RAILforum: questions re: TX Eagle LAX to DAL

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Posted by dfwguy (Member # 3082) on :

Have booked sleeper LAX to DAL on TX Eagle next week. How does the connection from Sunset Lmtd to TX Eagle work with sleeping car at San Antonio? How about meal service (breakfast and lunch) between San Antonio and Fort Worth/Dallas. I remember something about dining car experiment on Sunset ltd. (open all hours? )Anyone know if that's still in effect? any advice, comments- most appreciated- thnx dfw-guy

Posted by CK (Member # 589) on :

I can answer part of your question. The dining car experiment ended some time ago. As Mr. Toy has pointed out on another thread, it's to bad because it really seemed like a good idea.

Posted by rresor (Member # 128) on :

A sleeper and a coach from the Sunset run through to Chicago. When I rode the train, switching was handled by a B32, which also switched the mail and express. Switching is done on two tracks off the main, but there is no platform between them, so only one train at a time can be worked. What this means is that, when the Sunset is late, the Eagle gets delayed.

At this point, the Eagle has no dining car service between Dallas and San Antonio. I believe there is snack service in the lounge.

Posted by Amtk507 (Member # 3083) on :

Your sleeper car and the run-through coach will be cut from the Sunset upon arrival in San Antonio, then switched over to the Eagle, so you won't have to change cars or even leave your room. If you are a VERY sound sleeper you might even sleep thru it - (ha!).

If the Sunset is on time you will have a 3 hour layover in San Antonio until the Eagle departs. However the Sunset has a habit of frequently arriving late into San Antonio, so if you end up arriving much after the Eagle's 8:00 departure time they will BUS you north to catch up with the Eagle, or perhaps all the way to FTW! Just be prepared for that possibility. In that event your SAS-FTW sleeper cost is refunded.

As previously stated, there is no dining car service between San Antonio and FTW/DAL, but the last time I rode they did provide a box breakfast and lunch for sleeper passengers - nothing to get excited about. Possible that might have changed to just comping you with something from the lounge car - I'm not sure. Also, the only comp drinks in the sleepers any more is bottled water, but there will be ice available if you want to pack your own. So be sure to enjoy the dining car while you can LAX - SAS!

Above all, keep a positive attitude, remain flexible, and enjoy your trip!

Posted by coronado (Member # 2395) on :

I rode the Eagle from Los Angeles to Dallas this week (left LA on 2/15 and arrived Dallas 2/17), and several times last year.

The eastbound Sunset was only two hours late into San Antonio this past time, and the switching was done during daylight hours (about 8:00 am), so the majority of passenegers were already awake. I've always made the connection to the Eagle, they've held the train as much as several hours waiting for the Sunset to arrive.

Our sleeping car attendant provided us with a muffin as well as coffee until we were coupled to the northbound Eagle and made our way to the lounge car, where we were also able to get whatever breakfast items we wanted. You sign a ticket just like in the dining car. Same thing for lunch... you can get any of the menu items available in the lounge car.

Also, we had coffee, bottled water, and juice available in our car throughout the trip... all day long, as well as newspapers. I think the only service item missing in the sleeping cars was the sodas, although I usually don't drink them, so I could have overlooked them.

If you are returning to LA on the Eagle, you will get a large cold boxed dinner after Fort Worth, since the dining car crew leaves the train at Fort Worth. I've always liked these dinners, they are quite good despite being cold.

The switching of cars from the Eagle to the westbound Sunset always takes place at night, and since I'm a light sleeper, it always wakes me up. The benefit of having your own sleeping compartment means you can make up for it by taking a quiet nap later that day.

Have a great trip!