Just back from three days in South Carolina from DC via 97/98. Southbound left DC 1 hr late, arrived in SC 3 hours late. Smooth ride in Viewliner Standard Room 6, car 9711 forgot name and #). New blue blankets replace the old Pullman Salmon color on both trips - when was this changed? Northbound was 3 hrs late arriving in SC, 5 hrs late by arrival in DC. Had dreaded standard room 11 in "Orchard View". MR GUNN PLEASE CHECK THE SUSPENSION ON THIS CAR!!! The truck had a habit of banging up against the floor of the car. Got worse on joint rail in North Carolina. Yes, there is still "stick" rail on CSX sidings in the Carolinas. Other problems included disappearing attendant who forgot to dim the lights, thin inside window curtian that did nothing to diminish the hall lights. Moved a coat over to cover the offending window. Breakfast northbound was french toast. Wife had the eggs. Sat with a nice couple from Maine. They reported that 98 was 3 hrs late in Orlando, due to slow turnaround of 98's crew from Southbound 91 (Silver Star?? - Make any sense??) Such is the current state of affairs on Amtrak's "Silver Service".
dcfan
[This message has been edited by dcfan (edited 03-20-2004).]
jp1822 Member # 2596
posted
I am taking the Silver Meteor next weekend and dreading delays.... Any insight on what caused your delays - beside the delays in turning the equipment? Seems as though the Silver Meteor has had a erratic track record these past two weeks - from what I have monitored.
I have noticed the Meteor is often delayed in getting out of Sunnyside Yard....Does anyone know if the incoming Lake Shore Limited gets turned to become the evening's Silver Meteor?
RRRICH Member # 1418
posted
I don't know what happened to the Silver Service in Florida. 4 or 5 years ago, the southbound Star and Meteor were both nearly always on time into Orlando.....
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
A possible reason for #97 "delays out of the gate" at Penn is that reportedly #97 is a same day equipment continuation of #48, the "Late for Sure Limited".
jp1822 Member # 2596
posted
"A possible reason for #97 "delays out of the gate" at Penn is that reportedly #97 is a same day equipment continuation of #48, the "Late for Sure Limited"."
I thought they might be doing this....I kept hearing the the Lake Shore Limited would be through equipment for the Silver Star. Couldn't figure out how that would be of any use - the Silver Meteor makes more sense, but could be a recipe for consistent lateness. Argh! Can't wait until they get these Viewliner problems rectified. With my upcoming trip, been monitoring the Silver Service timekeeping and it has been horrendously late and inconsistent. This is prime time for going to Florida, and a horrible reputation Amtrak is passing onto potential future riders - 2 to 3 hour late trains.
posted