Late Boarding Turn Down Protocol

[bpl888]

I will be boarding the westbound Empire Builder at MSP station and departing at 11:15 pm +/-. What should I expect for when the SCA will turn down my roomette, or convert it to a bedroom? As this is my first boarding on my first LD train trip I'd imagine that I may want to sit up for a while and have a few libations and drink in the train travel experience and stare at the inky blackness out the window. Is the SCA at my beck and call, or is it expected that at some point for his benifit and to ensure the peace of the sleeping car that I will have my roomette converted to sleeping mode? Is there an expected time for this? I definitly don't want to be difficult for anyone but I don't think I'll be sleeping for the first few hours.

A related question would be the hours of the lounge car. I have read that it varies by train but that it usually closes between 11 amd 12. Would anyone have first hand information on this on the Empire Builder? I will bring a few small bottles of kickapoo joy juice with me but I may need a mixer and ice or want to sit up with the other night owles in the lounge. Any help with my questions will be appreciated.

 

[Steve4031]

The sleeping car attendant will most likely have the room made up. He usually goes off duty at some point so he can get some sleep. So if you are expecting the him to be at your "beck and call" you will be disappointed. However, he will be available in the morning, coffee and hot water etc will be available, and he will probably put your beds up while you are at breakfast. If the bed is down, you can still sit up with your legs stretched out on the bed in front of you. If you turn the lights off you will have a great view.

 

[Ispolkom]

Your bed will be down when you board the train in St. Paul, and the attendant in the Sightseer Lounge car will be off duty. You can sit in the upper level of the lounge car, but I've never been able to buy anything upon leaving St. Paul.

When you board your sleeper, you can certainly get ice from the sleeping car attendant, and there are various sorts of fruit juice available (cranberry, orange, perhaps apple) to use as mixers. Amtrak does not allow the consumption of private stock alcohol outside of the sleeping car, though, so if you mix your own cocktail you're supposed to drink it in your bedroom or roomette.

 

[NorthCoastHiawatha]

I don't know about the Empire Builder, but I did the midnight boarding on the northbound Coast Starlight in Sacramento. The room was already made up for me and I was out pretty quick.

 

[rtabern]

When I was in a roomette from MKE-MSP last week on #7, the attendant announced around Red Wing, MN that he stays up until after the departure from MSP and does one last sweep of his sleeping car to see if anyone wants their beds down or needs anything before he goes to sleep. I am not sure if that is just this sleeping car attendant or if that is a normal procedure for the westbound EB out of MSP. As Ispolkom said, if the attendant does go to bed before MSP, he/she will make up your bed for you when you come up to the room.

 

[GoldenSpike]

When boarding at MSP, the attendant will be there most of the time.

 

However, on one trip CHI-SEA, at our MSP stop in sub-zero weather, the attendant was not on duty. Pax boarding were sent out on there own to board. One elderly couple first-timers were confused about what to do or where to go. Several of us out for (very brief) fresh air had to explain the game to them and direct them to their compartment in another sleeper car.

 

On departure, the conductor outside came by only to secure the door.

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

Just wanted to clear up that a roomette does NOT turn into a bedroom at night!

 

[railbuck]

Just wanted to clear up that a roomette does NOT turn into a bedroom at night!

No, but the coach turns into a pumpk... wait, I may be thinking of something else. :unsure:

 

[trainman74]

Just wanted to clear up that a roomette does NOT turn into a bedroom at night!

But a roomette and a bedroom look pretty much the same with your eyes closed.

 

[bpl888]

Thank you all for your replies. This is a great forum and I always get very usefull replies and information. I expect to be wound up when I first board the train but I will just lay back, turn off the lights and enjoy the view. I may take a walk up to the upper level of the lounge car just to look around. Thanks again for all the replies.

 

[fairviewroad]

Thank you all for your replies. This is a great forum and I always get very usefull replies and information. I expect to be wound up when I first board the train but I will just lay back, turn off the lights and enjoy the view. I may take a walk up to the upper level of the lounge car just to look around. Thanks again for all the replies.

Knowing what to expect can make a big difference. Have a great trip!

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

He usually goes off duty at some point so he can get some sleep. So if you are expecting the him to be at your "beck and call" you will be disappointed.

Isn't there suppose to be at least one attendant who is suppose to be up and awake at each station stop during the night?

 

[zephyr17]

He usually goes off duty at some point so he can get some sleep. So if you are expecting the him to be at your "beck and call" you will be disappointed.

Isn't there suppose to be at least one attendant who is suppose to be up and awake at each station stop during the night?

No, the operating crew (conductor and ACs) are on duty and handle passenger boarding/detraining in the wee hours of the morning when the service crew is off duty.

 

[Swadian Hardcore]

Just wanted to clear up that a roomette does NOT turn into a bedroom at night!

But a roomette and a bedroom look pretty much the same with your eyes closed.

You ain't tricking me with that! You can't see with your eyes closed!