Recent content by BalmyZephyr

Yes, made my second visit there in February 2023. I haven't been to very many RR museums but I can hardly imagine an HO layout being better than this one. Fun to operate, too, lots of foot pedals to start and stop various sections. Highlight was the hot air balloon! This is NOT the small layout...

OK you have to tell us. Perhaps a sketch or "sleep selfie" would help.

If they let you on the platform early, then knowing where the train actually stops, and where the doors will open, is key. Position yourself near a train door. If at a smaller station, the station master will probably know, if you want a particular car or set of cars. The ticket takers at 30th...

Another way to do NYC-Philadelphia by car is NJTP to Exit 4, through Cherry Hill then cross the Delaware River into Philly on the Ben Franklin Bridge. In the 70s-80s that was the fastest way. Later the Betsy Ross Bridge was better. In the past couple of years since they finished the I-95...

That is great, thank you! Another AU, Armchair Urbanist. Great train footage, especially the F-unit. ❤️

True. And Philadelphia is pronounced "Fluffya."

Forgot to include the "Sights" page of the pamphlet. They should post this spread on their website, where it is unclear what you would see or what the route would be.

Dessert was choice of cheesecake or chocolate cake. We both got the chocolate, very good but not outstanding. These days "cake" often has too little cake and tons of mousse and frosting. We chose the 4 PM Sunday rather than the later trips because we could get home before dark, but of course...

Back from the Essex Dinner Train in Connecticut! We had a fine time for our belated 30th anniversary dinner and I recommend it. Here is my report with a few pictures. We drove about 90 minutes from Rhode Island, different route each way for a loop experience. We were lucky they seated the two of...

I have brought mini-wine bottles before but now that I've switched to beer, I buy from the train cafe. Even though they are expensive, I want to support Amtrak supplying us with decent beer. Especially if I am hanging out in the cafe car on the NER to have a big window view and chat with...

I just saw the YouTubes and comments from April, didn't get the alerts (or missed them). Thank you!! We are going on our anniversary Essex Dinner Train on Sunday. Getting excited. Prime Rib, mmm. Oh yeah also the train. I will report back.

No problem, you are reminding me to write my dang report on our December Vermonter trip to St. Albans. I am a little late with that.

Thanks! We wish there were a Breakfast Train! Gotta do an Amtrak sleeper for that, I guess. Cheers.

The Schuylkill in Eastern PA. Moderators, feel free to remove if not allowed. (I don't make any profit off this - it was so expensive to produce.) My photography book is called Inland: The Abandoned Canals of the Schuylkill Navigation. It includes an essay by a transportation expert about the...

Yes the short ride through the woods is what I remember. I love rivers too (just published a book on one) but for a 30th anniversary we need a special dinner. In my 1990s travel article I included Gillette Castle, but I drove up there after thr steam train ride. Might have taken a car ferry...