RAILforum: A Couple ????? about the Delux Sleeper

This is topic A Couple ????? about the Delux Sleeper in forum Amtrak at RAILforum.

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Posted by KA6BGJ (Member # 662) on :

I would like to know if anybody out here happens to know the answer to these two questions concerning the Delux Sleepers.

1. Is the water that comes out of the sink in the Delux Sleeper restroom safe enough to drink?

2. Does a Delux Sleeper have an electrical outlet so that you can use it to make your own Coffee or Hot Chocalate if you wanted?

[This message has been edited by KA6BGJ (edited 12-28-2002).]

Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :

1. I don't know, but I assume it is. There will be a water spigot in your room, however, which you can use, plus some small paper cups.

2. Yes there are electrical outlets in the deluxe sleeper rooms, but your sleeper car attendant will likely have coffee available (and maybe some hot chocolate packets) in the center of your sleeper car by the stairwell if you are in a Superliner sleeper, or in one of the rooms if you are in a Viewliner.

Posted by Kairho (Member # 1567) on :

RRRich is quite correct (as if I was needed to validate).

There have been reports lately about the poor quality of drinking water aboard airliners. High bacteria counts, E coli, failure to sanitize the holding tanks weekly (or whatever the requirement is), etc. Based on the silmilarity between the two forms of travel and on an assumption (hopefully unfounded) that Amtrak's maintenance in these areas may be a bit more slipshod, I would avoid train tap water completely for drinking, although it is probably ok for tooth brushing, bathing, etc.

I found the article: http://stacks.msnbc.com/news/829189.asp

[This message has been edited by Kairho (edited 12-28-2002).]

Posted by dilly (Member # 1427) on :

I've never experienced any problems after drinking Amtrak tap water. But it sometimes has that "stale" taste you often get on airliners. I agree, stick with bottled water if you can.

Most sleepers I've traveled in have had "complimentary" bottled water available. Ask your car attendant -- although he/she may automatically place small bottles near the Coffee & Refreshment station at the top of the stairs (or end of the car if you're in a Viewliner). If so, grab a few right away, as they tend to disappear.

If needed, you can also purchase bottled water in the Sightseer Lounge or Cafe Car on most trains.

[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 12-28-2002).]

Posted by PullmanCo (Member # 1138) on :

In the olden days, the US Public Health Service inspected drinking water tanks of Pullman cars.

Wonder if they do it today for Amtrak?

John

------------------
The City of Saint Louis (UP, 1967) is still my standard for passenger operations

Posted by tubaallen (Member # 2057) on :

Oh trust me...FDA checks Amtraks EVERY move. I am sure the water is on their list.

Posted by tubaallen (Member # 2057) on :

The Pioneer was one I DID ride. I was taking it back to Chi from Sea. However, it was in 94 during the floods, and it wasn't continuing on past Denver. That was the first problem...then....out in the desert, we lost our HEP. Talk about problems. Long story.

Posted by UncleBuck44 (Member # 2049) on :

I was riding the Desert Wind from L.A. to Chicago during the floods of 93. That was a great train ride. In Iowa we went over this bridge and the water was like on the Tracks.

Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :

In Britain we have limits on water height. I think it can get within an inch or two below the top of the rails before traffic is banned, although severe speed restrictions are placed before then. I assume similar conditions are placed in the US? Of course, it'll affect track circuits (detection of trains) too, shorting the rails like that.

Just out of curiosity what type of track circuits are used? There are limits to their length and I would have thought that the long block sections would affect their reliability?

Just to bring it back on topic, there was a case a couple of years ago about the water supply being contaminated in Miami, which affected all 3 Silver service trains. I think it was a dirty hose between the train and the tap that was the problem, if I remember rightly. Personally I prefer fruit drinks or the occasional beer or ten, but I sometimes have one of those small cupfuls just to quench the thirst.

Geoff M.