filter-flo_rob
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- Aug 7, 2008
- Messages
- 184
HA!
Yeah ... you're not getting me in a tunnel with a coal burner ...
Yeah ... you're not getting me in a tunnel with a coal burner ...
A Train Thread
- Thread starter rp2813
- Start date
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During the summers, my parent used to put us 3 kids on the Amtrak in Rome, NY, and we got off at Penn Station (or was it Grand Central?) to meet my grandmother where we would vacation for 2 weeks. Invariably, when we got on the train, we always took seats that faced in the wrong direction, so we would travel to NYC going backwards, and travel back home backwards. I'm sure my parents were just as excited to get rid of us kids as much as we were thrilled to be going!
Sleepers
Any of you guys have stuff to share about sleeper accommodations on Amtrak? Like which type would comfortably (that's probably a stretch--or NOT) handle two big men? Oh, and possibly still have room for a third, should we get lucky?
Any of you guys have stuff to share about sleeper accommodations on Amtrak? Like which type would comfortably (that's probably a stretch--or NOT) handle two big men? Oh, and possibly still have room for a third, should we get lucky?
We did have train service from here into Boston 30+ years ago but discontinued it. Tracks are still there and freight trains use them. They tore down a grand old victorian building which was the train station. Looked like something out of a model train set. Well after all this time they are trying to get service running again. So soon I will be able to ride the rails again as I did as a child with my mother. Great shopping trips to Boston. Wish it was never taken out. I am sure they would get a big commuter group. We have several parking lots now which hold 100's of vehicles, where people leave them for the day and take the bus into Boston. Love model trains also. If you can't ride mind as well play with them.
Jon
Jon
I took a sleeper train from San Luis Obispo, California, to Seattle, Oregon. We had the nicest accommodations available, five years ago. I think it looks like there are more options available now on this line. I'm 6' 6" tall, and I was okay with the size, but if there had been two of me, it would have been too tight. I think there was an upper berth we did not use, so maybe if that third person is small . . . (check out all the options). The bathroom/shower was so small for me that I used the larger shower downstairs. The food was good, and included in the price. The scenery was spectacular, the comfort level high. At the end of the trip I was completely rested, unlike jet or automobile travel. Check out the link for details. The photo is the Coast Starlight in the San Luis Obispo station.
View attachment 9-11-2008-17-29-49--gredmondson.jpg
View attachment 9-11-2008-17-29-49--gredmondson.jpg
Jon, have you heard of "The Downeaster"? It runs several times a day between Boston and Portland. It looks like the closest stop to Nashua is Haverhill.
I took it from Boston to Portland for a friend's wedding a few years back, and was very impressed. Old Metroliner equipment, but nicely rehabbed.
I took it from Boston to Portland for a friend's wedding a few years back, and was very impressed. Old Metroliner equipment, but nicely rehabbed.
I think trains are making a comeback here, but in the U.S. where the surge in ridership is taking place is on shorter hauls. Amtrak California's Capitol Corridor trains I believe exceeded their ridership projections ahead of schedule and more trains are being added between San Jose and Sacramento.
The ACE (Altamont Commuter Express) train between Stockton and San Jose is another success, although that one is a multi-agency operation and not run by Amtrak. They did a really nice job in the paint scheme on the locomotives and with the logo. And it runs through a nice bit of Bay Area back country that's very scenic and offers some great glamour shots for train enthusiasts.
This is where I think U.S. rail travel is headed. Long haul trains became a novel form of travel years ago and can't successfully operate without subidization, so I don't expect much to change with that. But I think we'll see a lot more commuter and short haul trains in the years ahead. Around here there's talk of reviving old rail bridges across the bay. I'm sure we aren't the only area that's looking into using old rights of way for modern day commute relief.
The ACE (Altamont Commuter Express) train between Stockton and San Jose is another success, although that one is a multi-agency operation and not run by Amtrak. They did a really nice job in the paint scheme on the locomotives and with the logo. And it runs through a nice bit of Bay Area back country that's very scenic and offers some great glamour shots for train enthusiasts.
This is where I think U.S. rail travel is headed. Long haul trains became a novel form of travel years ago and can't successfully operate without subidization, so I don't expect much to change with that. But I think we'll see a lot more commuter and short haul trains in the years ahead. Around here there's talk of reviving old rail bridges across the bay. I'm sure we aren't the only area that's looking into using old rights of way for modern day commute relief.
Even in the "glory days" of passenger trains, they were subsidized. The US mail was what kept most of them operating, and when the mail went to airplanes, the railroads lost interest in running the trains.
