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Anybody ride the Crescent from DC to Atlanta lately? just wondering what sights too look for, if the train is usually on time and what the equipment situation is.
sbalax Member # 2801
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I'll be interested in this, too. We're riding the Crescent WAS/NOL in mid-September.
Frank in "Socked In" SBA
Steve O. Member # 2993
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The Crescent is comprised of Amfleet 2 coaches (usually 4), Dining Car, Lounge Car, Viewliner Sleeping Cars (usually 2, Crew Dorm, and 2 locos.
As for the scenery North of Birmingham, I can't be of much assistance, as BHM is the farthest North I've gone on the line. I will say that the crossing of Lake Pontchartrain just outside of New Orleans on a 6.5 mile long trestle is quite an experience. Certainly one of Amtrak's best water crossings.
Capltd29 Member # 3292
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I rode that train From WAS to NOL in April.
I loved it, the scenery is very green and abundant north of Birmingham. There is a lot of elevated track .
Short Story from trip: We arrived at Hotel Le cirque on Lee Circle in New Orleans , cut on the TV to see an Amtrak train sprawled over the Countryside. I got a cold Shrill through my body, the City of NOL had derailed, I was really paranoid that we were going to De-rail on the trip home especially crossing Lake P'train.
City of Miami Member # 2922
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I plan to be on the Crescent from Atlanta to New Orleans on Nov 15th, spend a week there, then the Sunset Limited to Los Angeles on 11/22.
notelvis Member # 3071
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I last rode the Crescent Clemson, SC to NYC in March 2003. Left Clemson about 2 hours late (engine trouble in Atlanta) and arrived NYC about 20 minutes behind.
I spent two weekends in Atlanta in December 2003 and February 2004 and observed the Crescents arriving on-time into Atlanta in each direction on both trips. That doesn't insure an on-time trip for you but it does suggest that Norfolk Southern is still able to make a legitimate effort to get the train over-the-road efficiently.
Scenery between Lynchburg and Charlottesville is pretty going north but you are there before dawn during some months. The southbound train is always there after dark. The section between Atlanta and Birmingham is fascinating with some grades, a number of small towns, and more curves than one would expect. (An Atlanta-Birmingham rt is a good daytrip.)
Hope you have a good time.
------------------ David Pressley
MontanaJim Member # 2323
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thanks for the info. Has Amtrak ever had any good rail sales for this train for atlanta-DC?
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