CHI to WAS RT on 30 and 29; 12/8 -12/9

[Steve4031]

This is another one of those "If I don't go on an Amtrak train in A sleeper soon I am gonna snap" trips. After a few reviews of different options, I decided on a quick trip to Washington, D.C. During 1st period I checked ASM and determined 29 made it on time into Chicago this morning with its single Charger locomotive. I saw a video of this equipment passing through the suburbs of Washington, DC last night.

This is the same set of equipment that left Chicago 4 hours late on Tuesday night. Hoping to have better luck tonight.

 

[Steve4031]

I had a smooth day at school. A Christmas variety show during 7th period helped end the day on a positive note. 7th period can be a little stressful.

Then I realized I had left my jacket in another classroom which delayed my departure from school. I left at 4 and got to a parking garage booked via ParkWhiz for 36 dollars through to my return on Sunday.

I was in the metropolitan lounge by 5. I used the shower to clean up and change to clean close. This is my pro move to avoid showering on a moving train. I’m older so that’s harder.

They called for the sleeping car passengers to line up at 6:10. We were led through the coach boarding area and out to the train. The conductor scanned ticketed on the platform. I was in my room by 6:20. The windows are immaculate. The inside is as clean as a superliner 2 can be.

 

[LongHauler]

This is a hero's journey.

 

[chadamfleetrailfan]

I just watched your train pass by the Chesterton, IN railcam.

You have a phase 7 Siemens chargers in the lead. Nice! I know the chargers are now more common on the CL, but it's cool to see that your trip has one.

 

[Steve4031]

I love the photo. That’s cool. The tracks are rough. I’m in a lower level roomette. We had a pretty good whap whap whap side to side motion on one set of switches.

 

[Steve4031]

We ran on time all night. Went up to get breakfast in the diner car. The LSA was grumpy at first. I went up to order. He was sitting down. Stated he would be right with me. It was obvious he was having a social conversation with another employee sitting there. I remained at the window and he stated again he would be right with me. I asked him if I was supposed to wait at the table instead. He responded by telling me he had just said two times he would be right with me. I told him I understood that but each train has its own system and I wasn’t sure about what he wanted.

He finally figured out that it would be easier to wait on me rather than being dismissive. The egg sandwich was cooked properly and was adequate.

He did come around later and removed the garbage. I was enjoying the views of sand patches I hadn’t gotten up to dispose of the garbage.

I got a second cup of coffee and he was decent this time.

 

[Steve4031]

Views going over sand patch.

 

[Trollopian]

Views going over sand patch.

These are lovely. This time of year is typically dismissed as bleak, but the low angle of winter's light near the solstice has a special golden quality.

 

[Steve4031]

The rest of the ride into Washington DC was event free and exactly what Dr Steve4031 ordered for a relaxing weekend.

 

[Maglev]

I love the Capitol Limited, and understand your "sleeper or snap" condition!

With no leaves on the trees, there's great views of the (let's see if I can spell this) Youghiogheny River.

 

[Steve4031]

The people in the metropolitan lounge at Washington Union station are always friendly. We enjoyed lunch at pizzeria uno. Then returned to the lounge where I napped for 30 minutes.

29 boarded about 3:30. I successfully showered before departure which was on time.

Listening to U2 as we roll along. Life is awesome.

 

[Steve4031]

We stopped briefly near Casselman, pa. Announcement was that we hit wild animal and knocked an airhose loose.

 

[basketmaker]

We stopped briefly near Casselman, pa. Announcement was that we hit wild animal and knocked an airhose loose.

Did that on the CZ out of FMG just as we got to speed. Walking from the Diner back to my Roomette with a cup of coffee. That was a fun balancing act with the sudden deceleration. Didn't spill any coffee though.

 

[MARC Rider]

We stopped briefly near Casselman, pa. Announcement was that we hit wild animal and knocked an airhose loose.

We had the same thing on the Empire Builder out of St. Paul. Hot a deer. We were running late, and when they announced the Amstew, I was hoping it would be "enhanced" with some venison, but no such luck.

 

[Steve4031]

The delay was less than 15 minutes. We arrived into Chicano 8:27. Early.

 

[Old MM]

You arrived and departed WAS on the same day? Is that the same equipment?

 

[jiml]

You arrived and departed WAS on the same day? Is that the same equipment?

Had the same question.

 

[OBS]

Normally the same equipment. Different OBS crew.

 

[Steve4031]

I don't think it is the same equipment. There have been days where 30 arrived in Washington, DC after 29 departed on time. The equipment spends about 24 hours in Washington, DC.

 

[jis]

Normally the same equipment. Different OBS crew.

I don't believe it is the same consist that turns the same day in Washington DC. It does so in Chicago though.