains will eventually replace the railroad’s aging Amfleet cars and locomotives on state-supported routes nationwide.

—Railfan & Railroad Staff