California Zephyr. EMY-CHI on modified schedule

[Steve4031]

We sat in Denver for over two hours. The HEP was off for awhile too. I slept through most of it. This morning another passenger stated the delay was due to them switching the engines around. Amtrak sent a notification saying the delay was for mechanical reasons.

BNSF has done a good job moving us along. I’m right over the trucks in room 10 so quite a bit of rocking and rolling with sharp up-down jolts.

Right now we are in a siding meeting a freight.

 

[Steve4031]

We are now arriving Ottumwa. The tracks across Iowa have been extremely rough. Of course I’m over the wheels in room 10.

We are getting dinner. They just made announcements. Coach passengers go first. A good move overall

We can order off the lunch or dinner menu. No steak. Good show!!

 

[zetharion]

Watching your train pull into Galesberg just now on Virtual Railfan lol

 

[Steve4031]

This train is hauling. Did not stop at Princeton. We are going to make up 90 minutes.

 

[Steve4031]

Watching your train pull into Galesberg just now on Virtual Railfan lol

I was in the diner on the station side. First window behind sleepers.

 

[tgstubbs1]

81.5 mph @ 8:10p

 

[Steve4031]

It’s been shake rattle and roll. We made up 90 minutes since leaving Denver. Good job BNSF.

The dining car staff are all newer employees and they’ve done a fine job. They are tired but they still do there job and are friendly. No snarkiness like I’ve experienced from veteran crews. I tipped generously

 

[PeeweeTM]

Great trip report, thanks!

Now I want to ride Amtrak again, thanks...

 

[cimmee]

We are now in Reno. I wasn’t questioned by the police. My 7:30 dinner reservation should coincide with the departure from Reno.

There were bomb dogs all over the station on 8/30 in Reno. Training seminar I believe.

 

[cimmee]

It is on the National Register of Historic Places and was bought by a developer in 2016 with plans to restore it starting in 2024. We shall see

Yes, I distinctly remember it. It's a giant pigeon trap and in a massive state of disrepair. Awful looking.

 

[BlackDiamond]

Yes, I distinctly remember it. It's a giant pigeon trap and in a massive state of disrepair. Awful looking.

The old depot, taken in September 2021. Although in disrepair, the bones look good and seems it could be restored. I wish it would be, given how blah the existing Amtrak depot is (the white warehouse-like structure on the left).