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  1. Palmland

    New train (40-41 Floridian) between Miami and Chicago via Washington DC

    There may well be track work but doubt that’s the reason the Star is apparently terminating in WAS. Very unlikely a track program would last 7 months - Sept-March ‘25 (latest you can book).
  2. Palmland

    SunRail Deland extension construction

    It appears Herzog has finished the track work. The new signal is operable for the Sunrail track. The platform has its new lights installed and according to workers just some trim work, speakers, and signage is left. The pedestrian crossing has the lights installed and most of the cross walk...
  3. Palmland

    Amtrak Dining and Cafe Service discussion 2024 H1

    The comments on the Texas Eagle thread about poor customer service made me think that Amtrak should adopt some of Chick-fil-A hiring and training techniques. Always friendly and efficient. And the LSA should have more responsibility (and money) to act as a manager to insure consistency of...
  4. Palmland

    New train (40-41 Floridian) between Miami and Chicago via Washington DC

    About time- the 27 hour Washington layover for the CL is certainly poor utilization- and bad management. If the Star/Capitol becomes the new Floridian it would please those of us in the southland. And I suspect Amtrak would be happy to a have another slot for Avelia service.
  5. Palmland

    Auto Train discussion 2023 Q4 - 2024

    I think that was true for many trains and certainly on the Coast Starlight with its PPC and lots of amenities, and wine tasting on some of the western trains and real china and flatware on all trains. Amtrak seemed determined to provide mediocre service on all trains- no exceptions! But I like...
  6. Palmland

    Auto Train discussion 2023 Q4 - 2024

    That hasn’t been our experience. Since moving to FL in 2021 we’ve taken the A-T 7 times and each once has been better than the last. Our first one was 10 hours late with the diner being closed to passengers (lack of crew-Covid) and no AC in our sleeper. Without requesting it we got a full...
  7. Palmland

    SunRail Deland extension construction

    In addition, since this is the terminus for SunRail, a second track is required for the trains to occupy between trips and to eliminate any interference with six Amtrak trains and a CSX local freight. It's on the far side of the new platform. It would be unsafe for SunRail passengers to exit...
  8. Palmland

    SunRail Deland extension construction

    I don’t think they used a golden spike but the Deland station track is now in and ballasted awaiting tamping. While there, a 1 hour early auto train came through with 48 cars, 9 sleepers, 4 coaches. .
  9. Palmland

    SunRail Deland extension construction

    Today’s local newspaper, the West Volusia Beacon, has an article on the transition. While the counties will assume the cost to operate, it’s good to see FDOT will continue to manage operations for maybe three years during a transition period. SunRail set to change owners And here is a FDOT...
  10. Palmland

    Container Ship strikes and collapses Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge

    ‘Trains’ Newswire today had an article on CSX rerouting traffic. Container traffic to NY ports and coal trains to Newport News coal piers. N. News can certainly handle it as traffic is way down from the days when CSX was considering the need to double track from Richmond. The old RF&P will be busy.
  11. Palmland

    Traveling in coach

    March 14 WSJ has an article on coach travel. (Paywall?) An excerpt: So why did I opt for a $123 coach seat on the Amtrak Silver Service, despite its reputation for breakdowns and mind-numbingly slow speeds? Because I stubbornly believed that a railroad adventure isn’t just a viable alternative...
  12. Palmland

    Auto Train discussion 2023 Q4 - 2024

    And probably the same reason we have fixed booths in diners and lounges. Fortunately the Canadian hasn’t had to make that change. I do hope the next generation of these cars on Amtrak will bring back some of the so comfortable swivel chairs that the PPC had.
  13. Palmland

    SunRail Deland extension construction

    And here is the latest on the progress from Roaming Railfan
  14. Palmland

    Container Ship strikes and collapses Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge

    I wonder about the impact on NS and especially CSX. The Dundalk Marine Terminal is huge for both railroads- an important factor in CSX improving clearances for double stacks in the Howard street tunnel. In addition a significant amount of unit coal trains are operated into the Curtis Bay coal...
  15. Palmland

    Auto Train discussion 2023 Q4 - 2024

    Generally the rates are lower in the opposite direction of the snowbirds. So, the fall northbound is a good time for lower fares and southbound in late spring. Be on the lookout too for flash sales (although they are generally during these times). The Seminole Town Center is open but clearly on...
  16. Palmland

    East of Mississippi Long Distance (LD) trains 2024

    Will the $200m Pennsylvania is kicking in for the start of the 2nd Pittsburgh train include anyone of this?
  17. Palmland

    Original railroads of current routes

    Since this thread has migrated across the Atlantic, I thought it appropriate to mention another classic compiler of timetables. On my first trip to Europe, 1968, I was armed with a Eurailpass and the Cooks Continental Timetable was my bible. I guess that period was analogous to the U.S...
  18. Palmland

    Original railroads of current routes

    Until mid 60’s, almost every small station and large terminals had a ticket agents where you could find a rack that provided free copies of the local railroads timetables and other major ones around the country. Of course the agents used the Official Guide of the Railways. The last one I have...
  19. Palmland

    Lamy Station destaffed again

    Got another newsletter about the Harvey House hotels in Winslow and Las Vegas, NM. It includied this info about Lamy and the Sky railroad. Glad to see the restaurant is back in business and apparently doing well. This excursion sounds fun, especially in ATSF the ‘Acoma’. Lamy Brunch and Train Ride
  20. Palmland

    Original railroads of current routes

    I don't know of a single source that will give you want you want. But I use these sources. The 1916 Official Guide will show the railroads in a much earlier era, but obviously not before that. The 1948 Railroad Atlas gives a more modern view of the rail lines at that time. And finally the early...
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