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I am leaving this Saturday going from CHI-PDX as part of a 9-day cross country journey. It looks like the train spends a load of time in MKE for some reason. Any ideas why? Once the train hits Spokane does the PDX section of the train actually disconnect and hook up to a new set of engines? And for the cold breakfast served to sleeper passengers, any idea what I have to look forward to? THANKS :-)
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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MKE... I don't think so? It spends a bit of time in St Paul / Minneapolis to detach a coach car.
At Spokane the train splits: one portion going to Seattle, the other to Portland. I believe you do pick up a new engine for that bit. Either that or one of the two existing engines pulls the Portland section, the other pulling the Seattle section.
The cars are arranged with the Portland coach and sleeper at the rear of the train. This means you have to walk through the Seattle coaches to get to the lounge car and then the diner car.
Can't help with the breakfast, sorry.
Geoff M.
dmwnc1959 Member # 2803
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MSP was right. My error. THANKS! Maybe if I'm on the end of the train I can get some cool pictures as the train rounds some of those curves and hills...:-)
Mike Smith Member # 447
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The section headed to Portland separates late night at Spokane and the "cold meal" for breakfast actually is not bad. I enjoyed it, last year.
You'll get some GREAT shots out the back of the train, especially cutting through the valley. Enjoy!
dilly Member # 1427
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I know I've said this before but. . .
While you're in Chicago Union Station, claim some space on one of the long oak benches in the enormous 1920s waiting room, and spend time soaking up the atmosphere.
You'll find it far less crowded than any of the newer waiting areas (including the first class Metropolitan Lounge, which bears an uncanny resemblance to my dentist's waiting room).
While you're in the station, also take a peek inside the Metro Cafe, the cafe/bar adjacent to the old waiting room. There's lots of vintage railroad-related stuff hanging the walls.
And when you get to Portland. . .
Do a bit of wandering through and around Union Station (with its famous "Go By Train" illuminated sign on the clock tower). It dates from the 1890s and is one of the most beautiful -- and well-preserved -- old railroad stations in the country.
[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 10-30-2003).]
Mike Smith Member # 447
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The three times I've been on the EB, there were three engines. One went with the Portland train and two went with the Seattle train.
Also, in Portland, downtown is a short walk (4 city blocks) from the station and there are lots of interesting shops.
Have fun and be in the lounge car after Cut Bank.
rmiller Member # 341
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Every time I've been on the EB, there were two engines from Chicago to Seattle. At Spokane, the Seattle section simply uncoupled and pulled away from the Portland section. An engine kept at Spokane was then backed down and coupled to the remaining Portland section.
At Minneapolis, roadrailers operating Chi-Msp were switched out.
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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I'm pretty certain I only had 2 engines. I can't remember exactly what we had Spokane-Seattle though.
Geoff M.
dmwnc1959 Member # 2803
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The w/b Empire Builder was almost 6 hours late getting into Portland today. I wonder if she had any problems along the way? I am glad I am overnighting in PDX before xferring to the s/b Coastal Starlight the next day or I'd been in trouble.
rmiller Member # 341
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info from another board:
"Westbound Empire Builder, Train 7(29OCT) was delayed between Rugby and Minot ND due to blizzard conditions. Signals were difficult to see account snow accumulations on signal heads, and heavy blowing snow. Total delay 2 hours.
Same train, with units AMTK 187 and 167 stopped at Malta MT. with the 187 not loading and the 167 providing HEP only account traction motor ground fault. Therefore the train had no traction power at all. Engine crew cut out one traction motor on the AMTK 167 and proceeded to Havre, where freight unit BNSF 728 was added. At Spokane, the protect engine AMTK 11 was added so Train 7 would have two working units. Delay 1h 17min at Malta, 45min at Havre."
dnsommer Member # 2825
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Yes, when it comes to intercity rail travel here in the states, I always go Amtrak.
Dave
Amtrak207 Member # 1307
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I love the oak benches! Always the benches! That and walking around the massive Great Hall up the marble stairs (worn by billions of footsteps over the years) to listen to the voices reverbrating between the walls. Fantastic.
------------------ F40PH #757099-8 March 29, 1976-August 17, 2001 Requisecat in pacis
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