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We will be taking the SWC in July leaving Chicago-Williams Az., then returning. Any "words of wisdom" from those of you who have taken SWC? What to look for, not look for, expectations? (We have sleepers and are looking forward to the trip.) THANKS!
BNSF 1088 Member # 2400
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I took the SWC two years ago and it was the best train trip ever there is so much to look at in my book that is the best long haul train Amtrak has.I took it from CHI to Flagstaff AZ.
Matt Marderosian
TwinStarRocket Member # 2142
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There has been talk on this site of freight re-routing onto the SWC route La Junta to ABQ, so delays and late arrivals are a possibility.
Stake out a dome seat Trinidad-Raton and especially Las Vegas NM to Lamy for the mountain scenery where it is nice to see in all directions (including UP, in Apache canyon).
ABQ has a long stop where you can get out, and there are Native American vendors trainside selling jewelry, etc., as well as food vendors.
Arizona does not observe daylight time, so you can expect 4:30am sunrises.
CG96 Member # 1408
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One thing to note is that the Scouts have their Scout Ranch ( note that I did not write "camp," as this experience is quite different than any mere summer camp ) in Cimmaron, NM. The Scouts use Raton as their stop. So, don't be the least bit surprised if the coach section is filled with boisterous young people. Even though they're scouts, they can be every bit as rude and obnoxious as anyone else.
RRCHINA Member # 1514
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Since you are going EB as well as WB you will get to see most of the route in daylight with only KC to near Dodge City always dark, if on time. The trip between ALB and Winslow passes thru, or near several Indian Reservations including the huge Navajo Reservation. If you are interested you may want to do some reading in advanve. Also, the route from Dodge City to Glorieta (50 Mi. west of Las Vegas)is along the old (1821-1865) Santa Fe Trail. More advanced reading if interested.
When detraining in WMS JCT wear a jacket. It is 6000' + and will be cool, maybe very cool. You will be met by ground transportation at WMS JCT and driven to Williams, 5 Mi. +/-.
Crossing the Mississippi EB will be in Mid-day and may prove interesting. The bridge has an upper deck for autos, and has a swing span that opens for barge traffic
If you are a railfan the part of the trip from about 25 MI. west of Alb. to WMS. JCT is double track with Centralized Traffic Control. Which means that trains may be on either track in either direction as directed by the dispatcher whose office is in FT. Worth, TX. so as to expdite the movement of the 80 to 90 freight trains that cross this route daily in addition to the two Amtraks. This 350 miles is facinating if you are into train operations, either real or as a modeler
Enjoy and give us a report. If this generates questions please ask.
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