#bigdome

The Original Auto-Train

This private company operated trains to Florida from 1971 to 1981. While forced to cease its services, the business model lives on in an Amtrak train with a similar name. Here we see a few images made at the northern terminus of their second route, which ran from Louisville southward (on the L&N) to the sunshine state.

The equipment of this railroad is interesting: they acquired and utilized a large batch of full-length dome cars from the Santa Fe, the road locomotives were new General Electric U36Bs with Blomberg trucks (to satisfy the SCL of their main route on the east coast), and in at least one case they converted a heavyweight baggage car to serve as a steam generation car.

While most of the big domes were eventually preserved, the one pictured above was involved in a wreck and later scrapped. The action shots come from Farmer's Lane south of Louisville.

The Smart Araneta Coliseum is set to host one of the most anticipated canine events in the country as the Philippine Circuit Show 2024, the biggest dog show in Asia, takes place at the Big Dome from January 17 to January 21.

The event, which is organized by the Philippine Canine Club, Inc. (PCCI), will showcase a wide array of competitions and activities that dog lovers from here and abroad will surely appreciate. Commencing on January 17, the festivities will open with the 2nd PCCI-FCI International Grooming Competition, where local and international dog groomers will compete for prestigious titles, showcasing their exceptional skills. Noteworthy is the Mondioring demonstration, which will feature the Philippine Team that recently participated in the FCI Mondioring World Championship in Mafra, Portugal.

The excitement will continue at the Big Dome with the much-anticipated Agility Competition. Highly trained dogs will navigate challenging obstacle courses with precision and speed, delivering a thrilling spectacle for the audience. Adding a playful touch to the event, a fun match featuring the Philippine Forest Dog will unfold.

The highlight of the event, the Conformation Shows is expected to take place during the remainder of the Philippine Circuit Show 2024. Exhibitors from around the world will converge at the storied Smart Araneta Coliseum to present the finest and most excellent canine specimens, competing for esteemed titles and recognition. An international panel of judges, chosen from diverse backgrounds, will preside over the competition, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation of the participants.

“We are thrilled to once again be the venue of the Philippine Circuit Show. From the very beginning, we have been working hand-in-hand with the PCCI to stage this wonderful event that celebrates man’s best friend. We would like to invite all pet lovers out there to join us for the latest iteration of the Philippine Circuit Show and see the immense talent and beauty of our four-legged friends,” NAME and DESIGNATION said.

The Philippine Circuit Show 2024 allows dog lovers, enthusiasts, and professionals to come together and appreciate the elegance, skill, and variety of dogs from various parts of the world. To learn more about this event, visit www.pcci.org.ph or email [email protected].

For more information about Smart Araneta Coliseum and all upcoming events at the Big Dome, please visit https://smartaranetacoliseum.com/. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and TikTok.