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According to Amtrak’s online reservation system, trains 50/51 are once again operating as a thru train between Chicago and New York in both directions. However, Amtrak has not yet updated their PDF format timetable for The Cardinal to reflect that situation. Why am I not surprised the Amtrak websit...

In the link provided by the OP, it's appears that the RR built their own freight cars as part of a train set. That makes complete sense. Would you or anyone else feel safe trackside (on a platform, perhaps?), or even a block away, feel safe with your typical mix of AAR-standard boxcars, tank cars, o...

One of my reasons for always taking a lower roomette on Superliner equipped trains is that I can wash my own window as needed at any stop where the platform is on the same side as my roomette. I've washed the windows in both doors at stops as well.

Two weeks ago, when I last rode the LSL - now restored to it's usual configuration (split/joined at ALB) - the Boston section is in the front, and the NY section in the rear. The consist was 448/449 BOS (Baggage, Sleeper, Cafe/BC, 2 coaches), 48/49 NYP (4 coaches, diner AKA first class lounge car, 2...

It should be noted that the Metroliners were designed to run WAS-NYP only. Back in the late '60s when they were designed, I think there was maybe 3-4 grade crossings on the NEC. Today, that's zero, I believe. Unfortunately, using them as cab cars on various lines subjects them to numerous grade cros...

Thurmond, WV should make that list. Population 5, Cardinal 3x a week each way. I just rode through there on 8/1 and was going to say the same thing, based on what I heard the person on the PA say about the town. Look at these boarding stats: http://www.greatamericanstations.com/stations/thurmond-wv...

Although not currently in use, I'd nominate Borie WY as the 'lonlinest depot'. It's in the middle of nowhere, no buildings nearby, etc. Amtrak's California Zephyr used to stop there daily many years ago before being routed via the D&RGW route over the Rockies. It still passes by when the train g...

Based on what I've seen at Windsor Locks the many times I've boarded or deboarded there, at the heaviest, 12-15 passengers boarding, and about the same numbers deboarding. Usually on/from one of the 'through' trains, 141 or 148. Mid-day numbers perhaps 8-10 each...from the various shuttle trains. Th...

Actually, I've been surprised when boarding the southbound Vermonter at Windsor locks there were 8-10 people getting off. It's been that way a couple of times. Likewise, when getting off the northbound Vermonter in Windsor locks, there's a fair number getting on. Given what I suspect are quite low n...

Since the temporary loss of the New York section of 48/49, I've been wondering why, essentially, the baggage car, 2 coaches and 1 sleeper that was the Boston section are no longer part of the train. As I recall, last summer, the combined 48/49 west of Albany had 4 coaches from NYP and 2 from BOS and...

Maybe 5-6 years ago, the Detroit ramp appeared to be reasonably busy, judging from the numbers I saw while working at CSX Intermodal Springfield. One has to wonder what large shippers/dray companies have left town, shut down, or gone over to NS.

To quote an oft repeated comment by Oliver Hardy 80-90 years ago..."This is another fine mess you've gotten me into!" I wonder how long it will be until Amtrak emails me the dreaded 'schedule change/reservations cancelled' email? Or maybe they've temporarily locked out any new reservations...

Looks like the Lake Shore schedule will be 30 minutes shorter westbound this summer leaving Boston at 1:20 PM, but no change eastbound. Since there will no longer be a #48/49 to combine with/separate from at ALB, the 30 minutes 'lost' for their slowpoke train split/new power will no longer be neces...

While I don't have any numbers, I think the number of trainsets required could be determined from the timetables. Using the Acelas' as an example, make up a horizontal bar chart showing the hours of the day across the top and each Acela vertically. Simply draw in the origination time (writing in cit...

Oh and I think they are dropping Berlin and Wallingford from the Vermonter. New proposed timetable for the line showing both the commuter and Amtrak trains here: http://www.hartfordline.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; The Vermonter has always (in the past 10 years or s...