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Derailment (alone) is literally incomplete and out of context, like one of my two posts said. Maybe you didn't read that one. The train didn't randomly derail (most likely) nor did it derail because of excessive speed on a curve like the Philadelphia derailment. So what I said was, people who...

The term "derailment" says that.

The term "derailment" out of context makes people think that trains just randomly derail. Something like this should be called what it is. Rail passengers were victims of Negligent (or Intentional) Homicide by Motor Vehicle?

Back from the Putney (VT) Depot airbnb and can report, Amtrak's Vermonter was more or less on time. There was a freight at 11 PM Thursday, 6 AM Friday, and 11:30 PM Friday. Did not see any Sat or Sun. But I wasn't in the unit most of the day. A great place to stay for railfans! There is also a...

Near Brattleboro VT. Thanks for the info!

Does anyone know if freight uses the Amtrak Vermonter line, and if so, is there any schedule for freight? I ask because I'll be staying a few nights in a former train depot right smack next to the tracks, no fence or anything. I'd like to take pictures of trains going by the house. I do have...

Back from Philadelphia, I can report on the Metropolitan Lounge there. My day pass worked fine, the lounge was great, view over the main station, excellent coffee!! Free M&Ms!! Good trail mix!! You can take the elevators straight down to the tracks from there, no waiting in line inside the main...

I would prefer the mixed train because then you get to talk to strangers from more walks of life, in the cafe or observation cars.

We rode the Zephyr eastbound once, upper level Super Bedroom, but I spent some time on the lower level vestibule to exercise (good bars for push-ups). Definitely better views from upper level, and best from Observation car. My goal on any train is to be able to see out both sides, which means...

Hi all, In June, I'll need to store a roller bag at 30th Street for 3-4 hours, before my NER trip from PHL to KIN. I will have limited time to wait in lines or run around the station, as I have to catch a regional train to Manayunk after stowing the bag. I have a single day pass to the...

I did this trip in 1985 to Lamy and again in 2019, to Flagstaff, both round trip. You will love it! We had a super bedroom both times, but spent most of the daytime in the dining car and observation lounge. Much better views from there, since you can see out both sides all along the car. Also...

Ran across this today. Thoughts? https://www.change.org/p/amtrak-protect-people-by-designating-some-mask-required-cars-on-each-train

That does look excellent! There's a long description here, for those interested. I see an artist named Ranulph Bye was thanked, probably did the cover painting. I know his son. Thanks for the tip.

Who knew, Stunbrellas are illegal in Rhode Island! Good thing I was joking. I did get her this guy to ride in the seat next to her for protection: https://www.amazon.com/Inflatable-John-Doll-60-Inches/dp/B0049H1UPE

Stunbrella! https://www.amazon.com/STREET-WISE-SECURITY-PRODUCTS-Streetwise/dp/B07PN77R44?th=1

She does, and good suggestion. I did research on whether there was a book about rail commuting and came across one that seemed promising because it was by a conductor, but a review made it sound casually sexist and she wouldn't like that. This gives me an idea that would take more time, but I...

Just back from Steamtown in Scranton PA. Stunning, as is the marble/tile lobby of the nearby Lackawanna depot, now the Radisson. Steamtown is part of the National Park system and free to enter. If you only have 15 minutes, spend it with the newly painted (last year) Big Boy 4012 in the parking...

I'll spy on her current backpack(s), but she is probably all set with that. Good idea though.

Great idea, I have one of those small cloth/canvas zip-purses and it saves me. It is barely bigger than the credit cards and money so it fits in every pocket. Thanks.

My 34-yr-old biologist niece got a great job starting the end of May, and will start commuting by rail (Wickford RI to PVD) to get there. Any ideas for a fun or useful "commuter" gift for her birthday tomorrow? (Yes, I am late to ask this question.) A book of tickets would be nice, but she's...