posted
Last (and only) time I went on the Cardinal was nearly six years ago. Although the track was reasonable, most of it was jointed so you get the clickety-clack sound.
If you happen to be on Friday's train from DC, look out for two Englishmen - me and a friend. We'll probably be getting off in Cincinatti and picking the train up two days later for the rest of the trip to Chicago.
Geoff Mayo.
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
The Cardinal is one of my favorite Amtrak routes. I have operated 2 rail tours & the Cardinal was included in both. The service is spotty & much will depend on the number of sleepers on the train. Our first trip only had one sleeper & the last had two sleepers, one of which was completely occupied by my group. On the second trip the food was much better. I believe the addition of the second sleeper upgraded service in the dining car. Your round trip will allow you to view the scenery in daylight in one direction or the other through Virginia, Kentucky & West Virginia. My tours were in the Fall, early October, but the scenery will be different but very nice nonetheless in the Spring. My favorite was the trip along the New River Gorge. Have a great trip & be sure & post a message telling how your trip went. Reggie
Posts: 462 | From: Bakersfield Ca., 93312 | Registered: Jul 2000
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posted
Having ridden it last week, the experience was different to when I first rode it. I now realise you probably meant service quality rather than track quality!
Anyway, service was reasonable, but there weren't many people, so the staff had an easy time. The lounge car attendant was very nice. Train consisted of loco, baggage car, transition sleeper, sleeper, diner, lounge, and 2 coach cars. This meant we could look out the back at the receding landscape and track! That on its own made the journey for me.
Track quality was jointed and bumpy in VA and WV, but got better towards KY and OH. Slightly worse again from Indianapolis to Chicago.
Service was 45-ish mins late into Cincinnati; two days later when we rejoined it was on time into Cincinnati, over 2 hours late leaving Indianapolis, and 45 mins late arriving in Chicago.
Geoff Mayo.
[This message has been edited by geoffm (edited 05-07-2001).]
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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