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Thats right, I may have posted this before but, oh well!, My trip was postponde before, I hope it dosent happen again, any way, I wanted all of the opinions from everyone on the board!, So I'll tell you (everyone)what I have for the trip Sofar..
Camera: EyeQ easy Digital
Scanner: Uniden BearCat SC180-B (Programed with SW Cheif Freq.s)
Other: List off all Amtrak SupperLinners!
Other Electronics: Cheap 10 buck organizer,For recording Coach numbers
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I'm going on the SWC in June from LA to Chicago and returning to LA on the same train. Anything you can warn me about/inform me about for my upcoming trips would be helpful... I've never been to USA before and never done overnight on train ether... it is a bit exciting for me... so good luck for your trip too
Posts: 116 | From: Auckland, New Zealand | Registered: Jan 2004
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When I take the Chief, in addition to a scanner I like to use an old Altamont Press Southwest Region Timetable. http://altamontpress.com/
It has the track speeds for the BNSF mainline from Winslow to Needles. It is interesting to watch for the 90mph sections and see if you can notice the speed while you are on the train. I have been meaning to get a California version too, and maybe a newer Southwest Region as I'm sure some speeds have changed since 1997.
Posts: 579 | From: San Bernardino Subdivison | Registered: Dec 2001
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How about a GPS, so you will know exactly where you're at and how fast you are going.
Posts: 1418 | From: Houston, Republic of Texas | Registered: Jan 2001
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One very beneficial item would be the Santa Fe RR publication ALONG YOUR WAY, a 42 page packet of facts about stations and scenes on the Santa Fe. Of course, these have not been printed for many years but can still be found in antique shops and on EBAY. An example, "Lamy, NM - Alt. 6457; pop. 329 Named for Archbishop Lamy, pioneer Catholic ecclesiastic after the American occupation in 1846. After leaving eastbound train passes through rugged Apache Canyon where the Mexicans attempted to stop the progress of the American army under General Kearny on 8-18-1846. Important battle of Civil War fought here in 1862. Apache Canyon gorge cuts through solid granite, the only place in NM where the railway traverses the oldest strata in the Rockies. Passengers change at Lamy for Santa Fe, capital of New Mexico and oldest city of the Southwest". Similar info for most locations between Chicago and Los Angeles can be found in this publication. It would be nice if Amtrak would get permission to republish this or at least that part where stops are made or significant sites are passed.
Posts: 467 | From: Prescott, AZ USA | Registered: Mar 2002
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I've enjoyed taking maps delineating railroads as well as highways. It's fun tracking where you are. An airline pilot borrowed them, programed his GPS, and was able to track exactly where we were and estimated times of arrival during my trip on the Zephyr last month. Brad
Posts: 71 | From: lawrence,kansas,usa | Registered: Mar 2002
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How far are you going? I will be on the Chief this Fri/Sat, Fort Madison to ABQ and back on March 19/20.
Posts: 1572 | From: St. Paul, MN | Registered: Dec 2002
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I would board where ever you live closer to. Boarding at LAX isn't so great if you have to tackle the freeway just to get there. I live in orange county and always board at Fullerton. I can't see why someone would go out of their way to board at a terminus. There isn't anything that exciting about LA Union Station ( but I could be biased since I have been there several times). The only benefit is that you are on the train longer which is a big plus if you are a rail fan. But if Fullerton is closer to where you live, board at Fullerton. It's a nice station, great location and has plenty of traffic to keep you entertained while you wait for the Chief.
Also, I'm puzzled. Why are you going to Flagstaff and then the Grand Canyon? Williams Junction is the stop for the Grand Canyon Railway if that's how you are getting to the Rim. However if you plan on renting a car or busing it to the Canyon, then Flagstaff is better.
[This message has been edited by Southwest Chief (edited 03-11-2004).]
Posts: 579 | From: San Bernardino Subdivison | Registered: Dec 2001
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Jonathan, If you are doing the Amtrak vacation package--according to my SW Chief timetable is from Williams Junction not Flagstaff. BUT it gets to Williams really early in the morning. It gets to Flagstaff just a bit later. I would try to get some food on the train before you get off though.
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Any thoughts on tipping the train staff when traveling in a Deluxe Sleeper? What type of service should one expect? What services would be considered exceptional?
Traveling on the SWC tomorrow from Chicago to Flagstaff. Will give some feedback when I return.
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