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In July, I need to get from ALton, IL to Moline, Il, one way. Would love to do this by train, and I've noticed that there on rails on both sides of the Mississippi River that runs between the two. But I've never seen a passenger trainon those rails. Does anyone know if it is possible to book passage on a freight train? Thanks! Bad Bill
Posts: 4 | From: Reynoldsburg, OH USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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Since most freights don't have a caboose anymore, the only place you could ride would be in the locomotive. FRA rules forbid guests in the Cab so I would say you're not going to be able to. Reggie
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No problem, Badbill. Even as an employee, it's hard to get a ride in the cab. When I worked for Amtrak, I tried everything I could think of to no avail. The closest I got was to have a tour of the cab while stationary. Reggie
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The freight railroads were glad to be shot of the passengers 30 years ago (hence Amtrak). I doubt if they'd be willing to have them back again. Grain and coal can't complain at being late!
Geoff Mayo.
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Mr. Toy, I've wondered the same thing. Geoffm is correct; unfortunately, the freight railroads would literally run scared from any such plan (just look at the opposition Amtrak faces just trying to add new express-carrying trains, such as the Skyline Connection). Opposition here would be a million times worse!
While I realize any such ideas are unrealistic, Amtrak has paid the major freight railroads to move (empty) express boxcars in their regular trains; wonder what UP would charge to move two "loads" (Superliner Coaches) from Salt lake City to Los Angeles?
Posts: 72 | From: Tennessee | Registered: Feb 2001
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