Just returned from my trip out west and wanted to offer a report.
My journey began in Pittsburgh. Took the Capitol from there to Chicago. This train never seems to disappoint me----always good service and friendly, competent crew. Train was on time into Pittsburgh and on time in to Chicago.
Had a refurbished sleeper on this train and was , of course , delighted by the extra room in the restrooms.
Left Chicago on time on the Southwest Chief. Had a good crew on this train also. However, all the tiolets failed by the time we reached Fort Madison. Individuals from my car had to use the other sleeper. That one was refurbished , so to be honest I really did not mind that much.
We were on time basically all the way, but did arrive at Fullerton about 30 minutes late.
Stayed in the Fullerton area about three days and had a wonderful time.
The return segments were quite pleasing also. The Chief was on time in to Fullerton and ran early all the way. We were over an hour EARLY into Albuqerque. Arrived into Chicago on time with train # 4. I was quite certain I could make my connection to the Capitol (30) and was correct. We arrived in plenty of time.
Train 30 , the east-bound Capitol , left the station on time and actually arrived into Pittsburgh EARLY the next morning. This sleeper was also refurbished so I enjoyed it very much.
SERVICE CREWS:
I would give a B + or A - to all crews I encountered. I thought they all tried to be very accomodating.
DINING:
Actually was nicely surprised by the quality of the food served. Thought the burger was a little on the dry side, however. Did not try the Bob Evan's Scrambler. French toast was good.
The dinner chicken was delicious and so was the beef and pork offerings. Did not try the chicken fried steak.
The only negative I might state is that I felt a little rushed and each meal. The servers were anxious to have everyone complete their meals in a more timely fashion so as to prepare for the next group.
Seatings were staggered so as to really limit the number of people in the dining car at one time. Basically, only 1/2 of the car was used at any one time.
Also, reservations were taken for LUNCH as well as dinner to limit the number of people served each seating.
It did not seem as though many coach passengers ate in the dining car.
Over-all it was a very pleasant trip and I met some very interesting people.
Hope my report was informative.
Posted by smitty195 (Member # 5102) on :
Thanks for the report! So I have to ask.....since you were so early into ABQ, did you walk across the street to get some Coldstone Creamery??
Posted by cubzo (Member # 4700) on :
Great trip report, since I live relatively close to Fullerton I would be interested in the places you visited. Did you make it to the Olde Ship on Harbor? A very nice British pub.
Posted by TALKrr (Member # 683) on :
Regarding the early arrival into ABQ:
No, I did not visit the creamery. There is one near my home in the Pittsburgh area and I go there once in a while.
I really only stepped off the train briefly if I recall. I was enjoying a good book.
Fullerton area visits:
My friend lives in Buena Park. His son works at Disneyland, so we went there a day. I had visited California Adventure there on an earlier visit.
We went over to Long Beach and did a short harbor cruise. It was near the Aquarium of the Pacific. Next time out I would like to visit the aquarium and take a whale watch cruise.
Those were the only two major outings.
I always enjoy my visits out there very much. There is always so much to do. On an earlier visit we went out to Hollywood and took some tours there. That was a great deal of fun.
I usually only stay for about three nites as I do not like to impose too much. I have been out there about 4-5 times now and always look forward to the trip.