Just curious if anyone knows why the Southwest Chief(4) has been running so late the past few weeks. I monitor this train on a regular basis and have noticed recently that it has all the sudden run (what I consider) late on a regular basis to its Chicago destination. It normally arrives within 1/2 hour of its scheduled arrival but recently has been running 1.5 - 2 hours late) Amtrak has not posted any 'delay' notices to my knowledge. Just wondering whats up? Thanks.
Posted by Southwest Chief (Member # 1227) on :
Interesting....
I was in Williams AZ on Monday/Tuesday and both the westbound #3 and eastbound #4 came through right on time....or at least that's what the engineer told the dispatcher (heard on my scanner).
Plus #4 was actually given priority over a "Peavine" intermodal freight. The dispatcher told the freight to wait at Williams Jct. for the Chief (which was at Seligman at the time).
Tuesday night #4 was close to on time leaving Fullerton as I heard the horn around 8:00 as it passed through my area (Anaheim/Yorba Linda CA).
So it must be loosing time east of Williams Junction at least from what I can report.
But hearig a dispatcher give Amtrak priority over a hot freight was a nice surprise considering the horror stories of how other railroads treat Amtrak.
Posted by gp35 (Member # 3971) on :
What's up with the Sunset Limited. It has been running no later than 1 hour late in both directions. Riders aren't use of catching the train within 3 hours of the published arrival time.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
quote:Originally posted by gp35: What's up with the Sunset Limited. It has been running no later than 1 hour late in both directions. Riders aren't use of catching the train within 3 hours of the published arrival time.
Lot's of new padding and incredibly long station dwell times perhaps?
Posted by Capltd29 (Member # 3292) on :
quote:Riders aren't use of catching the train within 3 hours of the published arrival time.
I hope that people arent missing the train in masses!!! Posted by mikesmith (Member # 447) on :
Calm down folks. The Sunset is just practicing for my August 31 and September 5 trip from Houston to Alpine & back. I have to be back at work on September 6, so it has to be on time into Houston {5:30 am}.
Posted by SunsetLtd (Member # 3985) on :
quote:Originally posted by gp35: What's up with the Sunset Limited. It has been running no later than 1 hour late in both directions. Riders aren't use of catching the train within 3 hours of the published arrival time.
maybe luck with the UP?
Posted by gp35 (Member # 3971) on :
Before Gunn can make SL daily, he first has to make the SL run on time or near on time and no more of those 12 hour late episodes. Hmmmmmmmmm, maybe this is a sign.
Posted by D. David (Member # 4055) on :
*Raises hand
Last week I took the trains from NYC to KC. The Southwest Chief had to wait for our train to arrive and transfer our luggage. They headed out an hour and a half late.
I can't speak for points beyond KC, but on my portion of the route there were no freight caravans to yield to.
Coming back on number 3, it arrived an hour late from something. We made up half an hour, when the track accident halted everyone for an additional two hours.
Posted by RRCHINA (Member # 1514) on :
tuesday, 8-23 I was driving south on I-25 and met # 4 near Rowe, NM, about halfway between Lamy and Las Vegas.It was about two hours late. If you see my post of 8-27 under Western US there may be a partial explanation. The BNSF line between LA and ALB is extremely busy at this time. Even though it is double track with CTC and crossovers every 7 to 10 miles any little glitch can cause delays.
With the increase in freight traffic on both BNSF and UP between west coast ports and the midwest we can probably expect delays to occur.
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
This line has got to be approaching the need for a third main, particularly since it has lots of long grades of about 1.4%.
Posted by Southwest Chief (Member # 1227) on :
Just heard #3 pass the Imperial Highway crossing in Anaheim Hills/Yorba Linda California. Very late at 10:17 AM (PST).
Should be around 6:15 AM if it's on time. Normally it's around 7:00 AM.
But 10:00 AM and up is extremely late for this usually speedy train.
Posted by Eric (Member # 674) on :
There is a line relocation in Flagstaff with some redboards set up for MOW protection, which I doubt would delay the train very much, but it could be part of it.
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)