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My wife and I are planning on riding the Southwest Chief from Flagstaff to Chicago, then the Lake Shore Limited from Chicago to Boston. I realize how late the trains usually are, so we are planning an overnight stay in Chicago so we don't miss the Lake Shore Limited. We will be returning using the same method.
I am curious about what happens to the Lake Shore Limited in Albany. It appears that most of it continues to New York City, and part of it goes to Boston. Typically, how many cars, and what kind of cars go to Boston?
Thank you
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Nothing stays the same at Amtrak for very long. The last time I traveled on the Lake Shore to Boston, I believe 2 coaches, 1 sleeper, a lounge car & of course a locomotive. I'm unsure as to how the baggage is handled, but I do know checked baggage is offered on the Boston section. The dining car goes to New York, Penn Station, so no meal service is offered on the Boston section. There is a Metropolitan Lounge in Boston also, although it wasn't quite ready when I last went through. I'm not quite sure why you are spending the night in Chicago as the connection is made almost always. Especially if you are in a sleeper, Amtrak will provide for you in the slight chance you don't make the connection. Yours Reggie
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You came to the right board! Here's what happens to the LSL. Upon arriving in Albany, passengers are given the option of staying on board or waiting in the station. I reccommend waiting in the station since they disconnect the engines, thus no power/water for about 45 minutes.
They take care of 48 first to get that going to NYP. First the LSL loco's come off, and they add a new Genesis onto the New York section, they remove that section from the Boston section, the train reboards and pulls out of the station. The Boston section waits further down in the yard. The Boston retains atleast one of the locomotives from Chicago, which is inspected (1000 mile inspection required of Amtrak locomotives.)
Now, as far as the Boston cars, typically there will be one sleeper 2-3 coaches (depending on the season), a cafe car and a baggage car. The diner goes with the NYP section, so the only meals east of albany will be snacks. Depending on your destination, your baggage is put in the appropriate baggage car. One goes to NYP, the other continues to BOS. If you are going to BOS or any other destination East of Albany, they will sit you in that part of the train (the back half) to facilitate the split in Albany!
Does that answer your question? Please feel free to write back if I didn't clarify. ALSO, read my next post about the LSL. They're doing trackwork on the Boston section and that will disrupt some service! When are you taking your trip?
Posts: 140 | From: Albany, NY | Registered: Mar 2001
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Thank you for the good information. I have ridden a lot of western trains, but none in the east. We will be travelling coach, and we do not want to spend two nights in a row on coach. My wife and I are both teachers. We have the summer off from work, so we are in no hurry. That is why we are laying over in Chicago. This also gives us a chance to see Chicago. We will be riding the trains the first couple weeks of July.
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