Here's the cart:
https://www.academy.com/p/academy-sports-outdoors-folding-sports-wagon-with-removable-bed
Our news crews used them at the TV station. I repaired them once in a while, usually just a wheel bent, but considering they were used daily I had no real issue. I like the folding feature - just pull up on the little handle in the middle of the bed, et voila! We carry this:
Since you will be on the Zephyr, you won't have to stock up to avoid the FLEX stuff, but you can pick from our standard packup.
The "Pantry":
https://www.academy.com/search?searchTerm=4 wheel cart (with the Keurig one cup brewer, my clothes, window washing pole, 8' AC extension cord with USB outlets, and dry goods/snacks in a soft tote).
https://www.amazon.com/Ivation-Electric-Portable-Thermoelectric-Adapter
My daughter's small suitcase, granddaughter's small suitcase
Ivation Electric Cooler & Warmer with Handle |27 Quart (25 L) Portable Thermoelectric Fridge For vehicles & Trucks| 110V AC Home Power Cord & 12V Car Adapter for Camping, Travel & Picnics - Cools, warms, 110V/12V, uses Peltier chip.
All fit standing in the cart. I've also got my rolling computer bag, and small handbags can sit atop. two or three Bungee cords. Sometimes we put the wheeled devices on top, but usually I just push it. At trainside, it's so organized, the crews enjoy it. I also have a security cable to run from one end of the cart to the other to secure the entire device in luggage rooms, etc.
We store the cart (collapsed) downstairs with the big bag, and just take the cooler and pantry, purses, computer bag to the room.
We actually prefer the Family Bedroom (sometimes less expensive), as you get windows on both sides of the car, plenty of room, and frankly, the toilets and shower just 20 feet away is no big deal. There's less traffic down there, and it's convenient to step off on "fresh air" stops. It's also easy to wash the window. They are usually filthy. (I wash the Fireman's side at DAL, and the Engineer's side at Mineola).
If we travel in a bedroom, I take a "transfer chair" - it's a four wheel lightweight version of a wheelchair. It fits perfectly over the folding torture chair in bedrooms, and can be used as a short distance wheelchair - like museum visits, etc.
Rollators and transfer chairs can be found at Goodwill and similar stores. I'm ambulatory, but standing for long periods is uncomfortable.
I detest the slop they call "FLEX Dining". So when that is the fare, we dine on fresh made sandwiches, chips, dip, cheese, OJ, mini donuts, fresh hot coffee at any time. Christi has her chilled wine, I have my corn squeezings. Even hot chocolate in the evenings from the Keurig.
Take a couple of Ziploc bags for ice. Usually the SCAs will bring it, or the SnackBar. We freeze a few bottles of water, which helps the cooler, and if you can't score ice, a few raps with my Leatherman tool does the trick.
And believe it or not, this little baby is fun to use, will let you stay informed of what is transpiring. It's easy to program the freqs for your trip, and fun to play with, even when you aren't riding. Promise me you won't transmit unless you are a licensed operator.
Monitor channels for each AMTRAK route can be found at
http://on-track-on-line.com/amtrak-freqs.shtml
At first glance it may look like a little overkill, but a couple of minutes to load/unload the cart is a small price to pay for the convenience, both at the train station and elsewhere. Having the cooler and the "pantry" in the hotel room is great.
The Italian Village in downtown Chicago prepares entrees for us to import to Texas. Austin (the manager) has them par cooked and packaged, waiting for me on departure day, and I Uber over to the restaurant about 11, pick up a few items for us to enjoy in Dallas. We have been known to take a fresh pizza for lunch. They will stack it in a more manageable box.
I'm Jonesing for another AMTRAK voyage, but have to wait until April. We ride AMTRAK for the experience, convenience, and enjoyment. The voyage is the vacation.
Let us know how you get on!
