Takin' a whole chuck wagon for an overnight train trip? And in a sleeper? Wow, that takes more energy than I have. I mean, flex food is bad, but it's not thst bad for just one night. I'd take some snacks that don't need refrigeration and that includes fine cheeses and charcuterie, and, of couses, I'd be sure to have a small stock of appropriate alcoholic beverages, which in my case is a 375 ml bottle of decent whiskey and a 375 ml bottle of decent wine. Otherwise, I can handle flex dining for an overnight trip. A 4 day transcon trip is another matter, but then I think about what those passengers in the 1870s had to endure, and I think I could handle that, too.
My rollaboard carries the softside Peltier chip cooler, Keurig compact coffee maker, sandwich maker (makes ersatz egg mc muffins) and power distro. Also some non refrig supplies. Individual condiment packs, no bottles or cans. Then my rolling computer case/suitcase. Two bags on wheels. Simple.
I enjoy my creature comforts, and the "Flex Meals" are execrable. An insult to a hyena's palate. While perhaps planned as a pleasing meal, my experience has encountered only overcooked or dry stuff, not served with the promised sides (salad, bread, condiments), just unappetizing slop in a round pan in a cardboard box with plastic utensils. Meat is dry and tough, veggies not to my taste. They would have done better just serving Swanson's or Marie Callender TV dinners. Or MREs for that matter. I do a little prep at home - egg rounds, sausage or bacon, whatever comes to mind. Tillamook cheesesticks, crackers, a tube or two of chips, dip, K-Cups for coffee and iced tea - and of course a firkin of corn squeezings. Never know when you might see a snake!
My tablet is my Internet hotspot, My dual band Amateur handheld also works as a scanner, laptop has 2 TB of storage. Don't need a bunch of wall warts, the power box takes care of charging/power needs. And limits current to 13 Amps so I don't trip the 15 amp breaker. Bluetooth headset/boom mic, natch!
I can eat or snack on my schedule. Four relaxing days on the train, and if the food and beverage service has indeed been restored, no big deal, I've got a two day drive back to Dallas, so the vittles won't go to waste. I can check the rollaboard overnight at the NOL station and only have to tote my rolling office/suitcase to the hotel. If I get to it, I'll shoot some pix for my website.
Not for everyone, true. But until the diners really come back, this works for me. I would carry this stuff anyway for the driving parts of the trips. The voyage is the enjoyment. There's something about a train...
When we did the 6 day longhaul DAL-CHI-LAX-DAL with the Family BR or the Upstairs BRs, we seldom left the room, restocked in LA, thoroughly enjoyed the trip. And didn't wear masks while in the room.