Empire Builder discussion 2023 Q4 - 2024

[trimetbusfan]

Now they've got it stuck in Spokane instead of in position in Seattle to resume service on 8. They aren't bustituting the Builder except for the one I was on. 8(18) went out normally so isn't a Builder set in Seattle. When they resume service they'll have to start by bustituting 8/28 to get to the Builder consist stuck in Spokane instead of in position in Seattle.

Exactly how does that make sense?

Not sure what you mean. It's not stuck in Spokane. The set was able to go out as 8(19), which is running across Montana right now.

They are doing the same thing today and tomorrow (but with no busses).

Friday's 7/27 will go to Seattle/Portland, and will flip the same day so service will start back up from their origin that afternoon. So there will be no need to run a bus to start service back up.

 

[Harmon Shay]

Downed trees are always a danger when you have wind, but I suspect the damage would have been a lot less if a locomotive had been up front. Actually, they lost so many trees on Stevens Pass in that REAL storm that blocked the westbound Empire Builder a couple of winters ago that I'm amazed there are still any left to come down.

 

[Cal]

Taking #7 in late December, it will be my first real winter trip. Any advice on the weather along the route and the heating on board? I'm a Californian, so I don't handle cold that well. Bummed that Glacier will be in darkness, and a bit nervous we'll get truncated in Spokane

 

[WWW]

Downed trees are always a danger when you have wind, but I suspect the damage would have been a lot less if a locomotive had been up front. Actually, they lost so many trees on Stevens Pass in that REAL storm that blocked the westbound Empire Builder a couple of winters ago that I'm amazed there are still any left to come down.

if a locomotive had been up front ???

Wasn't the Talgo locomotive in front and reportedly running at 79 mph - ?

 

[PVD]

probably varies widely by both the model of locomotive, and point of impact of the tree

 

[zephyr17]

Taking #7 in late December, it will be my first real winter trip. Any advice on the weather along the route and the heating on board? I'm a Californian, so I don't handle cold that well. Bummed that Glacier will be in darkness, and a bit nervous we'll get truncated in Spokane

I've taken the Builder in December several times. Heat onboard is fine, sometimes more than "fine" for my own personal comfort. Problem for a Californian will be off the train. I've been on Minot when it was -4° F. Got back on quick. Assuming you are boarding in Chicago, the wind off the lake can cut right through you even if the temperature isn't all that cold, like the 30s.

I am an ex-Californian and can remember bundling up when the temperature got to the low 60s. Now the low 60s is pleasant shirt sleeve weather.

 

[Cal]

if a locomotive had been up front ???

Wasn't the Talgo locomotive in front and reportedly running at 79 mph - ?

No, the Talgo cab-car was in front and that thing is tiny. If a locomotive had been in front if probably would've just needed a new nose, and that's a routine fix. Locomotives aren't part of the Talgo set, meaning that only the locomotive would need replacing, the rest of the set could immediately go back into service with a new engine.

 

[Cal]

I've taken the Builder in December several times. Heat onboard is fine, sometimes more than "fine" for my own personal comfort. Problem for a Californian will be off the train. I've been on Minot when it was -4° F. Got back on quick. Assuming you are boarding in Chicago, the wind off the lake can cut right through you even if the temperature isn't all that cold, like the 30s.

I am an ex-Californian and can remember bundling up when the temperature got to the low 60s. Now the low 60s is pleasant shirt sleeve weather.

Thanks for the info! I'm the way you used to be... terrified for the weather but also really hoping for some snow.

 

[JamesWhitcombRiley]

Assuming you are boarding in Chicago, the wind off the lake can cut right through you even if the temperature isn't all that cold, like the 30s.

Chicago: bring a sturdy scarf, even more important than gloves!

Northern California and the Pacific Northwest in the winter: bring a wool or similar sweater!

 

[Harmon Shay]

if a locomotive had been up front ???

Wasn't the Talgo locomotive in front and reportedly running at 79 mph - ?

No. In Seattle, cab cars always lead southbound on both Talgo and Horizon trains, unless the cab car is unable to lead for some reason, often due to PTC trouble. Then they wye the train and have the locomotive lead.

