cordelli:

You are correct about the checked luggage issue. As of last December Amtrak allows unloaded firearms in secure, checked luggage (like airlines do).

That law did not affect concealed carry on board Amtrak trains. There are two points to resolve here:

1. Does Amtrak in fact bar carrying concealed on its trains (as noted above this is unclear)?
2. If concealed carry is in fact barred, under what authority is Amtrak instituting this policy?

I'll have a chat with some Amtrak folks this week and report back on what I find out.