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1 Is the route very scenic? 2 How late is the train from New York to Chicago on average? 3 Is the lounge car a Dinette car or Cafe car? 4 Is it a rough ride?
whistler Member # 2620
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Buffalo to Albany, not very scenic.
Amtrak288 Member # 1967
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OK, I've rode the Lake Shore Limited countless times over the last 7 years and I can tell you, the route is very scenic throughout Upstate New York. You parallel the Mohawk River/Erie Canal for quite a distance and you see some nice mountain scenery. As far as lateness goes, 49, the Westbound Train usually isn't too bad because nothing has to wait for it in New York. 48, the Eastbound Train, well that's a completely different story! 48 is a guaranteed connecting train from trains such as the Southwest Chief, Empire Builder, California Zephyr, etc. If one of those trains is super late and there are passengers connecting, then 48 might get held up in Chicago. Unfortunately, it usually doesn't make up much time if it leaves really late from Chicago. Delay times really vary so I really can't put an exact time on it. The Lounge Car is usually an Amfleet II Lounge, depending on whether or not its refurbished, it will have dinette tables on one end, and lounge tables on the other if its not refurbished, if it is, then it has dinette tables and a smoking lounge on the other. It's not uncommon to see an Amfleet I Cafe Dinette car once in awhile. I've even seen and rode in, a Metroliner Cafe Car from the NEC, those are really nice!As far as a rough ride, that depends on a few factors, first, the track condition, second, the condition of the trucks in your coach. Overall its not too bad, but there are spots where it can be rough, not bad enough to really cause too many problems, but whether or not the ride is rough is somewhat a matter of opinion. I've never had any serious problems in the past. Hope this helps...
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