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The Carolina Association for Passenger Trains is today reporting that sleepers have returned to the head-end on the Crescent and Silver Service trains.
A separate thread on a different forum contains an eyewitness report of the sleeper on the head end of the Cardinal as well.
-------------------- 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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Thanks for the heads up. I wonder how many management meetings were required to decide to make this change.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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Damn. I wanted to write a railroad mystery called "Sleepers on the Rear," along the lines of "Snakes on a Plane."
Posts: 2236 | From: Evanston, Ill. and Ontonagon, Mich. | Registered: Feb 2007
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Thanks for the info -- now I'll know where to stand to wait for our train when we leave for vacation NEXT TUESDAY!!!!! (but I'll probably ask the WPK agent after we arrive, just to make sure)
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
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quote:Originally posted by RRRICH: Thanks for the info -- now I'll know where to stand to wait for our train when we leave for vacation NEXT TUESDAY!!!!! (but I'll probably ask the WPK agent after we arrive, just to make sure)
Eyewitness confirmation would be welcome as opposed to something some crazy railfan wrote in an email, no?
Henry - you should begin working on the movie rights for 'Sleepers on the Rear' right away....THAT'S where the big money is!
-------------------- 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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As a sidebar - anyone think that this decision might have something to do with the shape of the cars? A train with the Viewliners in front of the Amfleet coaches would be more aerodynamic.
-------------------- 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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Could this simply be a way to hold down demand for Sleepers recognizing that there may not be anymore entering service anytime soon?
Unfortunately, Mr. Silver Star is likely on mark; somebody @ 60 Mass that had "lost one' got a coalition together and has now "won one".
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Since Amtrak just concluded labor negotiations with one of their unions, maybe has something to do with crews displeased with the change that put them on the rear a few months ago. That was related, I think, to safety issues on exits from the diners/lounge.
I don't think it's a question of passenger unhappiness - at least not this one! I do believe, however futile, its worth an email to Amtrak customer service.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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A railfan friend returned a few days ago on the Meteor from NYP to KIS and said his friendly car attendant told him this change was likely coming. The attendant claimed train crews complained to upper management who had recently riden the train and agreed that the rear sleeper(s) bounced around too much because of being on the rear. Comments: 1) This never was a problem when I used to ride the Silver Star's rear (Miami to Richmond) set out sleeper in the late 60s-1971 nor was it a problem last year in the rear sleeper on the Crescent. 2) However, I do recall how the observation car on the tail end of the Meteor used to fishtail all over the place at high speed back in the 60s-1971. 3) The upper management folks the attendant referred to may have been the execs en route to and from the FEC special May 1. 4) My friend's ride in which he gained this info was 2 or 3 days bfore the change. 5) I'd like confirmation how the Lake Shore is now arranged. Has the Boston section been moved to the rear or is it still set up as it was with NYP sleepers on the back? 6) I still suspect sleepers on the rear was easier for switching since the Meteor carries 3 sleepers compared to 2 on the Star, LSL, and Crescent. That would be much easier should a Meteor consist have to be swapped with one of the other trains - simply add or subtract a sleeper. I'd also suspect that sleepers need to be bad ordered more than coaches due to having more working parts, especially plumbing. 7) Just like dining service, wait long enough and this too shall revert back.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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We should note that there are Labor issues regarding Superliner trains. There I can understand Sleepers placed on the head in view of that the Attendant on the first Sleeper also handles the revenue space in the T-Dorm. Previously, when Sleepers were rear, Amtrak was required to assign not less than two Coach Attendants when one was required to additionally handle the T-Dorm, with one such position being paid at the higher Sleeper Attendant rate.
Now Amtrak can assign only one Coach Attendant (after reading the recent TRAINS article, they appear to be more traffic cops than anything else) if they choose, and pay at the rate for that position.
On #58, City of New Orleans, with its fairly early arrival in CHI, the Coach Attendant will assist in making up the Sleeper, however that position is paid at the higher Sleeper rate for all time on duty. Possibly the same practice exists on #29.
But finally regarding the single-level trains, somebody, PLEASE somebody, afford me a more cogent reason than employee convenience.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Well, I'll take the sleepers wherever they place them, and RRRich, looking forward to your next trip report on your website.
Posts: 406 | From: La Grange, CA | Registered: Sep 2007
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I personally don't care where the sleepers are as long as they are functional and I am in one.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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quote:Originally posted by train lady: I personally don't care where the sleepers are as long as they are functional and I am in one.
I do prefer in roomette to have my feet facing the locomotives...... but sometimes this preference is usurped by my desire not to have my head next to the toilet in a Viewliner roomette!
-------------------- 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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In a bedroom I always end up remaking the bed. I like my head under the window so I can prop up on an elbow and look out. For whatever reason they alwys make it up with the feet facing the window.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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On the Viewliners I like sleeping feet forward also and thus prefer Room 1. But if I end up with Room 2, I sleep backwards rather than put my head by the toilet which also is the narrow end of the bed. I miss the Heritage bedrooms as you could get a room with the bed parallel to the window. It's better for looking out at night and rides better.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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Sleeping parallel to the window is why I now attempt to book bedrooms when I am redeeming AGR points! Closest thing to the Heritage bedrooms still out there.
-------------------- 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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FWIW- There is no difference in the rate of pay for coach attendant vs sleeper attendant. The difference for the attendant comes from amount of tips earned in sleeper vs coach. Of course more physical work involved as well in the sleeper.
Posts: 332 | From: Long Island, NY USA | Registered: Jan 2004
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On a holiday trip to the northeast, caught a glimpse of the Silver Star near I-95. Once again sleepers on the rear. Appears to be confirmed on other sites. Do you suppose Amtrak has a dart board to decide where to place sleepers?
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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Is that an 'everyday' thing GBN or perhaps there was a late arrival and a consist got sent back without being turned?
-------------------- 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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It matters not where - forward or rear I just want to be in one. Am planning a fall trip to AZ and a stop somewhere along the way.
Am thinking perhaps after AZ a few days in San Francisco then a day or two in Glenwood Springs. San Francisco provides no problem as I can rent a scootaround there but am wondering if Glenwood Springs is doable for someone with limited mobility. (Walking any distance of more than a couple of blocks is a problem).
Dee
Posts: 460 | From: North Central CT | Registered: May 2004
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I also feel compelled to sleep feet forward, and change the bed accordingly. I would prefer to to see the future coming toward me, than the past slipping away. Or maybe I just want to hit feet first if we crash into something.
Posts: 1572 | From: St. Paul, MN | Registered: Dec 2002
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