Haven't been in her in a while, but have a question: all the trains between the Western US and Chicago seem to be running chronically late the past three weeks. Is it safe to assume this is weather related? Lots of trackwork? I know UP is doing work in Colorado, but even the Chief which has a somewhat satisfactory record is running, 3 to 6 hours late the past few days? Is there something else going on?
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
It is my understanding that the flooding wreaked havoc on both the Empire Builder and the California Zephyr. However, I read elsewhere that other trains along the UP were having a rough few weeks but I'm not sure why.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
#4(20) didn't "get outta at Dodge" for some six hours account an on-board "suspicious device" report, which subsequently proved to be unfounded:
DODGE CITY — Two-hundred and forty-five passengers riding an Amtrak passenger train made an unexpected stop in Dodge City early Friday morning. Dodge City Police Chief Craig Mellecker said a passenger found a suspicious device in a sleeping car and reported it to the conductor, who reported it to the DCPD. The police stopped the train in Dodge City around 1:30 a.m. The Kansas Highway Patrol responded to the situation, and after using specialized equipment to look at the device, they rendered it safe. No one was hurt and passengers got on their way shortly before 7 a.m. this morning.
Posted by RRCHINA (Member # 1514) on :
The SWC is likely running late because BNSF has had to detour its coal trains away from the Missouri River route to KC. They are going through Denver, Pueblo, La Junta and on to KC via the SWC route. This means lots more traffic with fewer places where 125 car trains can get in the clear, so SWC may be in the sidings.