 

[toddinde]

I've taken the Builder in December several times. Heat onboard is fine, sometimes more than "fine" for my own personal comfort. Problem for a Californian will be off the train. I've been on Minot when it was -4° F. Got back on quick. Assuming you are boarding in Chicago, the wind off the lake can cut right through you even if the temperature isn't all that cold, like the 30s.

I am an ex-Californian and can remember bundling up when the temperature got to the low 60s. Now the low 60s is pleasant shirt sleeve weather.

It’s funny how that is. In Wisconsin, when the fall weather would drop into the 20’s, it seemed cold. By January, you were shoveling snow in a sweatshirt and considering 20’s a thaw.

 

[Widfara]

The box dinner was pretty good, but not enough, with a roast beast sandwich, a tasty salad, and dessert. I supplemented with a sandwich from the Flying Elephant deli in Portland.

 

[B&Ofan]

I got a text from Amtrak saying the Builder is on diversion bypassing Rugby, Grand Forks and Devils Lake. Looking at Openstreetmap.org it's obvious on the route they are taking. Does anyone know what happened to cause the diversion?

 

[zephyr17]

I got a text from Amtrak saying the Builder is on diversion bypassing Rugby, Grand Forks and Devils Lake. Looking at Openstreetmap.org it's obvious on the route they are taking. Does anyone know what happened to cause the diversion?

Probably extreme cold temperatures. When it's really cold BNSF does directional running so as to minimize the need to throw switches, westbound on the XO Sub, eastbound on the Hillsboro and Devils Lake Subs.

 

[B&Ofan]

Probably extreme cold temperatures. When it's really cold BNSF does directional running so as to minimize the need to throw switches, westbound on the XO Sub, eastbound on the Hillsboro and Devils Lake Subs.

Thanks That makes sense.

 

[west point]

Probably extreme cold temperatures. When it's really cold BNSF does directional running so as to minimize the need to throw switches, westbound on the XO Sub, eastbound on the Hillsboro and Devils Lake Subs.

`Are the T&E crews fully qualified on that diversion since it happens often?

 

[zephyr17]

`Are the T&E crews fully qualified on that diversion since it happens often?

Unsure whether or not they need a pilot for the KO Sub, but they might stay qualified on it. Similar to between Roseville and Marysville (Binney Jct) over the former SP East Valley line. Amtrak crews maintain qualification on it even though the normal Starlight route is on the former WP between Sacramento (Haggin Jct) and Binney Jct.

 

[railiner]

Unsure whether or not they need a pilot for the KO Sub, but they might stay qualified on it. Similar to between Roseville and Marysville (Binney Jct) over the former SP East Valley line. Amtrak crews maintain qualification on it even though the normal Starlight route is on the former WP between Sacramento (Haggin Jct) and Binney Jct.

I find that interesting…I’m wondering about how many other places around the country, have a similar situation…Amtrak crews qualified on detour routes?

 

[Bob Dylan]

I find that interesting…I’m wondering about how many other places around the country, have a similar situation…Amtrak crews qualified on detour routes?

During the Annual UP Trackwork in East Texas between Longview and Dallas, the Texas Eagletes are sometimes rerouted on the Old Mopac Eagle Route ( in lieu of bustitutions between Longview and Ft Worth) via Kilgore,Palestine,Corsicana,Hearne( Crew Change )Rockdale,and Taylor, where it then resumes the Regular Route to/from Austin,San Marcos and San Antonio.

Amtrak T&E Crews based in Marshall and San Antonio are Qualified on this route, no UP Pilot required.

 

[Cal]

During the Annual UP Trackwork in East Texas between Longview and Dallas, the Texas Eagletes are sometimes rerouted on the Old Mopac Eagle Route ( in lieu of bustitutions between Longview and Ft Worth) via Kilgore,Palestine,Corsicana,Hearne( Crew Change )Rockdale,and Taylor, where it then resumes the Regular Route to/from Austin,San Marcos and San Antonio.

Amtrak T&E Crews based in Marshall and San Antonio are Qualified on this route, no UP Pilot required.

When's the last time that happened?

 

[Bob Dylan]

I

When's the last time that happened?

I believe it was 2023, I know I've ridden that reroute on the Eaglete several times, but have not taken it North since the Fall of 2023 due to Flex Dinning, No Sigtseer Lounge and High Bucket Fares due to the 4 Car consist.