We departed close to schedule. We pulled forward past the yards and crossed a river/lift bridge. We stopped then backed up and switched onto which I guess was the old BN line to Galesburg. We went a good distance, stopped then went forward again but this time we were on a bridge over the track we originally departed Union Station on – how we got up there I have no clue I guess I was in wonderland. There are plenty of tight curves but eventually we were on the old IC towards Homewood. This seemed much easier that it use to be since I remember in the old days backing out of Union Station for quite a distance. If anyone knows what route this is and why they do this way now please advise. What happened to the old route?

Then they announced first call to dinner. I already ate my dinner in Chicago because I hate eating that late (8pm) and even though I really wanted to experience what I’ve been told some good food on this train I just didn’t want to go to bed on a full stomach. So while everyone else left the sleeper I took advantage of the nice shower downstairs. It sure was a welcome addition. As a single traveler I can’t imagine 2 people sharing this small standard bedroom. College students traveling only as far as Carbondale occupied the rooms in front and behind me. Their main purpose of course was partying and smoking cigarettes with no consideration to anyone else. The sleeper was full and the female attendant was overwhelmed. I think if the sleepers were together and close to the lounge there could be better control since 98% of the time that is where you can find the conductor. In the golden years of train travel the railroads would sell a room for short travel as a day seat or even a parlor seat – this way you could enjoy a private accommodation but you could not use the bed. These kids had the beds down and what a job for the attendant. The smoke was overwhelming. I rang the bell for the attendant and she announced like 3 times to put out the cigarettes. I don’t know why the conductor was not involved.

Also at 10pm an announcement was made that Café part of the lounge would close for an hour so the attendant could have a meal break. That is unreal, been on the road for 2 whole hours and they need a rest.

Since my arrival in Memphis was scheduled at 6:30am I just wanted to catch some sleep otherwise if I was traveling into New Orleans I could have delt with the noise - even my ear plugs did not keep the loud talking at bay. Plus the track is mainly jointed rail between Chicago and Mattoon, IL. I’m talking major rock and roll, jerking any which way. Between the slack action, the up and down bouncing, side to side swaying that’s enough to make even the most experienced railfan want to heave. I’m really glad I did not eat on the train or I would have. The engineer didn't blow the horn for grade crossings in the normal matter of 2 longs, a short and a long - it seemed to be just a few short toots all along the line - even when they changed crews they all blew it the same way - odd!

I finally did go to sleep and I remember waking up at Carbondale (1:20am). After those kids got off, I got up to use the restroom and looked into their rooms. What a mess, cigarette butts and soda bottles everyplace and the fact the attendant now had to make 4 beds since they had to pull down the upper for their baggage.

We arrived Memphis at 6:00am, 32 minutes early. Of course there is plenty of padding if you look at the schedule between Newbern-Dyersburg and Memphis southbound they give it 2:30 hours, northbound is 1:40 for 78 miles distance. All in all I’m still a railfan and would do it all over again but you always wonder how many other travelers would not. I was very impressed with the renovated Memphis Central Station; which also houses the police department and soon Greyhound.

As I understand it, the City has always had to do a backup move to get from Union station to the IC line. But they do apparently have two choices - either forward to South Branch bridge, backup to Union Ave (the BN line), then forwards over the St Charles Air Line. Or they can back out of Union station as far south as 21st Street where they go forwards and join the Air Line again. The former routing seems to be the usual routing.

There's an interesting site about Amtrak routings in Chicago - http://hometown.aol.com/chirailfan/amtkchi.html

I remember the bumpy track well... I got woken up a couple of times because of it.

Interesting story by the way.

quote:

---

All in all I’m still a railfan and would do it all over again but you always wonder how many other travelers would not.

---

You're not the first person to ask that question. I know a lot of first-time riders have been turned off of Amtrak for the reasons you mention. Yet a large number of first-timers also become loyal customers. It has a lot to do with individual personalities and tolerance for glitches, as much as with Amtrak's service itself, I think.

The fact is, people do ride trains, warts and all, in sufficient numbers to keep them pretty full. Clearly there is a demand for the service. If Amtrak can attract people with inconsistent service, rough track, etc., imagine how many people would ride if we had a modern, efficient and reliable system. This is one of many reasons why I believe that there is a large latent ridership out there, if only the service was available to them.

------------------
Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth.
-Mr. Toy

As for why some people love a long train trip while others hate it? Unfortunately, many Americans are simply too hyper, too easily bored, and have the attention span of a common housefly. I know several otherwise adventurous people who recently took a completely flawless, problem-free Amtrak trip -- but they swear they'll never do it again.

Basically, I think you've got to be a "Type B" personality to fully appreciate the charms of traveling long distances by rail.

I just booked my annual May trip (Austin-Milwaukee-Flagstaff, this year) and cashed in 20,000 guest reward points!

#59 leaves CUS the backs around the SW quadrant of the interchange between the PRR and CBQ. The train is now ready to head Eastward over the St Charles Air Line to the IC.