I still think that the long-distance trains serve a purpose for the folks in the rural areas that don't have air or bus service, as well as providing an alternative for city pairs (chicago-Minneapolis, Denver-SLC, etc) but you are probably right in that the real future lies in trips of four hours or less.
I still think that the long-distance trains serve a purpose for the folks in the rural areas that don't have air or bus service, as well as providing an alternative for city pairs (chicago-Minneapolis, Denver-SLC, etc) but you are probably right in that the real future lies in trips of four hours or less.
Yeah Dan, you have a point. A good example would be our 49th state (I don't dare call it by name out of fear of launching a misguided firestorm from the hair-trigger types) where the train is the only option across large expanses of territory.
I also love trains!
I live about a mile south of one of the last running electric interurbans, the Chicago, South Shore, and South Bend railway, or as we call it, the "south shore". The former NYC/ConRail/ now NS east west line also runs parallel with the South Shore, so I can do a lot of rail spotting! My sisters BF also works at the Robert Young yards in Elkhart, so I get a lot of stories.
I live about a mile south of one of the last running electric interurbans, the Chicago, South Shore, and South Bend railway, or as we call it, the "south shore". The former NYC/ConRail/ now NS east west line also runs parallel with the South Shore, so I can do a lot of rail spotting! My sisters BF also works at the Robert Young yards in Elkhart, so I get a lot of stories.
You guys can have your trains...
...as long as I can have my Steam Traction Engines!
Jeff
PS. That's me standing in the wheel...I'm 5'11" and I'm NOT telling my weight!
www.oklahomathreshers.org
...as long as I can have my Steam Traction Engines!
Jeff
PS. That's me standing in the wheel...I'm 5'11" and I'm NOT telling my weight!
HOME - oklahomathreshers.org
Oklahoma Steam Thresher and Gas Engine Association
Ummm . . . Jeff . . .
Can we see a closer shot of you, buddy? Your weight sure doesn't look to be an issue IMO!
Can we see a closer shot of you, buddy? Your weight sure doesn't look to be an issue IMO!
alanlendaro
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2006
- Messages
- 161
C'mon, filter flo...
"Sure I'll take the Comet... If I go fast enough, I'll get her through"... unless some smoke panicked passenger pulls the emergency brake and they can't get the engine started again. Then you have to watch out for the army special carrying explosives.... then you have a situation on your hands.
That sure is a great book. Just re read it again this year. Wish more people would read it. Maybe if they do the movie project, people will watch it and start paying attention. I started reading Ayn Rand when I was a senior in high school. Her works had, and still have, a big impact on me.
"Sure I'll take the Comet... If I go fast enough, I'll get her through"... unless some smoke panicked passenger pulls the emergency brake and they can't get the engine started again. Then you have to watch out for the army special carrying explosives.... then you have a situation on your hands.
That sure is a great book. Just re read it again this year. Wish more people would read it. Maybe if they do the movie project, people will watch it and start paying attention. I started reading Ayn Rand when I was a senior in high school. Her works had, and still have, a big impact on me.
Don't hold it against me!
This was at the Steam Show in Pawnee, OK, this past May. This was after battling 60mph winds, hail the size of baseballs and a very cold/wet night. (We finally got to bed around 4am, in a tent, nonetheless!) It was windy and I now realize, I needed to trim the face fuz!
Jeff
This was at the Steam Show in Pawnee, OK, this past May. This was after battling 60mph winds, hail the size of baseballs and a very cold/wet night. (We finally got to bed around 4am, in a tent, nonetheless!) It was windy and I now realize, I needed to trim the face fuz!
Jeff
Ralph, even in the lower 48 there are plenty of places where the long-distance trains come in handy.
The Empire Builder goes through an area with no bus service and virtually no air service. It is heavily used by people going from rural North Dakota or Montana to Seattle or Minneapolis for stuff like medical treatments, or just to go from small town to small town along the line. It's also a big draw for people going to the military base in Minot. Very few people ride it "bumper to bumper"
From what I've seen, it's much the same on the Southwest Chief (Chicago to LA). The Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco) is much more touristy, but it also the only one that has regular big cities along its route.
The ones that go from Chicago to the east coast cover less territory, in much less time, but they still function largely to get people from small towns to big towns. Except for the Capitol Limited, they aren't nearly as interesting
The Empire Builder goes through an area with no bus service and virtually no air service. It is heavily used by people going from rural North Dakota or Montana to Seattle or Minneapolis for stuff like medical treatments, or just to go from small town to small town along the line. It's also a big draw for people going to the military base in Minot. Very few people ride it "bumper to bumper"
From what I've seen, it's much the same on the Southwest Chief (Chicago to LA). The Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco) is much more touristy, but it also the only one that has regular big cities along its route.
