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Hi everybody, I am planning to have a trip from Boston to Salt Lake Sity in early August. Since it will be my first train trip in USA I have a lot of questions. It going to be a long way, so could anybody explain how it works? Is there place to sleep, eat, shower? I don't know anything and a little bit scary. Is it save for a women to travel along?
Posts: 6 | From: Massachusets | Registered: Jul 2007
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Ms. Meduza, Boston to Salt Lake City is a three day, two night journey. The SLC arrival is scheduled in Wee hours, and the train frequently runs quite late.
I strongly recommend booking a Sleeper; a Roomette is quite adequate for a single traveler. Meals on, let's say, a "par' with airline food are included in your fare when traveling Sleeper (there is also Coach, but "don't even think of it"). There is also a communal shower in each Sleeping Car.
Presuming you wish to "see the USA", there is much interesting scenery along the way; your daylight X-ing Westbound of the Rocky Mountains is likely the most spectacular scenery in North America visible from a scheduled train.
Your schedule will call for about a six hour "layover" between trains in Chicago; the downtown area (called the Loop) is almost as compact as that of Boston and I would urge you to put that time to good use rather than simply taking a seat in the station until your next train.
While I'm hardly as enthusaistic about traveling by train as are other respondents here (unlike some here travel is not an avocation of mine; I do it when I have somewhere to go and on Amtrak if convenient to my travel needs. I'm not afraid or have any medical conditions precluding flying; I simply don't like it and being retired I have the time and financial means to consider rail travel), I do find in my own Amtrak travels comprising some 150,000 miles to date "more positives than negatives'. It is not perfect, and it should be approached as an adventure. If on second thought you decide what you want is point to point transportation, my best advice is to fly. That is hardly perfect nowadays, but at least it is an "over in done" in a day.
Personal security while on board is simply a "non-issue".
For fares and schedules and availability of Sleeper space, contact Amtrak directly.
Enjoy.
Posts: 9980 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I am a senior citizen (woman) and I average two long distance train trips a year. I travel alone and safety is a non-issue while on the train.
While I prefer a sleeper (roomette is fine for one person) I do often do the first night in coach to save money. Coach is certainly doable if you are prepared. I always book a roomette for the second nite and beyond - partly for the convenience of a shower and the "luxury" of sleeping in a bed. In coach the seats recline and you have a foot rest and plenty of leg room. Think of sleeping in a recliner in your living room and you get an idea. Not perfect but certainly can be done.
From Boston you will be traveling on the Lake Shore Limited stub train to Albany where you will transfer to another train the main Lake Shore Limited. I ride this train from Springfield, MA to Chicago to start most of my trips. Train is usually on time to Chicago and you will have a 4 or 5 hour layover in Chicago. There is a food court in the station to catch a quick lunch. The trip the rest of the way to Salt Lake City is on the California Zephyr, one of the prettiest train rides in the US. The arrival time in Salt Lake City is not the most convenient but there are taxis there to take you to your hotel (or if you are visiting friends or family there is no problem for them to pick you up).
Feel free to ask any questions you have - this forum has many experienced train travelers who can pretty much provide you with the info you need to make it a pleasant trip.
Dee
Posts: 460 | From: North Central CT | Registered: May 2004
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Thank you to both of you, I found out that taking a Sleeper is a huge expence. The full price for round way trip is more than 1000 dollars. It is shocked me.
Posts: 6 | From: Massachusets | Registered: Jul 2007
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Showers and free dining car meals are available to sleeper passengers only. Roomettes have one communal shower per car, while bedrooms have a private shower and toilet. These get very expensive.
Coach seats are larger than bus or even first class air, and recline with a footrest to accomodate sleeping. Some of us manage to sleep well in coach, but it depends on the individual. One passenger remarked to me that he slept ok, but he never knew there could be so many uncomfortable positions. There are several bathrooms per coach but no showers.
Coach passengers may pay for meals in the dining car which opens 3 times a day and runs $7-$22 per meal. A cafe in the sightseer lounge is open more continuously with packaged sandwiches, pizza, snacks, beverages, etc. Alcohol is served in both.
Check out www.amtrak.com and look under "Traveling With Amtrak" and then "Onboard" for more details. I believe your train to CHI is single level. CHI-SLC will be a 2 level superliner. The sightseer lounge is a great place to view the mountain scenery, but you have to grab a seat before it leaves Denver. There will always be standing room.
