posted
I am taking a trip from Chicago to Fullerton early this September and was wondering if I would encounter the services of the infamous Crew # 10.
I depart WEST-bound on September 4th and depart EAST-bound on September 9th.
Does anyone know if Crew # 10 works either of those two trips ?
Thanks.
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
posted
I guess Crew #10's infamy is exaggerated, or maybe I'm just in the dark as usual. Is this an OBS Crew or a T&E Crew? What are they "infamous" for?
TALKrr Member # 683
posted
From what I understand, the crew prides itself about good service. A number of people who have experienced trips with them really seem to enjoy them very much.
Also, I believe this is the only crew that has its own website.
To tell the truth, I have ridden the Chief a number of times and cannot remember if I have ever encountered them or not.
Perhaps their performance is exaggerated. I really don't know. Just curious whether anyone knows their schedule for my dates of travel.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
On my most recent Auto Train journey, part of the "farewell spiel' ("on behalf of Amtrak....") identified the crew as 'Washington based Crew #5'.
Auto Train is likely the only Amtrak service of which I can make use of in the future - and that is based on the assumption I will be able to continue to safely drive from Chicago to Lorton. With the schedule changes made to both the Capitol and the Lake Shore, the only way a trip can be made Chicago to Stamford, my other regular and recurring trip, is with an overnight stop in either Wash or Albany. There is a "guaranteed' 4PM connection with the Capitol at Wash, but a peek at the Train Status will show that exists on paper only. The alternative of riding #66 is simply unacceptable.
It is my understanding that that the "core" Crew 10 members are now all over the system and not together any more. A few retired, a few moved onto different jobs, and the remaining ones still work out of Chicago on various trains. I don't know the specifics, but this is what I was told the last time I rode #3 and #4.
CoastStarlight99 Member # 2734
posted
Smitty is correct. I have emailed Bob Stone (former Chief of crew 10) and they are now all over, as well as some retired.
I have personally had Yolanda (Dining Car Attendant) and Efren (Sleeping Car Attendant) on the Southwest Chief. They were both very good, and were at one time on Crew 10.
Enjoy your trip though, the Southwest Chief is still an enjoyable train with many great crew members!
posted