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I'm home now from the 2012 train trip, and will be posting a complete report on my web site sometime in the next several weeks. It was basically a great trip, and, as always, MANY "more positives than negatives." Some of the main highlights of the trip:
-- I was surprised that all trains I was on now have electrical outlets in both the coaches and at the tables in the lounge cars (except for the Sunset Ltd) -- I used my laptop for the first time, with all my route maps on CD's, and it worked pretty well.
-- On-time performance GREATLY improved. Most trains were within 1/2 hour of schedule at end points, especially the Sunset Ltd and the CZ -- the Sunset arrived in LAX at 5 AM! -- 45 minutes early!!! The CZ was on time or early at most stops, and got to CHI 45 minutes early!! (first time ever for me on the CZ!)
-- train crews and dining crews were MUCH improved over the last few trips I have taken.
-- food in the dining cars continues to be very very plain, but "OK," but the same menus on all trains -- AMTRAK has a very limited variety of food.
-- SAC AMTRAK station is currently undergoing major renovation and relocation of tracks
--new Reno "big hole" tunnel seems to be working out OK
--after running on time or early at all stops between WAS and Meridian, the Crescent got delayed 2 hours into NOL due to continuing flood-related slow orders in Mississippi.
-- FL Sun Rail is now in full construction phase between DeLand and Winter Park/Orlando, which delayed the Silver Service trains a little
-- Vagabond Inn was great! Thanks for the suggestion, y'all! I walked around Old Sacramento and had dinner there, and enjoyed that part of town. Unfortunately, I was not able to visit the Cal State RR Museum this trip.
-- after arriving in LAX at 5 AM on the Sunset, I walked to Philippe's for breakfast when they opened at 6 AM, and, as always, enjoyed that
Of course there is much more, and I will be writing a full report soon. I am dubbing my video onto VCR tapes now (yes, I am still "old-fashioned" in that regard!), and have some other "business" to attend to at home, but stay tuned -- I'll let you know when the full report is posted to my web site.
RR4me Member # 6052
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Thanks Rich. I may need a reminder of your web site's address.
RRRICH Member # 1418
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RR4Me -- it's railroadrich.com, but the current report won't be posted for a week or so.
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