LSL CHI-BOS scenery

[johnny.menhennet]

My dad and I are about to book a roomette CHI-BOS in April on the LSL... I'm used to western two-level trains, and the only non-commuter single -level I've ridden is the PacSurf Amfleet consist. Since on these trains, there is no SSL and we can only see out of one side, what side should I ask the agent to put us on (if I get a good agent)?

 

[greatcats]

I don't think it really matters. the western Massachusetts portion is quite beautiful and is away from highways.

 

[TCRT]

I've only ever traveled in coach, but I though that the side of the train you were on was determined by random chance, since the sleeper may be pointed in either direction.

In any case, the scenery on either side of the Lake Shore Limited is roughly equivalent, and it's a short walk to the cafe if you feel like the other side is better. I was on the right side of the train from Chicago to Boston and was not disappointed. For the trip down the Berkshires from Pittsfield to Springfield, the train hops back and forth from one side of a river to the other, and based on my memory plus Google Maps I think that the river spends more time on the right side than on the left, but it's still really a toss-up. Lake Erie, on the other hand, will be on the left side of the train, but as I recall there are not many opportunities to actually see the lake anyway.

 

[AlanB]

I'd do the right side, as that's the side that will run along the Erie canal for many miles.

 

[Shanghai]

I agree with Alan on the right side. I hope you get Tom or Sharon as you SCA.

Both are excellent as is Kevin in the diner. Have a pleasant trip.

 

[J-1 3235]

If you are in the 4820 sleeper, I believe you should ask for an odd numbered roomette.

IIRC, the H room has been forward, against the Boston baggage car. I usually have room B, and the sofa faces forward. After double checking this page, it looks like the odd side is to the right.

As it seems like I'm on the right side pretty much every trip home, I have to like the right side more than the left

Mike

 

[Mackensen]

Eastbound this time of year you'll want the right side, as AlanB and others have said. You'll be able to see the Erie Canal, including locks and bridges. It's the highlight. I'm not sure if you'll have enough sunlight to see anything in the Berkshires (Albany-Pittsfield), and it doesn't really matter which side you're on. Westbound is a toss-up; you might see something of the Erie Canal again on the left side before the sun sets, but you should see the sun rise over Lake Erie on the right side the next morning (assuming you aren't really delayed).

 

[johnny.menhennet]

Is the right side going to be an odd-numbered car (generally)? about to book...

 

[Donctor]

Yes, roomettes 1-11 are typically on the right.

However, the BOS-CHI sleeper does not run vestibule-forward as consistently as the sleepers on other single-level trains.

 

[johnny.menhennet]

Booked it last night. Got a great agent on the phone who, when I asked for "preferably an odd numbered roomette," she immediately told me all that were open, and recommended 1, since it is in the middle of the car. Whether middle of the car is better or not, I said "that sounds great!" just happy to have a good agent who took the time to give me what I want

.

 

[Donctor]

Booked it last night. Got a great agent on the phone who, when I asked for "preferably an odd numbered roomette," she immediately told me all that were open, and recommended 1, since it is in the middle of the car. Whether middle of the car is better or not, I said "that sounds great!" just happy to have a good agent who took the time to give me what I want

.

As far as I'm aware, middle of the car = smoother ride.