I might have a chance this January at taking one of the few western long distance Amtrak trains I've never been on...the Sunset Limited.
Destination would be San Antonio, TX. I live in Anaheim California (more like Anaheim Hills/Yorba Linda)
I'm thinking of boarding at Ontario. Of course Surfliner to Los Angeles from Fullerton is an option, but I'm not really into this option.
I'll be traveling with my dad and in a sleeper for sure.
I know way more then I'd ever need to know about the Southwest Chief after traveling on it countless times. But I know next to nothing about the Sunset, never having been on it.
My big questions are about the consist. What is the typical Sunset consist? 1 sleeper? Full dining car? Lounge? Any refurbished Superliner I sleepers show up? Heavier on Superliner II's, or Superliner I's?
And I guess any information that experienced Sunset travelers think I should know is appreciated.
Thanks
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
I've not been on the Sunset in four or five years and am not 'up' on it's consist these days. I look forward to seeing the responses you get.
One note though - You're going to have at least two sleepers as there is a through sleeper (the 422 sleeper) to Chicago via the Eagle carried as far as San Antonio.
Last time I was on the Sunset they did have a sightseer lounge......uncertain whether they still do today.
Posted by chrisg (Member # 2488) on :
The Sunset runs with two Engines, Baggage, Transition, Sleeper, Diner, Lounge, two Coaches {all these go to New Orleans}, a Coach and Sleeper that goes to Chicago.
Chris
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Although I've never ridden Sunset West during the Amtrak era (rode ElP-LA during 1963; NO-ElP during 1970. Rode Sunset East during '02 and '04), I do recall the scenery as "interesting' and really do not hold "if you've seen one Mesa, you've seen 'em all'.
Posted by Southwest Chief (Member # 1227) on :
I've been doing more research and I'm wondering where the sleeper is located on the Sunset. Up front or on the rear? Seems like there is one up front and possibly one on the rear, at least judging from some photos I've found...but they are about a year old.
If there are two, which one should I expect to be in if I get off at San Antonio? I'll check the car number once I pick up the tickets.
The Ontario depot (doesn't deserve to be called a depot) is basically just a covered bench. The Amtrak agent mentioned there are only 10 parking spots there. Sounds like a flag stop
Seeing as I doubt the train stays long at Ontario or if many actually board here, I'd like to know in advance where to expect the sleeper to line up (eastbound Sunset).
Booked in economy...oops I mean Roomette 2 going, 3 coming back. So probably not in the Trans Dorm.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
The LA-NO Sleeper line is on the head; the LA-Chi line is on the rear. If you would prefer to be on the rear, as I would, book Train #422. While there is some possibility they will not sell you space in that car ONA-SAS, it is worth a try.
Posted by dns8560 (Member # 15184) on :
I rode The Sunset Limited in the mid-80's. It didn't have through cars to Chicago. The vast expanses of Arizona, New Mexico and west Texas were spectacular!
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
We took the Sunset in 1987. It was the Texas Eagle from Chicago to SAS. there we were unhooked and waited for the Sunset which then tok us to LA. We did not have to change cars. In fact we slept the entire night in our bunks which were kept in the station yard awaiting the Sunset.
Posted by a meyer (Member # 4954) on :
I have taken the Sunset on short trips between Arizona and LAX several times in the past year. Most recently in June I made a roundtrip between Arizona and San Diego. My experiences confirm what Mr. Norman says that the Sunset sleeper has always been on the head end of the train, Texas Eagle sleeper on the rear. I prefer the Sunset sleeper because it is closer to the diner and lounge/cafe for my short trips. I have occasionally taken the Texas Eagle sleeper when the price has been less. I have always had a full diner and lounge/cafe car on these trips also.
If interested, you can see photos from my Sunset/Texas Eagle trips on my website http://web.mac.com/ameyer1
My site also has some pictures of longer trips on these trains.
Happy travels.... Andy
Posted by RRCHINA (Member # 1514) on :
very logical that the Tx Eagle sleeper is on the rear. This makes the connect/disconnect at SAS so simple.
