NARP reports this week that Amtrak will begin placing electrical outlets at every seat in Superliner coaches. The work will be done gradually as each car is put through its four-year overhaul.
Posted by Southwest Chief (Member # 1227) on :
Thanks for the heads up. Glad to see this implementation.
Another recent Superliner coach change are the two long out of service cars coming back...as commuter coaches!
Take a look here: Commuter Coach Posted by Rick Morris (Member # 5347) on :
About time. Now I can utilize my cell phone charger when it gets implemented.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
"One of these days" before I leave this planet, maybe, just maybe, I'll understand what all this hullabaloo regarding power outlets is all about.
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
Gil, it's the same hullabaloo about the number of cup holders provided on "modern" vehicles.
By the way, it seems to me that most of the ones I see with 6 or 8 cupholders normally have just one occupant, the driver.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Agree, Mike; quite simply, no one, driver or passenger, consumes comestibles in my auto (need we address toxic substances eminating from a legally grown, yet quite addictive, agricultural product?).
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Power outlets at every seat are a boon for young people (Amtrak needs more of them) who travel with their laptops. And what would REALLY be nice is high-speed wireless aboard Amtrak trains, as VIA Rail (or so I hear tell) has in Canada.
They'd likely have trouble with that in the Moffat Tunnel, but one can't have everything.
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
Even a lot of the not so young now have mobile phones or travel with laptops. (from one now in the 60 plus crowd.)
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
And don't forget the digital camera batteries that need to be recharged.
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
I've even stayed in good motels recently where there weren't enough outlets for all my "stuff" I drained on the train. Laptop, 2 camera batteries, cellphone...etc. Used to be "totally wired" meant something else.
Oh, for the good old days of phasers and lithium crystals.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
quote:Originally posted by Mr. Toy: And don't forget the digital camera batteries that need to be recharged.
What's that?; the one I have that I haven't touched in some ten years you fill up with stuff that comes in little Yellow boxes.
Posted by HopefulRailUser (Member # 4513) on :
Gil - it is time for you to move on into the 21st century! Remember that even you and I now have mobile phones. And I know you have used those little Yellow boxes, I saw proof of it!
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
Yup, Mr. Norman, you can't get out of this one. Most non-disposable film cameras made in the last 20 years also require batteries. Rechargeables are recommended.
Posted by Ocala Mike (Member # 4657) on :
Hang in there, Gil. Us dinosaurs have to stick together or we'll become extinct (again).
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
quote:Originally posted by TwinStarRocket: I've even stayed in good motels recently where there weren't enough outlets for all my "stuff".
I must admit, Mr. TwinStar, on my auto trip last weekend, at the Holiday Inn Coralville IA ("room with a view' of the Rock Island BTW), I did have to yank the hair dryer and the in-room coffee stand (and place both appurtenances in the closet as I have no use for either) so that there would be outlets open in the bathroom to use for my cellphone and razor.
Presume the housekeeper found the hotel's property; after all that is where she would find her tip!!!
Posted by Pojon (Member # 3080) on :
Fascinating information and those electric outlets in the superliner cars will prove to be very useful in the future for passengers. Posted by Railroad Bob (Member # 3508) on :
Mr. Norman is decidedly ahead of me in the technology department...he has a "satellite" telling him where to turn in a fine auto, while I am still shifting manual gears and handcranking my windows on my way to the 35mm film shop... ...while not smoking anything, of course. Posted by DeeCT (Member # 3241) on :
Half blessing - Half curse.
Nice that you can use electronic "gadgets" without searching the length of the train for the one or two available outlets. Nice that you will be able to charge your batteries.
But --
Who is going to monitor the use of lap tops, dvd players etc at 2 A.M. Unfortunately the flickering light and bleeding out of noise from the headphones is just as annoying as the use of cell phones for those trying to catch some sleep.
Dee
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
That is what Sleepers are for, Ms. Dee
Posted by DeeCT (Member # 3241) on :
Yes GBN in 90% of my travels I do take sleepers.
There are however times when a sleeper is money wasted. Money that can be better put to other travel fun. Case in point - I often take the SWC from Los Angeles, CA to Williams Junction, AZ. Evening departure out of LA and a very early(4:30 am) morning arrival in Williams Junction. I can not justify the price of a sleeper for 4-5 hours of sleep and no meals. (Blame it on my Scot blood).
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...while not smoking anything, of course. ![[Razz]](tongue.gif)