Crescent discussion 2023 Q4 - 2024

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railiner said:
It’s interesting that your action “irritates/embarrasses the crew”…
While washing the outside windows is certainly not in the job requirements for anyone working on the train, I can see how they would be offended, as not everyone understands that, and it may make it seem that you were “doing their job”…
It might even be somewhere in the fine print of Amtrak regulations prohibiting passengers from that practice, due to some perceived possible liability…🤷‍♂️
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Might also be they are concerned about somebody using some non-approved detergent or cleaning fluid that is not permitted and that could damage the coating of the glass or the rubber surrounds or something else.
 
Left Birmingham on time. Had the chicken enchiladas for lunch. OK. I looked over the other 2 V1 sleeping cars and they are getting a bit beat up. Definitely need new carpets. Windows were not horrible, but I think worse than my V2/baggage. Crew still good, no complaints. Overall I’m enjoying the trip. The crew stated that the windows on this trip were in better condition than recently. They also confirmed that that car washer is broken in NOL, but added they are looking at solutions (so not just totally ignoring it).

Update: arrived NOL early.
 
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joelkfla said:
Is the outer surface of the windows glass, or polycarbonate (Lexan)?
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Good question…I am more familiar with buses, that have laminated windshield’s, and dual Thermopane side windows with tempured outer panes, and polycarbonate inner. The glass outer is more scratch resistant to automatic washer brushes. Not sure if FRA glazing is similar, according to this document…
https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/2022-06/Equipment Glazing Systems-A.pdf
 
railiner said:
Good question…I am more familiar with buses, that have laminated windshield’s, and dual Thermopane side windows with tempured outer panes, and polycarbonate inner. The glass outer is more scratch resistant to automatic washer brushes. Not sure if FRA glazing is similar, according to this document…
https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/2022-06/Equipment Glazing Systems-A.pdf
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Well, that report does say that Superliners have double sheets of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate manufacturers recommend against using Windex or other commercially available glass cleaners, so it's possible the crew was indeed concerned about passengers damaging the window surface by cleaning them.

I tried using a window scrubber just wetted with water at the sink once. It improved visibility, but not perfectly.
 
When I last rode the Lake Shore westbound I used Windex wipes on my roomette window on the platform at Penn Station. My car attendant thought it was a great idea. It took pile of them to get it clean.

If directed to stop by Amtrak personnel, I would. It isn't worth risking the trip over. But if they don't, I'll do it again. If Amtrak won't keep the windows clean enough with recommended cleaning agents so they aren't nearly opaque, I am not going to worry about their Lexan.
 
The dining car is back.

Post in thread 'Amtrak Dining and Cafe Service discussion 2024 H1'
https://www.amtraktrains.com/thread...service-discussion-2024-h1.86669/post-1042130

… and as mentioned in the next post, still Flex (but with proper cutlery)

As an actual patron sitting in the Viewliner diner at this moment, it is still a nice addition… even if you only use it as a lounge. However I’m currently the only person sitting in it 🤔. And, FWIW most people seem to have had their lunch in their room.
 
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cassie225 said:
Maybe traditional is on the way.
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Let’s hope so 🙂. I’m still on train 20 (left Lynchburg on time) and I have now had my fill of Flex and might go to the cafe for lunch. New York to New Orleans and then back to New York is just too many flex meals. So so, becomes 🤮

On the plus side the train has been on time for the entire trip and the crew is good.
 
cassie225 said:
Maybe traditional is on the way.
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I look on this Flex-with-a-flower ("Flex Plus") as a doubling down on Flex.

Absent an official announcement to the effect "We are introducing a dining car back to the Crescent. It will initially host Flexible dining service but we intend to transition to full Traditonal dining at a date to be announced", I look at Flex-with-a-flower as an endpoint.

I'd be more optimistic if it were regular Flex with boxes and original containers. That would seem more transitional. Going full out lipsticked pig feels like trying to pull off a con.
 
uncleboots said:
Texas Eagle is next in line to get Traditional Dining. Amtrak is looking at FY 2025 sometime after Oct 1 for the Texas Eagle, but maybe Cresent isn’t too far behind because they did mention possibly other trains to follow.
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If I can fry up a sunny side egg, in the back of a motor home, winding it's way through the Rocky Mountains, surely Amtrak can train some chefs sooner than 2025 to cook on a rolling train.
 
zephyr17 said:
I look on this Flex-with-a-flower ("Flex Plus") as a doubling down on Flex.

Absent an official announcement to the effect "We are introducing a dining car back to the Crescent. It will initially host Flexible dining service but we intend to transition to full Traditonal dining at a date to be announced", I look at Flex-with-a-flower as an endpoint.

I'd be more optimistic if it were regular Flex with boxes and original containers. That would seem more transitional. Going full out lipsticked pig feels like trying to pull off a con.
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And from reports I've been seeing they're still serving the flex meals out of a box and wrapped or still in the original container and placed on top of an Amtrak plate. Come on Amtrak.
 
TheVig said:
If I can fry up a sunny side egg, in the back of a motor home, winding it's way through the Rocky Mountains, surely Amtrak can train some chefs sooner than 2025 to cook on a rolling train.
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C’mon! It’s been six years since flex reared its ugly head. No cooks anywhere? Does it take years to train them? One excuse after another. Truth is Amtrak does not care one iota about the pitiful Eagle and are content to let it stay in it’s current condition..flex and no sightseer. Prices increase and the amenities decrease.
 
Sidney said:
C’mon! It’s been six years since flex reared its ugly head. No cooks anywhere? Does it take years to train them? One excuse after another. Truth is Amtrak does not care one iota about the pitiful Eagle and are content to let it stay in it’s current condition..flex and no sightseer. Prices increase and the amenities decrease.
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Indications are that Sightseer will be returning sometime in FY25. The FY25 request also mentioned they are wanting to restore Traditional dining to the eagle though they implied that increased funding would allow them to get it done faster - so what that means on timing who knows.
 
Crescent south of ATL delayed again. #10 / 02 left ATL today on time at 0908 EDT arrived Anniston 1130 CDT 1hr 12 min late. No delay at CP Howell. For 100 miles that is less than 28 MPH average speed. IMO it is time for the FRA to speed up this segment. If FRA could build an approximate 12 - 15 mile Amtrak only 110 MPH siding along a section of NS that is crooked that would allow for Amtrak to pass slow NS freights and quit being so late Anniston <> ATL. That NS section probably would be 14 - 17 miles long.
 

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