Posted by dns8560 (Member # 15184) on :
Has anyone ever thought of making CHI-SAS-LAU 3x weekly and NOL-SAS-LAU 3x weekly on opposite days?
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Mr. Sommer, such came to pass of sorts during the Warrington era 'Network Growth Strategy" initiative (if you could even call it that).
There was a "one a week' CHi-LAX (vice LAU) 421-422 Texas Eagle operating independently of the Sunset on "off days" for the latter. The train was to have primarily handled Mail & Express but also offered Coach, Sleeper, and Dining service.
It didn't last long, but along with an Increase in Eagle frequency to Daily, was the only tangible service enhancement from NGS to hit the rails. All the rest was just "smoke and mirrors"; likely the best stock in trade of the Warrington gang.
While the better known 'Dubyah" is given a rating as the 38th (of 42) best President, anyone who has followed Amtrak affairs will say that Amtrak's "W" ranks "8th out of eight".
Posted by Southwest Chief (Member # 1227) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: While the better known 'Dubyah" is given a rating as the 38th (of 42) best President
Didn't know "Dubyah" is 38th. Where did you read this? Is Harding still the worst?
Good info on the Sunset so far. Thanks all.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
It should be noted that these ratings are fluid; my reporting that GWB was 38th was based upoon one published immediately after Obama took office.
The linked material shows GWB is now 36th of 42; likely I would think because 'the Surge" has worked to stabilize Iraq.
Buchanan has long been considered by historians to be the worst.
Posted by Southwest Chief (Member # 1227) on :
Thanks for the link.
I would have thought GWB would be lower. Forgot about Buchanan.
Posted by mr williams (Member # 1928) on :
One of my great memories of my Sunset trip in 2005 was seeing a real life Roadrunner in the Texas desert!
An interesting operational note - I did it East to West and after the TxE joined at San Antonio the SL passengers were seated in the western facing end of the dining car and served by the SL crew that had come from Orlando whilst the TxE passengers were seated at the other end and served by the CHI crew! Protecting their tips, maybe?
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
The customary operating practice is that Dining Car crews on 21-22 at that time were assigned Chicago-Fort Worth with the car out of service beyond to San Antonio. While I am not about to dispute Mr. Williams' observation, it in all certainty arose from an exception, such as an LA crew member having to "lay off' account excusable reasons - illness, bona fide family emergency, etc.
Subsequently, Amtrak determined that no appreciable costs were saved with the Chi-FtW assignment and later extended such Chi-Austin thereby enabling early Dinner on 21 to be served.
Posted by railrev (Member # 2640) on :
I would prefer boarding at LAX. Since the train originates there, you have more time for boarding and settling in. Plus better (and safer) parking at Fullerton than Ontario.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
I have taken the Sunset Ltd twice, both times eastbound, once from LA with long layover in San Antonio & then north through Chicago, more recently (Jan 2008) from Tucson to San Antonio, where I stayed for 2 nights. First time was very late into San Antonio; around 5AM during the layover, I took a taxi over to the Alamo to see it (though it was still dark), then went into the Hotel Menger to see it & caught a taxi back to the train station to make my connection north. (The Menger is a historic hotel next door to Alamo with Teddy Roosevelt associations etc., historic rooms off lobby, etc.--they do a pretty good free tour 4 PM many days--has pretty good rates too, esp in January, if you want to stay there.)
What I recall is that if you get a sleeper in the Sunset Ltd part, it is cheaper than in the Texas Eagle part. Don't know if that's still the case.
Scenerywise, you miss a lot in January of course, and overall the SL eastbound is not as scenic IMO as the SW Chief (I gather there is more to see westbound on the SL because of time of day, but I've never done that!). The first night out of LA there are some neat things, esp the Salton Sea, but I don't think you'll see them in January. Around El Paso you come along the border (on the right of the train) and can see the shanties, which is interesting (and sad). Much of West Texas is kind of tiresome to me (the desert here nowhere near as cool as the red rocks & interesting formations west of Albuquerque on the SW Chief) though you should find out about the Marfa Lights--train doesn't stop in Marfa but it does go near--though you won't see anything in the day for sure!