One thing nice about a train is you get to move around alot. Many women traveling alone prefer trains because they are safe. If anyone around you gets annoying, you can always have an excuse ready to go somewhere else for awhile. Some people even sleep in the sightseer lounge overnight because you can stretch out more.
Trains can very often become several hours late, so don't count on the scheduled arrival times at your destinations. Just think of it as adventure. It's a great and comfortable way to see the country.
Posts: 1572 | From: St. Paul, MN | Registered: Dec 2002
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sleeper fares are expensive but if you can possibly afford it do it. I, too, am a senior and in my younger days rode coach coast to coast many times. Now I prefer the comfort of a sleeper. The big disadvantage of a coach is you are sharing a car with a lot of other people some of whom may be snorers, have small children with them or talk loudly on cell phones or to each other. Also you may be sharing your seat with another person if the train is sold out. As to safety don't worry about that. You will find that many women travel alone. If you do go coach be sure to take a wrap,shawl etc. to cover up at night. It can get quite cold. Also I would suggest you put a small zipper bag in your carry on with toilet articles so you can freshen up in the bathroom.(and a small towel)
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Fares are high because August is one of the busiest travel months of the year.
Trying to book this close to your travel date makes it more difficult to get sleeper space. I see at least some days in early August are sold out of roomettes. Thus prices are higher. If you had booked four months ago the prices would likely have been more favorable. If your schedule is flexible, try entering different dates and you may get a better price. Better yet, call Amtrak at 800-872-7245 and talk to an agent who could advise you on your options.
Posts: 2649 | From: California's Monterey Peninsula | Registered: Dec 2000
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Now that it appears, Ms. Meduza, you are interested in a return trip as well (to have made that clear, your originating posting should have said Boston to Salt Lake City and return), allow me to note that on the return journey, you will be able to view the Wasatch Mtns, but not the Rockies - it will be dark for the latter.
On your return, the connecting train does not leave Chicago until 10PM, or thereabouts, so you will be able to plan evening activities in Chi, such as Dinner at a restaurant that "you've always heard about'.
Regarding fares, no one has ever said that Sleeping car rail travel is "cheaper than air transport"; in fact since it appears you have done some fare research, you are well aware of such.
Regrettably, there are no "optional routes', i.e. go one way return another, available from Salt Lake City to Chicago, so it is pretty much "out and back'. There are some optional routes between Chicago and Boston, but they would involve an overnight stop in Washington en-route. If you desire to use rail only one way, my strongest suggestion is that direction be Westbound.
Good luck.
Posts: 9980 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Hi Meduza: I have traveled cross country round trip 5 times now, plus many other long-distance trains (round trop to Florida etc) on Amtrak. Although you have waited too long for a less expensive sleeper, sometimes the price comes down at the last minute--you never know. Anyway, while it's nice to have a sleeper/roomette, you do not have to! Plenty of young people ride coach all the way, and to Salt Lake City it's only 2 nights, not 3--that is, you'd be arriving in the middle of the 3rd night and able to get to a hotel and get some sleep. I am past 50 and I have gone 2 nights in coach! Whether or not you try it depends on you--how old you are, the amount of comfort you like, etc. Just bring a small pillow, and an eye mask, and ear plugs.
I recommend that you leave Boston on a Thursday. That way you will be on the second train--the one from Chicago to Salt Lake City--on a Friday and unlikely to be put on the pesky Wyoming detour they have lately on weekdays. If you get on that detour, you will miss all the lovely Rocky Mountain scenery.
Safety has never been an issue on the trains, though of course you should leave any real valuables laying around--when you move around on the train, take your money, tickets, passport or other documents, credit card, iPOD, and cellphone with you. I would not take any expensive jewelry--things are easy to lose too!
I don't think safety will be a problem when you arrive in Salt Lake City, either; plenty tourists go there; just take a taxi to your hotel.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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I fully agree with Mr. Toy's comment that an Amtrak Sleeper fare is high during August because that is a peak travel month. As with anything else in the travel industry, Amtrak uses a supply and anticipated demand pricing structure.
