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A new edition of Bradt's popular USA by Rail guidebook has just been published. Fully updated, it has details of all current Amtrak and VIA Rail routes as well as dozens of tourist and steam railroads, plus chapters on North American railway history.
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So long as we are addressing publications at this topic, and make the immediate more worth it to purchase, I only learned today that the System Timetable, media notwithstanding, is history.
Printed twice yearly from A-Day to 2016, the Timetable contained all Amtrak services, and for me, it was part of my "reference library" surrounding my easy chair (Almanac, Atlas, unread newspapers). It became digital only from '16 on. Now, it's gone.
Often, it was outdated before it was circulated, and it clearly belonged to the age of PHONING up for travel information and reservations. I don't think any other commercial transit, such as airlines, offers a like document.
It was nice to have it by the easy chair, but of little value beyond that.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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The old Amtrak System Timetable is much missed. It was a great source of inspiration when planning trips, including imaginary ones. It can't have cost all that much to produce and should be brought back, perhaps with a small charge for shipping, etc.
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That's just it, Mr. Trainman; it DID cost $$$ to produce - even when it became digital only.
Railfans loved it; but not too many others knew of or cared about it. With most trains now requiring reservations, scheduled times can be changed without inconveniences.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I too miss the printed copy. It was especially useful for trip planning. In fact I still use the last print copy for that purpose but then get current time changes on line. Unfortunately, or maybe it’s a good thing, the National network doesn’t change much.
I often play that game with my brother using our collection of old Official Guide of the Railways. For instance, ‘it’s June 1954 at noon and you are in Washington. Which trains and accommodations would you use to leave that day for Memphis.’
But I gotta say, I don’t mind using the on line schedules of the trains as it’s basically the same thing as a timetable, just more cumbersome to use for trip planning purposes. When taking a trip I print out the schedule of the trains involved. Such is progress.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Thank you, Mr. Trainman, for giving us information on the latest "USA by Rail" edition. I have the 7th edition but I don't think it has as much information as the newest guidebook.
Yes, I do miss the hard copy of the Amtrak system timetable. I keep hoping that it will return. However, if Amtrak can't afford an extra towel, or two, in the sleepers I don't have much hope.
My 7th edition of "USA by Rail" doesn't have information on tourist and steam tourist railroads. I do have a copy of "Tourist Trains Guidebook" published by TRAINS magazine. I can recommend it for those interested.
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