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It looks like I'll be doing WAS-CHI on #51 in mid July (coming up from SAV on #98) to scratch another LD off of my list. Of course no sleepers available so I'll be coaching it. My question is, can anyone suggest a particular side of the train leaving D.C to sit on for the scenery in WV? I hear the Cardinal is one of, if not the, nicest runs in the Eastern part of the nation in terms of "views". I imagine it will be a mostly full train but with not as many through passengers to CHI compared to what the Cap Limited sees. Any info would be helpful.
Cheers!
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44,950 Amtrak rail miles traveled since August 18, 2003. Posts: 135 | From: Atlanta, GA / New Orleans, LA | Registered: Jan 2004
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Actually the best viewing is going east. Since you are going west I suggest you sit on the left
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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WW on 51, the New River Gorge will be on the Fireman's side.
The one and only time I rode the route was during Sep 1962 on the C&O "FFV". My Roomette was on the "other" side, but the Pullman Porter offered to give me a Bedroom on the "correct" side for the daylight journey through the Gorge. The weather was crystal clear with a "nip of Fall" and C&O equipment was always "spotless'.
Quite an experience; and how about imagining a college kid parting with a $5 tip (or about $20 today).
Posts: 9976 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Start on the left as the river is on that side for the first few hours. Sometime late afternoon / early evening you cross the river and the best views are then on the right hand side. Even though it's probably going to be dark by now, there is still plenty to see, especially approaching Cincinnati.
I've been on that train thrice in the last 10 years and it's never been particularly busy (May twice and August once). Hopefully you can get some views out the back of the train.
Geoff M.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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