The idea of this trip originate while my father and I were driving around downstate, Illinois. We stopped at the McDonalds in Gillman 3 weeks ago and had dinner. Then I pulled out and headed east on US 24. The gates went down. I knew I would be seeing the Illini. I was surprised to see Superliners on it. I decided Memorial Day weekend would be a good opportunity for this trip. I would go South to Carbondale on Sunday, state in the new how2suites across the street from the station in Carbondale and then head back to Chicago on Memorial Day.
Several days after booking the trip I read a report on trainorders showing the Illini with the normal horizon and Amfleet cars. I moaned inwardly and probably cursed under my breath. Still, a train ride is a train ride. at least the photo attached to the report showed a few cars so maybe BC would be on the back with a rail fan window.
On Sunday I had a delightful lunch with my GF at Pizzeria Uno, took her home, and headed to the station. The checkin at the metropolitan lounge was courteous and professional. I had had issues with my IPhone and had done a factory reset. Though I had backed up properly, my Amtrak App did not have me signed in when I expected to. The lady offered to look up my name and was very patient. Though I could have pulled up the reservation number, etc, this helpfulness was much appreciated.
When 393 was called at 3:30 ambled down to the south gates by track 26 and followed directions to be seated and wait. A few minutes later I was directed to board. As I headed around the corner to go down the platform to track 26, I was delighted to see Superliner cars. As I walked down the platform it was apparent that some of the cars had come off of a recent trip of #6. I observed the diner and sleepers at the head end. And walked past several coaches to BC which is located in the last car. The lower level has a snack car. This, folks, is not a rip off IMHO. The superliners are a better ride than Amfleet or Horizon. The windows bigger. And a fantastic rail fan window. If you have the opportunity to do this, go for it.
Several days after booking the trip I read a report on trainorders showing the Illini with the normal horizon and Amfleet cars. I moaned inwardly and probably cursed under my breath. Still, a train ride is a train ride. at least the photo attached to the report showed a few cars so maybe BC would be on the back with a rail fan window.
On Sunday I had a delightful lunch with my GF at Pizzeria Uno, took her home, and headed to the station. The checkin at the metropolitan lounge was courteous and professional. I had had issues with my IPhone and had done a factory reset. Though I had backed up properly, my Amtrak App did not have me signed in when I expected to. The lady offered to look up my name and was very patient. Though I could have pulled up the reservation number, etc, this helpfulness was much appreciated.
When 393 was called at 3:30 ambled down to the south gates by track 26 and followed directions to be seated and wait. A few minutes later I was directed to board. As I headed around the corner to go down the platform to track 26, I was delighted to see Superliner cars. As I walked down the platform it was apparent that some of the cars had come off of a recent trip of #6. I observed the diner and sleepers at the head end. And walked past several coaches to BC which is located in the last car. The lower level has a snack car. This, folks, is not a rip off IMHO. The superliners are a better ride than Amfleet or Horizon. The windows bigger. And a fantastic rail fan window. If you have the opportunity to do this, go for it.
