My wife and I drove over to Orlando today, her to the Girl Scout Council office, and me to pick up our remaining tickets for our coming trip to Alaska. 3 long distance trains in 15 min was pretty good viewing, what with #92 on its temporary 5 hr earlier schedule for track work. Offhand, I can think of only Naperville, IL producing similar action with the inbound and outbound Chiefs and Cal Zephyrs.
98(29) arrived 148pm (25 min late): P42s 145 (black nose and side stripes), 11, and 200; coaches 25062, 25024, 25097, 25112, lounge 28003, diner 8531, sleepers 62016 Lake View (I looked up the names), 62015 Island View, 62049 Winter View; baggage; departed 200pm.
92(29) arrived 210pm but held beyond the platform until 97 departed, moved up at 217pm (14 min late) with much horn blowing: P42s 146 and 45; 25084, 25027, 25009, 25040, 28021, 8505, 62010 Forest View, 62046 Tranquil View, 1710; departed 227pm.
About 100 on & off each of the Meteors and 70 on & off the Star. I commented to a station agent that 3 trains in 15 min was nice. He replied, "they're killing us." The female conductor on 92 noted my Amtrak cap and okayed my standing trainside. A rewarding afternoon as spring break continues.
Posted by SilverStar092 (Member # 2652) on :
Thanks for the great report, Canaveral. It sounds like nice timing for train watching and you got to see almost 1/6 of the Viewliner fleet in one spot within minutes. I find it curious that you felt that you were "allowed" on the platform only because of your Amtrak hat. I thought station platforms were pretty much open to visitors. You could have been waiting to pick someone up for all the conductor knew.
Posted by canaveral (Member # 15138) on :
92's conductor was standing in the vestibule of a coach that had the stairs already pulled up. I was standing several feet from the train near the vestibule and on the platform. She asked if I was going with them. I said, "I'm just watching you go by." She replied and nodded, "I see your cap. You're ok."