The ones that go from Chicago to the east coast cover less territory, in much less time, but they still function largely to get people from small towns to big towns. Except for the Capitol Limited, they aren't nearly as interesting
Dan, thanks for the info. I'm glad to know that trains are still relied upon to move people in some areas of the country.
And Jeff, well, that picture sure moved me! Extra fuzz included!
Ralph
And Jeff, well, that picture sure moved me! Extra fuzz included!
Ralph
I'm glad this thread is still active. My computer at home crashed and I can't get it to do anything...right now I'm at my brothers house and hopefully I'll be able to get a new computer this weekend.
Jeff, I'm crazy about any kind of steam engine, and was able to go to the Cowlitz Prairie Steam Threshing Bee and Tractor Show a couple of weeks ago.
Ralph speaking of high-speed rail, I just read the following:
National Association of Railroad Passengers "Hot News":
STAFF OF SEN. TOM COBURN (R-OK) ACKNOWLEDGED THIS WEEK THAT HE HAS PLACED A HOLD on S. 294, a procedural motion that prevents the Senate from appointing its members to the conference committee to work out differences with the House version of the bill. Coburn’s position makes consideration of S. 294 a time-consuming process when floor time is running short. And it means that passenger train supporters would need 60 votes (i.e. at least nine Republicans) on a cloture vote, that is, a vote that would override Coburn’s objections.
THE NEW BUSINESS ALLIANCE FOR NORTHEAST MOBILITY HOSTED A NEWS CONFERENCE AT WASHINGTON UNION STATION ON SEPTEMBER 10 AT WHICH SENATORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND BUSINESS LEADERS URGED IMMEDIATE PASSAGE OF S. 294. Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), John Kerry (D-MA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Rep. Robert Andrews (D-NJ) all spoke, while a news release from the Alliance also quoted Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Reps. Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Joe Sestak (D-PA), and Michael Acruri (D-NY) as affirming support for Amtrak.
Once again it looks like Amtrak is going to get screwed...
Meanwhile, new service using a new generation of high-speed trains known as AGV will be going into operation in Europe that will link Paris to London and Amsterdam.
New trains will carry up to 900 passengers at a routine speed of up to 224mph, 38mph faster than the currently used TGV.
I'm afraid Amtrak will forever be the poor stepchild...
I have a lot of other stuff I want to post, will try and do that soon. Right now my brother and I are headed out to do some computer shopping.
www.telegraph.co.uk
Jeff, I'm crazy about any kind of steam engine, and was able to go to the Cowlitz Prairie Steam Threshing Bee and Tractor Show a couple of weeks ago.
Ralph speaking of high-speed rail, I just read the following:
National Association of Railroad Passengers "Hot News":
STAFF OF SEN. TOM COBURN (R-OK) ACKNOWLEDGED THIS WEEK THAT HE HAS PLACED A HOLD on S. 294, a procedural motion that prevents the Senate from appointing its members to the conference committee to work out differences with the House version of the bill. Coburn’s position makes consideration of S. 294 a time-consuming process when floor time is running short. And it means that passenger train supporters would need 60 votes (i.e. at least nine Republicans) on a cloture vote, that is, a vote that would override Coburn’s objections.
THE NEW BUSINESS ALLIANCE FOR NORTHEAST MOBILITY HOSTED A NEWS CONFERENCE AT WASHINGTON UNION STATION ON SEPTEMBER 10 AT WHICH SENATORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND BUSINESS LEADERS URGED IMMEDIATE PASSAGE OF S. 294. Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), John Kerry (D-MA), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Rep. Robert Andrews (D-NJ) all spoke, while a news release from the Alliance also quoted Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Reps. Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Joe Sestak (D-PA), and Michael Acruri (D-NY) as affirming support for Amtrak.
Once again it looks like Amtrak is going to get screwed...
Meanwhile, new service using a new generation of high-speed trains known as AGV will be going into operation in Europe that will link Paris to London and Amsterdam.
New trains will carry up to 900 passengers at a routine speed of up to 224mph, 38mph faster than the currently used TGV.
I'm afraid Amtrak will forever be the poor stepchild...
I have a lot of other stuff I want to post, will try and do that soon. Right now my brother and I are headed out to do some computer shopping.
