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Hello all....... I am about to take my every other year trip to So Cal via Amtrak from WSS WV. As always I am looking forward to the trip.....made better by my daughter riding with me this time. I will also be riding the Surfliner from Fullerton to San Diego and back while in So Cal. So any big changes since my last trip in 2013?? Overall how do most folks feel about how Amtrak is doing. I've had mostly positive rides and hope for another. Thanks
palmland Member # 4344
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White Sulphur Springs is a classic station that the C&O had for its resort guests at the Greenbrier and a great place to start a cross country journey. I would recommend a good late lunch at the Greenbrier. The Amcafe serving as a diner on the Cardinal is bare bones with some of the tables without a window. But it certainly is a scenic route through the mountains.
About this time last year we were on the Southwest Chief and thoroughly enjoyed it. Good crew and equipment, not crowded and wonderful southwest scenery.
Dave Van Member # 93903
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The Greenbrier has changed a LOT over the past 2 years. Jim Justice has pumped a lot of money into the resort and 'saved' it in many peoples minds. But doing so has made it somewhat in-assessable to the locals. If you watch the private jets come into the airport you see the folks the Greenbrier caters to now.....it was always for the well to do.....but now it seems it's for the millionaire club only. Looking forward to the trip....thanks
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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You might see some snow capped mountains on the way in to LA. Unfortunately your descent down Cajon Pass is likely to be in darkness unless you're 2 hours late or more. Weather is up and down but I was out in a T-shirt a few days ago - but needed a jacket by 4pm. Enjoy your trip!
Dave Van Member # 93903
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SWC is running 2 hours late today....so who knows! I do wish we went through the pass at a time you could see more.....but I'll make it out there on a day trip someday. Thanks
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
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Dave, is there still a "secret" facility housed under the Greenbrier to accomodate high-ranking politicos in the event of a nuclear war, or was that dismantled?
Dave Van Member # 93903
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quote:Originally posted by Ocala Mike: Dave, is there still a "secret" facility housed under the Greenbrier to accomodate high-ranking politicos in the event of a nuclear war, or was that dismantled?
The facility is still there and still maintained but is more a tourist site than an active one. I myself have not toured it but my Dad has during his work for a state senator.
palmland Member # 4344
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Back in my working days we got a tour of the bunker by CSX when it was still 'secret'. It was kind of sobering to think of its planned use. I was fortunate to attend several staff meetings at the hotel. It was great, especially on the company dime. The ''Old White Club' was very popular.
PullmanCo Member # 1138
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ATSF Trains 19 and 20, the Chief, (including its Summer 1972 reprise on Amtrak) ran in daylight.
ATSF Trains 17 and 18, later Amtrak 3 and 4, ran EB in the late afternoon.
1951: Las Vegas at 1615-1618, Raton at 1802 (39.75 hours) 1956: Las Vegas at 1505-1508, Raton at 1704 1967: Las Vegas at 1610-1613, Raton at 1802-1805 (note, still a 40.00 hour schedule in 67) 2014: Las Vegas at 1503, Raton at 1650 (time is now 43 hours).
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Love your cat site, Dave. Although not quite in the "foamer" class, train-wise, I can sttest to the fact that I am a certifiable "crazy cat man."
Dave Van Member # 93903
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Thanks Mike...... Cat site is a bit out of date. We stopped shwing a few years ago due to cost and time it takes. But we still have 3 Manx and 2 rescue cats at home.....
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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The Chief is scheduled to have a consist reduction effective January 12. At that time, the consist will lose its Baggage, T-Dorm, and one Coach. Baggage will be handled in the Coach-Baggage and the Dining Car crew accommodated in line space.
Of course, lest we not forget, everything at Amtrak is subject to instant and immediate change.
As of January 5, when I observed #3(5), the Coach was gone, however that has been past practice.
While likely too much to hope for, maybe the Heritage Baggage Cars have mercifully made their last run and will be replaced with Viewliner cars come March when Baggage Cars are to be returned to the consist.
PullmanCo Member # 1138
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For some time, my observations of 3-4 were that they had traditional baggage cars, not rebuilt coaches that didn't have underframe changes to support weight.
Frankly, if there's one thing Amtrak should have bought from the railroads 44 years ago, it was every swinging head end car, HW and LW, they could get. I think UP still had a couple of their Budd RPO cars from the 1963/4 order in service in the MOW department...
PullmanCo Member # 1138
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PS: GBN: If your COMCAST email is still active, please check it... WRT Noel Weaver.
Dave Van Member # 93903
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Hello all........ Writing this from the Amtrak lounge in Chicago. The Cardinal ride was pretty smooth......but the door at the front of the car froze open in the -2 degree weather....made for a cold ride. Restrooms were well below 32 degrees....so no one stayed long!!!! But we were just about on time....been early but had to stop at every diamond crossing we came to.
Hope the ride on the SWC goes as well. Thanks for the info......
DonNadeau Member # 61606
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Oh, I wish i remembered this name. A big, big jolly chef on the Cardinal of African descent.
He doctored up what Amtrak gave him and made that Amcafe shine. Best food on long-distance trains this year.
Dave Van Member # 93903
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TEN hours late getting into Fullerton today. Not a good day for the SWC. The equipment folks in Chicago dropped the ball. Rumor had it the diesel fuel in our locos and water in our cars froze. Delay 8 hours from Chicago. Then at KC MO #1 loco fails due to fuel gel. BNSF unit brought in to pinch hit.....but now we are limited to 65 mph max. Crew did a good job.....I saw Cajon in daylight....so I'm still happy......but many that missed connections were not. Amtrak customer service be ready!!!
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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That's a shame - I would have liked to get photos of the SWC at Victorville in daylight - or on Cajon Pass, of course.
Dave Van Member # 93903
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We had tons of railfans along the way.....with running off hours and BNSF power up front....it was a different sight!! Riding the Coastliner WED to San Diego.....hope for better results.
Dave Van Member # 93903
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Back home!! Overall the trip was great. But Cajon Pass in the daylight.....first time on a train NOT in the dark, a plus! My ride on the Surfliner to San Diego was smooth both ways. A nice way to relax over driving it on the freeways. The SWC East went smoothly. We got into Chicago about 25 minutes early. Cardinal loaded early and left exactly on time. First leg in a Cardinal Roomette....you can tell they are not as old as the Superliners. Lots of pics here....not all trains....but a few shots of the BNSF loco on the lead of the SWC. Thanks!! 3200 miles on Amtrak in photos......and other stuff!
palmland Member # 4344
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Thanks for the report, Dave. Glad you had a good trip. How was on board service? Notice any loss of amenities or food quality?
Dave Van Member # 93903
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Service was as good as I have had in the past or better. We got more often updates on what was going on. We also had an extra meal too. Food was the same as the past.....which I rate as good but I ain't no foodie. The crew tried to make the best of the delay.
Dave Van Member # 93903
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It took me a while....but got all my photos downloaded and log published. Don't think many will read it.....but here if you want to. Not all trains....but trip in whole. Thanks.....comments and questions welcome. LOG=Link to Log and Photos
DonNadeau Member # 61606
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Hi Dave,
Enjoyed the photos. Thank you. We have some duplicates. I took much of the route for the umpteenth time in November.
It may not have seemed so at the time, but you were very fortunate to be so late.
Dave Van Member # 93903
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Cajon Pass in daylight with heavy traffic......only a rail fan could understand!!!
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