The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Board (CCJPB) put this on at the last minute as an inspection trip to look at new service (!!) and, as they're the "big wheels" here they requested - and got - end of train placement.

The owner of the Virginia City tried to have CCJPB delay this, but they were adamant about this weekend and that was that.

Amtrak's Special Movements desk was unaware of the CCJPB trip until last Tuesday They are VERY aware of the Trainorders party and are basically helpless to do anything as the powers that be put this event in place. (And they run the railroad, so...)

Virginia City Rail Corp. is sincerely apologetic as they can be but, as PV charters are their business, they can't pass this up. They wish to tell all that read the RR boards that they wish this hadn't happened but what is, is.

On a personal note: I work with these people and believe they're one of the finest PV outfits in the business. ANYBODY knocking them for this is basically blowing smoke and is completey uninformed (or maliciously stupid; take your pick). As to the trip itself, the Virginia City will be coming back on Saturday so the return trip on Sunday will not be impacted.