While I think it is unwise to report specific fares at an unofficial discussion forum (during two terms as a Moderator I served at another site, I flatly prohibited such), I did a "comparocheck" at the Amtrak website and found that a Boston-Salt Lake and return trip in a Roomette taken during early November results in a 20% discount over same taken during August.
Secondly, Mr. TwinStar has a point with which I concur. If the demand that Amtrak anticipates in their pricing structure does not materialize, the price will drop as the departure date approaches.
Finally, someone here is going to suggest considering an on-board upgrade. A Conductor is authorized to sell at usually a reduced rate, Sleeper space that either is unsold or becomes available account a "no-show' (sleeper space is never overbooked as it is specifically assigned in advance). But this is strictly a gambit for a party that is quite prepared to travel Coach in the event they don't get lucky.
Such is a wager that I am not about to make.
Posts: 9980 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Thank you to all of you guys. Yes, I need a round trip B-Sl-B and it looks very expensive for me to get sleepers. I am in my thirties and have back problems, so I am not sure If I could sustain two nights in a coach. Could somebody tells me how much the seat reclines from horizontal position? And what did you mean by saying price may drop in the last moment? Shouldn't I buy tickets now and wait for the last day?
Posts: 6 | From: Massachusets | Registered: Jul 2007
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Definitely buy your ticket as soon as possible.What was meant is sometimes the price will dropjust before your departure day. Just keep calling Amtrak every few days to get the latest price. If you see the price has dropped cancel your reservation and make the new one but make sure you have the lower price before cancelling. The other option is get your coach ticket and when you get on board check with the conductor immediately and ask if there are any sleepers available. If there are the price is usually reasonable.You take a chance that way. I,too, have a bad back and have not had any trouble in coach. I do suggest you take asmall pillow to place in the small of your back. If it bothers you too much you might be able to exchange your return ticket for a sleeper. Also check after the 1st night and you may be able to get a sleeper for the 2nd night what wasnt sold or is a no show.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Thank you train lady. I forgot to ask about camera, video recorder, etc. Should I take them with me all the time while on a train? Do they accept credit-debit cards on a train or I should have plenty of cash?
Posts: 6 | From: Massachusets | Registered: Jul 2007
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In coach I would keep cameras etc with me at all times. Better safe than sorry. In a sleeper I leave things locked in my suitcse under the seat. But I always keep my camera with me because I never know when I might want to take a picture. They do take credit cards but I would check with Amtrak and find out what ones they accept.In fact on page 124 of the current time tables they give all the info you need. I keep an envelope in my purse with some 1 and 5 dollar bills to have handy for tips in the diner, lounge or for the attendents. though tose I usually keep separate. Also I stick a few dollars in my coat or blouse pocket for red caps. With a bad back I am not about to make things worse so it is worth the money( usually a $ a bag)
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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The dining car and lounge car snack bar will accept credit cards, but I'm not sure about debit cards. There may be a minimum purchase amount; I'm not sure because I normally carry cash for onboard purchases. They used to accept personal checks, but I'm pretty sure they stopped that a few years back.
Camera and video recorder: If you're traveling coach, either keep them in your bag, well concealed, or if you take them out and use them onboard then keep them with you at all times. Sleeper is better here because you have a private compartment and unauthorized personnel (coach passengers) are not supposed to be allowed in the sleeper. However, the compartments DO NOT lock from the outside, so even here it is best to keep valuables out of sight and out of mind.
Note: I am speaking here from conventional wisdom, not personal experience. Personally, I carried a "luggable" suitcase computer on the Broadway Limited while traveling coach, took the seat by the one working outlet and plugged it in, and played computer games all the way from Philadelphia to Chicago. Nobody messed with it, even when I went to the dining car for meals or to the dome car the next morning after the Capitol Limited joined us. More recently, I took a trip to California last year with ten family members, six of them kids. We were in the sleeper but we brought video players and laptop computers and used them pretty openly. Again, nobody bothered anything. I still recommend caution, but I have yet to permanently lose any valuable on a train.
Finally, about the seating. Coach seats on Amtrak are comparable to first class seats on an airliner. They are very roomy and recline waaaay back--not quite as far as a La-Z-Boy, but close. Long distance coaches normally have leg rests which fold out from under the seat and there is a footrest under the seat in front of you—although that seat might be so far away that you don't reach the footrest! (That's good—it means you're not cramped like you would be in a bus or an airliner.) Basically, if you can sleep in a recliner or an easy chair you can sleep in coach on Amtrak. I can't; I have to lie on my side, which is one reason I prefer sleeper if I can possibly afford it.