One thing to keep in mind: there is one week in January when they drain the river in San Antonio to clean it--that would be a time to avoid going there if you are going to tourist reasons. Also, if you are going for tourist reasons, I strongly recommend you see not only downtown/riverwalk but at least one of the outlying missions (the tourist trolley tour across from the Alamo will take you there, you can stay for an hour at one & then pick up the next trolley) and also the King William District with its historic 19C homes, brunch or pastry snack at the flour mill there . . . really nice. You can actually walk back on the River walk from the King William district, though it is not the commercial part it is a pretty little walk!
Posted by Southwest Chief (Member # 1227) on :
Great information Sojourner. Thanks.
The trip is for business, so not too much time for sightseeing. It's basically an excuse to take the Sunset...the lone western Superliner train I've never been on (well I guess that would be two...missed the Pioneer as well).
Railrev, I'm not too worried about parking at Ontario. We'll take my old Chevy Blazer (an not leave anything inside it). So if something happens I'm not too worried as it's insured
And it can't be any worse then Pomona back when the Southwest Chief stopped there. We used to bring our old 1976 Malibu when taking the Chief out of Pomona.
Boarding the Eastbound Chief at Pomona at night was never a fun experience. I'm glad the Ontario boarding time is in the afternoon.
Oh and the lack of checked baggage at Ontario is no issue either as I'm bringing one suitcase (stored in the sleeper luggage area) and one small carry on for the Roomette.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Mr. Doti (you are out at your linked website), I guess you do not hold to the view of some with older, yet roadworthy, vehicles that is is worth more to them than to the insurance company.
Naturally, if the vehicle will make it from Saint Bernie to Ontario and maybe back before going to clunker heaven, that is something else. But then owners of those vehicles do not customarily carry Physical Damage coverage.
Sometimes, I almost wish I had a vehicle that I could just "leave" say at in my case O'Hare (train station is simply a walk; which is what I will do in a few hours to "go in" for a concert) or one that does not have me 'sleeping with one eye open' at a hotel. But then, I dated a gal circa 1970 of the "you are what you drive" varietal - and I guess that stuck with me over the years.
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
Never had a problem with the "you are what you drive" girlfriends. Maybe going to college on a shoestring where I drove at various times Greyhound, Trailways, ICRR, Southern, shoe leather, and a thumb caused that sort of female to run screaming.
Come to think of it, I have only sold one car in my life for over $100, and at the current time I am driving shoe leather, Muni, BART, Caltrain, and when necessary rentals. But then, I have seen five kids through college with minimal debts on anybody's part. Part of it is a priority issue.
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: ....Sometimes, I almost wish I had a vehicle that I could just "leave" say at in my case O'Hare (train station is simply a walk; which is what i will do in a few hours to "go in" for a concert) or one that does not have me 'sleeping with one eye open' at a hotel....
Thanks,GBN, I knew there was a reason I still drive my 1997 270K miles Jeep Cherokee. Our long distance road trips are another matter.
Posted by cubzo (Member # 4700) on :
Apologies to the OP for hijacking this thread but I would like to add a few experiences here if I may. I used to be a nearby neighbor. I once lived in an apartment complex near the intersection of Imperial Highway and Esperanza road. I occupied the apartment nearest to that very busy set of tracks that crosses that intersection. While living there I took the Amtrak trip of my lifetime, Sunset Limited to N.O., City of New Orleans to Chicago, Zephyr to Emeryville and finally Coast Starlight back to L.A.
Posted by Southwest Chief (Member # 1227) on :
That is pretty interesting cubzo. I've lived in the Anaheim Hills area since 1982 and know the Imperial Highway - Orangethorpe/Esperanza intersection well. Why just this morning I drove through this intersection right past your old apartment to get to Brea.
A lot has changed in this area, especially now with the new Imperial overpass. No more grade crossing. Which is a bit of a shame as I rarely hear the train horns from my house anymore. Only time I hear them now is for men and equipment working on the line.
The new overpass is pretty much completed. Maybe just a few landscaping projects left to do. You can read about it here:
On your cross country Amtrak journey you missed going over the tracks right by your apartment
Did the Southwest Chief go through while you lived there? And if not, how about the Desert Wind?