Trains from London to Paris 'could take under two hours'
Train journeys from London to Paris could be cut to under two hours as airlines set up rival rail services to take on Eurostar.
www.telegraph.co.uk
Congress just allocated $8 billion out of its general fund to prop up the budget of the federal highway system. It was needed because gasoline tax revenues have dropped as a result of conservation on the part of drivers (lower gas consumption).
It's not something that opponents of fast rail want to hear - that travel by the private automobile has been highly subsidized all along - for far more dollars than the passenger rail network.
BTW, I used to ride the Pacific Coast Starlight from San Francisco (bus to Oakland station) to Davis in the early 70's. Back then they had the old passenger cars - done up in maroon and yellow, with these great old timey paintings on the walls at the ends of the cars. They were comfortable and spacious. I understand that when they were retired and replaced with flimsy modern versions, the old cars were sold to Mexico and/or South America. What a shame. Same destination for the old green Muni streetcars.
Of course in the early 70's it could take hours to go the 80 miles or so to/from Davis.
I also rode the Capitol Corridor from Hayward to Santa Clara for a year or two during the height of the dot com boom - around 2000-2001. It was faster than driving, with a lot less stress. At least when the train was not beset by long delays - usually due to problems with freight trains sharing the same tracks.
What this area really needs is for BART to run down to the center of San Jose - or maybe all the way to Morgan Hill. Then build that high speed rail line linking LA with the SF Bay Area.
I would not want to work in the San Jose area again without a better public transit solution. It's only 30 miles or so from my home, but the traffic is horrendous and not worth the stress.
It's not something that opponents of fast rail want to hear - that travel by the private automobile has been highly subsidized all along - for far more dollars than the passenger rail network.
BTW, I used to ride the Pacific Coast Starlight from San Francisco (bus to Oakland station) to Davis in the early 70's. Back then they had the old passenger cars - done up in maroon and yellow, with these great old timey paintings on the walls at the ends of the cars. They were comfortable and spacious. I understand that when they were retired and replaced with flimsy modern versions, the old cars were sold to Mexico and/or South America. What a shame. Same destination for the old green Muni streetcars.
Of course in the early 70's it could take hours to go the 80 miles or so to/from Davis.
I also rode the Capitol Corridor from Hayward to Santa Clara for a year or two during the height of the dot com boom - around 2000-2001. It was faster than driving, with a lot less stress. At least when the train was not beset by long delays - usually due to problems with freight trains sharing the same tracks.
What this area really needs is for BART to run down to the center of San Jose - or maybe all the way to Morgan Hill. Then build that high speed rail line linking LA with the SF Bay Area.
I would not want to work in the San Jose area again without a better public transit solution. It's only 30 miles or so from my home, but the traffic is horrendous and not worth the stress.
Well, they are definitely pushing for BART to come in under downtown San Jose, but instead of sending it south from there, it would go north a bit and connect up with Cal Train. They're asking for yet another sales tax increase for BART on the November ballot. I don't think it has much of a chance, but the last time they asked for BART funding here, 73% voted in favor of it, which impressed everyone. So who knows, it might pass again this time.
And Rich, those old yellow coaches were so much nicer than today's Amtrak rolling stock. They held up better and longer than the modern (if you can even describe them that way anymore) Superliner coaches. It's too bad they were phased out. I remember in the 60's when we rode the City of San Francisco to Chicago we were in an original "Hiawatha" coach from the Milwaukee Road line, vintage 1935 or so. Very deco, but it was a very bumpy ride. On the way home we had a Southern Pacific yellow coach of similar vintage and it was smooth as silk in comparison, even being close to 30 years old. Today's Superliner coaches would be falling apart after 30 years in service. Heck, they're doing that at about 20 years old right now.
And Rich, those old yellow coaches were so much nicer than today's Amtrak rolling stock. They held up better and longer than the modern (if you can even describe them that way anymore) Superliner coaches. It's too bad they were phased out. I remember in the 60's when we rode the City of San Francisco to Chicago we were in an original "Hiawatha" coach from the Milwaukee Road line, vintage 1935 or so. Very deco, but it was a very bumpy ride. On the way home we had a Southern Pacific yellow coach of similar vintage and it was smooth as silk in comparison, even being close to 30 years old. Today's Superliner coaches would be falling apart after 30 years in service. Heck, they're doing that at about 20 years old right now.
One of my all time favorite pieces of rail equipment. I used to love riding these as a kid
www.budd-rdc.org
Budd-RDC.org: The Budd Rail Diesel Car
www.budd-rdc.org