If your financial situation really doesn't allow anything more, then take the trip in coach and have fun. But, as I've said before: I have often traveled in coach and wished afterward that I had taken a sleeper. I have never traveled in the sleeper and wished afterward that I had gone in coach.
-------------------- --------Eric H. Bowen
Stop by my website: Streamliner Schedules - Historic timetables of the great trains of the past! Posts: 413 | From: Houston, Texas | Registered: Mar 2006
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One more piece of advice: travel light. The less luggage and equipment you have, the happier you will be. You might want to take a camera but not a video camera, for example.
When taking pictures from the train, put the lens right on the window to prevent glare.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Ms. Meduza, I'm sorry to learn that the piggybank will not permit this journey in a pre-booked Roomette (an on-board upgrade during peak season is indeed a long shot), but then, it appears you have far more resolve to make this journey than would I (I'd be on the phone to Delta - hub in SLC hence likely non-stops from BOS - or sending my regrets to whomever). So accordingly "you go to war with the Army you have, not the Army you want".
Even though I really no longer travel very much or often (family in CT and FL is about it nowadays) allow me to share my first rule of travel and that is "if you can't carry it, don't bring it".
While I've noted at this Forum, especially since here the discussion is more directed to travel, as distinct from business and public policy (that's railroad.net) or operations (Trainorders), you will get the inevitable "oh bring this, oh bring that" and here at your topic, that now seems to be coming into play.
You, of course, will make the final decision, and possibly my "if you can't....' is some kind of principle statement belonging to another era, say the "70's" when I found myself in a "95% travel' business situation, but it remains my rule when I travel today at age 66.
Further, allow me to note, I do not own or otherwise use any piece of wheeled luggage, I have not checked a bag on a flight since I think 1983 (that was account a cruise with all the assorted paraphernalia required on such), have never checked anything on any railroad, and I have traveled overseas on at least three different occasions without any checked baggage.
In short, Ms. Sojourner "got it right".
To continue, I have been to Salt Lake City - in fact I was stationed when in the Air Force for five months "up the road' in Ogden. It is a beautiful part of the world. When I got laid-off (it is called a "RIF" - reduction in force - in service) during Jan 1969 (my term was "up" that Sept, but I planned to ask for an "early out' in June to return to college), I felt "robbed' because a number of Spring trips to places such as Grand Canyon and Las Vegas that I planned went adios.
And finally, while investing in real estate has never been my thing, save my own home, had I ever chose to invest in some land during the 60's say around Brighton, Park City, or Alta....well I guess today my retirement situation would be something other than my existing description of "comfortable plus'.
Posts: 9980 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Excuse me for may be stupid question. At Amtrak site I found information that one accomodation charge applies for roomette. Does it mean that 511 dollars appear like addition to seat fear for superliner will divided between me and my roomette? What If nobody will buy space like my roomate?
Posts: 6 | From: Massachusets | Registered: Jul 2007
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Meduza, I am not exactly sure what you mean but I will try to explain what I think you meant. And no it is not a stupid question. You pay a certain price depending on where you are going. That is a basic charge for a coach seat. Now if you want a sleeper,in your case a roomette, there is an additional charge for that. A roomette sleeps 1 (or 2 people who are traveling together ) That is the accomodation charge and it is the same if one has the room or 2 are sharing. In your case you are traveling alone so you DO NOT have a roommamte, Let us say you have a friend who is going with you. The charge will still be 511. If you are traveling alone the space is yours. Does this make sense to you and is it what you wanted to know, If not post again and we will try to answere your question.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Thank you. I thought they will put another person in my roomette, doesn't matter I don't know him or her, like they do in my country. So If I travel along the whole space will be mine?
Posts: 6 | From: Massachusets | Registered: Jul 2007
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No they don't, Ms. Meduza, and they wouldn't dare!!! Here in The States, we don't share with strangers.
This is not overseas; where I realize the practice is somewhat more commonplace, unless you pay a hefty surcharge for the entire room, which I always did......save one exception.