I went to the nearby horseshoe curve to film the first eastbound Desert Wind go over this line. Was great to finally have passenger trains going by. A few years later the line got double tracked. Then came the Chief rerouting. Now there are three tracks starting where your old apartment used to be.
Amazing what's happened in the close to 30 years I've lived out here.
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
Regarding vehicles you can leave anywhere without 'sleeping with one eye open': My favorite cars have always been cheap compact manual shift station wagons with no options, which also just happen to be the least stolen car type in the US. It might also help that I never clean it and accumulate worthless junk inside. But they get good mileage and are great for trips and fun to drive. I think I am what I drive: cheap, nimble and practical.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
When Lucky was with me to share his life and love, we always had "on week/off week' for auto travel. Needless to say, at end of "on week", the auto was off to the wash rack.
But once when Lucky tried to make friends with a cornered raccoon in my back yard with disastrous results, I wasn't too worried about "off week"; just would Dr. Vogel return to the office after she had left (she did; and her kid patiently waited).
Posted by Southwest Chief (Member # 1227) on :
OK so we're leaving on the 20th from Ontario.
Originally had a roomette booked, but there was a late last minute deal on upgrading to a bedroom, so we went for the room. We'll be on the train for a while so the bedroom is preferred. I've ridden in all Superliner sleeping accommodations (except for the accessible room) so I know the benefits you get with a deluxe...oops bedroom. Especially on longer trips.
We're in room E going, room C coming back. Going we're in the Texas Eagle sleeper (hopefully the last car). I see the posts above that mention this is the last car, but you know Amtrak. Strange things can happen with the consist. Anyway I hope it is the last car so I can look out the back window during the long vast desert scenery. Coming back we're in the Sunset sleeper.
I know room E is by the stairs so we'll see how bad the foot traffic noise is. Probably not too bad. I've been in all bedrooms including the infamous triangle room A before on the Southwest Chief, and don't remember too much noise while in E.
I will probably post a trip report so stay tuned.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Mr. Doti, no assurance such will be the case, but if your Sleeper is placed in consist A End forward, both E and C will be forward riding.
In the case of "E" that you have been assigned on 422(20) you are confronted with the trade off of center-car or adjacent to stairwell, I would think center-car wins.
Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :
The TE sleeper is generally the last car in the consist. I really like being in that car for two reasons-- it's very private with NO through-walking traffic by any passsengers who should not be in the car- and you can "track-inspect" out the back door window to your hearts content. I'm kind of a student of track and signal architecture; the first time I ever saw "movable frog" switches on ANY railroad was on the Beaumont Hill, after you pass through the West Colton Yards. Remember you will get a very nice "leg stretching" stop at the Palm Springs "depot." UP has done a LOT of work to the mainline through here; I believe I saw some 155 lb. rail getting laid on my last trip through the desert. You know, something "sounds funny" about that last sentence...maybe I should re-word it? Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
"being" vice "getting".
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
You probably did not see 155 pound rail. That was an old Pennsylvania Railroad standard that has not been rolled sice sometime in the late 1950's, and for sure not sice aobu t1964.
What you likely saw was 141RE. This is the newest AREMA section, designed in 2000 and first going under the title of 141AB. It has been adopted by the Union Pacific as their standard mainline rail. It is also used by CSX and NS. I do not know about BNSF. Last I heard, Amtrak is still buying 136RE for the Northeast Corridor.
I should have taken a pic of the rail markings, George-- there was a stack of very long pieces, obviously new, near the Palm Springs Amtrak stop. Markings as well as I can recall were //////0155, the year rolled and some other arcane figures...I know the slashes generally indicate the month the rail was rolled, ie. 5 slashes would be May and then a year marking, which I can't remember. The stuff was flat out huge...and going into a high-density, heavy train, brutal heat application. I think the only way to know for sure would be talk to someone in the UP track engineering dept. Not doubting you, but the number 141 didn't appear anywhere on the stuff. I know that visually, it appeared bigger than the standard 136.
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