posted
After reading the other thread about TE/CONO run-throughs, I wonder whether some kind soul could give me other examples of run-throughs (if any) where it is not the same train going back.
Thanks.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
There was a run through of 4-CHI-30 and v.v. At one time, passengers traveling through CHI could occupy the train during the layover. First, that was dropped, followed by the 4-CHI-30, which became 4-CHI-next day 30. 29-CHI-3 survived a bit longer, but that too is now gone.
8-CHI-59 and v.v. was also a run-through - such a run through consist was involved in the 1999 Bourbonnais incident.
In short, it's been tried, and for reasons I know not was deemed unworkable.
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
posted
Sorry, I meant current run-throughs (though didn't say as much), but thanks anyway.
Railroad Bob Member # 3508
posted
Geoff, there's one I have to add- sorry it's long dead but:
The Transcontinental Sleeping Car...if I recall, late 80s. Was a "10 6" Heritage car, tacked onto the back of the Sunset Limited #2. It overnighted in NOL, staffed and on power, to be used as a literal hotel by the passengers, who could come and go at will. Usually they would go into the Quarter for dinner and fun, then return to the car and sleep. Next morning, it was pulled by the Crescent #20 all the way to New York City. So- a true transcon car with no change of equipment! Coming back, did the trip in reverse- #19 gave the car to #1 at NOL. Did not last long. I know it really existed, I once worked it and handed it over to a New York man at NOL. I know you only wanted "currently actives," but this one was so interesting, I had to tell you about it...
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
Now that the scope of this inquiry has been expanded to include through cars, there was also durng the Amtrak era, an NY-LA Sleeper and Coach routed NY-31 (National Ltd)-KC-19 (Chief)-LA. That of course lasted only during Summer 1972 when the Chief was operated, affording the only time any Amtrak East-West LD route has had 'two a day'.
Presently, Amtrak operates through cars BOS-ALB-CHI, CHI-SPK-PDX and CHI-SAS-LAX.
Greg Member # 66
posted
I did the 8-59 run through in 1998, but with a few days in Chicago in between. The drawback to sending the consist of 8 south on 59 is that there was more capacity than needed on 59, roughly equal to that of the Portland section. Some of the cars were even closed off for use, though you could walk through them. That was a lot of extra miles being put on cars that weren't in revenue service.
But to me, the biggest drawback is that the cars didn't get a proper cleaning before leaving Chicago, only a quick cleaning at best similar to what one might get from an attendant enroute. Three full days in service without a full cleaning is often too long.
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
posted
Greg, that would certainly tally with one of my experiences on CONO southbound - to board in the NORTH concourse of Chicago before heading southbound via one of the three (?) through tracks next to the river. That would suggest it hadn't been to the yard at all. However, I don't specifically remember the Portland coach/baggage on the end.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
Mr. Mayo, only one of the three through tracks noted namely 18-27 is within CUSCO (Amtrak) property. The other two are P,FW&C (PRR/PC/CR/NS) which enabled a PRR-MILW interchange of freight without accessing CUSCO property and hence incurring a portion of the maintenance.
Unrelated, and as I have pointed out to several 'visiting firemen' (Mr. Black being the most recent) how at CUS there is a broad esplanade along the River where 10, 120, and 222 S Riverside Plaza stand. The developers of those properties successfully with then PRR, as distinct from CUSCO, negotiated air rights usage and the esplanade was built.
However, when 300 (over the South tracks) was developed (after I had left) the 'dramatis personae' had changed, and as often the case in these high stakes poker games, the new players could not come together. Therefore, the esplanade stops at Jackson . and unsightly tracks remain visible between there and Van Buren.
With the former Post Office building now in play for redevelopment into an office/condo project, that esplanade would indeed make that property more attractive. It could still physically be done, so there is always hope.
RRRICH Member # 1418
posted
Many many years ago I had the privilege of riding in the "through sleeper" which laid over in New Orleans and connected from the Sunset to the Crescent. I went to the French Quarter at night, stayed out late, went back to my "hotel room" in the through sleeper, and didn't have to worry about getting up early to get to the station. I was actually woken up the next morning by the coupling of the through car onto the Crescent for its trip to Washington.
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
posted
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: Mr. Mayo, only one of the three through tracks noted namely 18-27 is within CUSCO (Amtrak) property. The other two are P,FW&C (PRR/PC/CR/NS) which enabled a PRR-MILW interchange of freight without accessing CUSCO property and hence incurring a portion of the maintenance.
Interesting. Are they still in use, or do such freights have to negotiate the tortuous BRC or some other connection?
posted