On a 1990 trip overseas, I found that my single occupancy Wagon Lit room Madrid-Sevilla "wasn't". I ended up in a four bunk Couchette and attempted to sleep with my bags between my legs and wallet and passport in a "private part'.
While come morning, it was quickly evident my fears were totally unfounded; one of my 'roommates' was a Dutch fellow fluent in every European language ("we are a small country - we have to get along with everyone") who translated for me, a Spaniard and a German.
While we all left the Sevilla "Estacion" with handshakes and farewells, life will be quite complete without a rerun of that experience.
Posts: 9980 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Ms Meduza, the space is all yours unless you choose to bring a relative or friend along. They will have to pay the basic rail fare but not the $511. I suggest you go to the amtrak web site and click on sleeping accommodations where you will find a picture of the roomette. It is a small space but quite adaquate. On page 122 in the timetables you will find a description of sleeping accommodations. JUst remember you will be on a viewliner to Chicago and aSuperliner to Salt Lake. Enjoy!!!
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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The roomettes on Amtrak trains are very small and the access to the top bunk is from the bottom bunk, so I don't think you'd want to share with the stranger. And the roomette on the Lakeshore Ltd has a little commode (toilet) in it! (In the western trains, there are only toilets in the hall).
Mr Norman, I am here in the States, but I'd certainly consider sharing with strangers, as long as they are nice folk and there is ample room. For instance, if I couldn't find a friend or relative to go with me, I'd consider doing that thing on a cruise where you sign up to share the room with a stranger rather than pay the single room supplement, if it was too hefty. HOWEVER, I would not want to share an AMTRAK roomette with strangers, they are too small!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Ms. Sojourner, I'm aware that cruiselines offer "single-share" program and I guess folk sign up for such. However, various travel pages I have read over the years give the experience, at best, "mixed" reviews.
But not I; in fact when I visit family (and some have told me this is rude on my part) in the New York area, I stay at a hotel about 3 miles away.
But I can understand the economic motivation to consider a share on a cruise. As I recall, the single traveler supplement can be HIGHER than 100%. The cruiseline's reasoning? look at all the revenue from drinks, shore excursions, photos, and whatever else is peddled on the Love Tubs nowadays the "phantom" passenger is depriving them.
Lastly, a pre-arranged trip taken with a friend or relative is "sharing" outside the scope of what I believe we have been addressing at this topic.
Posts: 9980 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Ms Meduza, We must alert you to the fact that in the dining car you will not have a table to yourself unless it is pretty empty. People are seated 4 at a table. It is a good way to meet different people and it is usual for the "strangers" to talk to eah other during the meal. So don't be surprized.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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I'm going to add my 2 cents worth, even though you have received considerable comment above.
From Boston to Albany on the Lake Shore Limited (train 449) you will be in the coach. That train has no sleeper cars. But that's OK; it's daytime!. There is a cafe car where you can purchase food at a counter and either eat at nearby tables or back at your seat. Each seat has a pull-down table available. Prices in the cafe are somewhat higher than at your typical corner lunch shop. You could instead bring a lunch with you and eat it on the train. There are of course rest rooms in each car and places to get a cup of water. You may be seated with another person if the train is crowded.
At Albany, you will transfer to another train (#49) that has come up from NYC. There is usually a short layover during which you can explore the very new, modern station. Although often referred to as Albany, the station is actually across the Hudson River in Renssellaer.
Train #49 has the Viewliner sleeper cars. As stated above, a roomette accommodates 2 people, but only if YOU book it for two. The cost of sleeper accommodations on Amtrak includes all meals in the dining car. You should, however, plan to give tips if the service warrants.
Each sleeper car has an attendant who will introduce himself and explain evrything about the room. Towels, washcloths, bedding, etc. are all provided. Each viewliner compartment has its own toilet and a pull-down wash basin.
You may decide to save money and travel coach to Chicago, in spite of objections to coach travel stated above. My wife and I sometimes did coach on this train into our late 60's. Now in our 70's, we always book a sleeper.
Both of these eastern trains are single level ones.
You will arrive in Chicago the next morning, probably later than scheduled. There will be a layover of at least two or three hours. If you are booking a sleeper either before or after Chicago, you should seek out the Metropolitan Lounge, a comfortable place offering free soft drinks, coffee and occasionally pastries. Only people coming from or about to board a sleeper are allowed in.
