First, They Qualify. On October 24, 2021, Amtrak Train 896 operated a pair of round-trip trains between Rutland, Vermont, and Burlington, Vermont. This was the first "qualifying" run for engineers and conductors to learn the extension of the Ethan Allen Express route on Amtrak equipment, so with no passengers, it only required a coach to maintain track speed and was double-ended to facilitate changing ends in Burlington. It was also the first Amtrak train to travel through the new tunnel in Middlebury. This assignment signified the return of F40NPCU AMTK 406, which had been out of service for several years. Shortly after, AMTK 406 would return to the shop and emerge about 18 months later as AMTK 90406. In 2025, it can be seen operating in Amtrak Downeaster service.

Full resolution pics and prints: https://www.riverrailphoto.com/amtrak/e4525d808