The Chicago station is large and has an extensive food court on the second floor, along with newsstands and other shops. You can also go outside and explore the nearby streets.
I think you would prefer getting a roomette sleeper from CHI to SLC. Again, you would have your own little compartment, plus complimentary meals and so forth. On this train, Roomette occupants must use a restroom elsewhere in the car. There are three or four of these restrooms per car, so it is rare to find them all full. This train is a two-level one. Amtrak calls them Superliners. Many of the cars have recently been refurbished.
I spend a lot of time in the Sightseer Lounge on the western trains. Anyone can go in; no seats are assigned there. During the stop at Denver, you should definitely get settled in the lounge, as it will fill up as the train ascends the slope into the Rocky Mountains.
Many of us in this forum enjoy train travel and anxiously anticipate each trip. We spend a lot of the time looking out the window and watching the countryside roll by. I'm a retired professor of Geology and Geography and so I have lots of maps and route guides that I bring along. Others prefer to read or play games on computers, or just talk with other travelers in the lounge.
I hope that you can splurge and book a sleeper for at least part of the trip. If you call Amtrak, try get a real person on the line. They can help you with a lot of details.
posted
Hey Bob -- where did you teach geology? I too am a geologist, and used to regularly attend the annual GSA meetings (but I haven't attended in almost 10 years now!) I've probably heard of you at some point in my career -- if you feel comfortable giving it, what is your last name? (you can e-mail me at rrrich123@aol.com if you don't want to give your name on this forum!)
I have been in the process of making my own "geology, history, and points of interest" railroad guides for all the AMTRAK routes for many years now.
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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You've had some good suggestions here and I fall into the category of 'prefer sleeper all the way' category but have, as recently as 2002 done some overnight coach travel to save money.
You might want to consider doing coach Boston to Albany and then Chicago, booking the roomette from Chicago to, say Denver, and then moving back into coach.
This way you could have a little privacy for the second night of your trip and perhaps knock two to four hundred dollars off the total.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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I taught geography and geology courses at Worcester State College here in Worcester, Massachusetts, retiring in 2005. I'm going to send you a direct e-mail, as you suggested, a little later.
Posts: 127 | From: Worcester, Massachusetts | Registered: Jan 2007
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This is off topic, but Mr. Presely's suggestion to "short haul" the Sleeper reminds me of the one time I ever did so in this life.
During June 1960, or back in the days when I fanned and rode just to ride, I did a Hoboken-Dansville NY and return trip. The itinerary was ERIE #1 Hob-Binghamton, DL&W #3 Bing-Dans, thence return to Hoboken on DL&W #6. I was ticketed OW Coach on the ERIE, 'deeply discounted' RT Coach DL&W Bing-Dans, and Sleeper Bing-Hob.
This was a daylight trip on #1 Erie Limited, and also on #3 Phoebe Snow - no Sleeper. #6 New York Mail had a Sleeper Buffalo-Hob, but 'cheap teenager me' was not going to board until Bing, as DL&W discounted RT could not be "stepped up' to Sleeper. The ride on the ERIE showed what a "maid of all work train" is all about and the X-ing of Starucca Viaduct is quite impressive. Phoebe Snow was an impeccably maintained train and indeed a "class act'.
But on a small road such as the DL&W where "everybody knew everybody" the word was out that a kid was joyriding.
Now at Dansville, it is time to board #6 which, discounting the string of at least ten Mail & Express cars had a consist of one Sleeper (10-6 "Tioughnoia'), Coach, Diner-Lounge. I boarded the one Coach. Well here comes the Conductor to lift my ticket. He says 'are you the fellow with Pullman out of Binghamton?", "well, yes sir', 'Well you may as well go up there now, as I will need every seat I got back here....hey Dusty'. And with that here comes the Pullman Porter to handle my bag up to Roomette #4.
I will always feel I took something that was not mine (it was; the Conductor is Captain and the Captain's word is law) and never contemplated a short haul again after that journey.
Posts: 9980 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I suppose it would be a true 'short haul' if one were starting in coach, moving to sleeper, and then moving back to coach (and I have done such before.....though not in at least 15 years).
These days I would suggest moving only one time per train and then only from sleeper to coach. I've mellowed a bit.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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