Arrived at TOL around 9:30 this morning after a two hour drive starting in fog, sunshine, then a brisk wind off of Lake Erie.
A small crowd had already gathered downstairs on the platform and the 40th Anniversary Train was being opened for tours. We jumped in line after passing through the station full of displays, vendors from many different train organizations, fantastic art displays, etc.
The elevator had a waiting line so took the stairway to the lower floor.
Had a great time viewing the displays on the train. So many memories of the early years of Amtrak. Of course had to get a tee shirt and glad they had some left in my size with the anniversary locos on the front.
Passed through the cars and into the dining cars, sleepers -both Viewliner and Superliners. These cars were added to the traditional 40th Anniversary Unit. There also was only one locomotive on the head end. But the train was super long with all the additional cars.
Many families took advantage of the empty roomettes and bedrooms to find a seat and enjoy a "free upgrade" in sleeper. Enthusiasm all around there. Showed a young guy with his son the bedroom and the bathroom/shower unit. They were impressed. The little boy was having a great time.
Took lots of photos of the trainset. Norfolk Southern brought its Operation Lifesaver GP38-2 and placed it at the end of the platform for photos. Employees were passing out literature on OLS as well.
By now the lines were very long and glad we took the early tour. Met some nice people who took a trip on Amtrak last summer (SWC-CS-EB) and can hardly wait to go on the CZ this summer. What a positive PR program for Amtrak.
Many, many volunteers in TOL made this day a success. One of the agents we see in CLE was working the ticket window in the station.
Got the brand new Spring-Summer 2012 System Timetable. Nice Acela photo on the front and the smell of fresh newsprint. :giggle:
Since I am giving one my Amtrak programs next Tuesday, I was able to acquire lots of free show and tell materials from the station--timetables, etc to hand out. Quite a load to get back to our van.
Many model railroad displays of all gauges, lots of kids activities both inside and outside. Food vendors, etc.
Certainly glad we made the trip.
Photos below.
http://amtrakadventures2012.shutterfly.com/pictures/
A small crowd had already gathered downstairs on the platform and the 40th Anniversary Train was being opened for tours. We jumped in line after passing through the station full of displays, vendors from many different train organizations, fantastic art displays, etc.
The elevator had a waiting line so took the stairway to the lower floor.
Had a great time viewing the displays on the train. So many memories of the early years of Amtrak. Of course had to get a tee shirt and glad they had some left in my size with the anniversary locos on the front.
Passed through the cars and into the dining cars, sleepers -both Viewliner and Superliners. These cars were added to the traditional 40th Anniversary Unit. There also was only one locomotive on the head end. But the train was super long with all the additional cars.
Many families took advantage of the empty roomettes and bedrooms to find a seat and enjoy a "free upgrade" in sleeper. Enthusiasm all around there. Showed a young guy with his son the bedroom and the bathroom/shower unit. They were impressed. The little boy was having a great time.
Took lots of photos of the trainset. Norfolk Southern brought its Operation Lifesaver GP38-2 and placed it at the end of the platform for photos. Employees were passing out literature on OLS as well.
By now the lines were very long and glad we took the early tour. Met some nice people who took a trip on Amtrak last summer (SWC-CS-EB) and can hardly wait to go on the CZ this summer. What a positive PR program for Amtrak.
Many, many volunteers in TOL made this day a success. One of the agents we see in CLE was working the ticket window in the station.
Got the brand new Spring-Summer 2012 System Timetable. Nice Acela photo on the front and the smell of fresh newsprint. :giggle:
Since I am giving one my Amtrak programs next Tuesday, I was able to acquire lots of free show and tell materials from the station--timetables, etc to hand out. Quite a load to get back to our van.
Many model railroad displays of all gauges, lots of kids activities both inside and outside. Food vendors, etc.
Certainly glad we made the trip.
Photos below.
http://amtrakadventures2012.shutterfly.com/pictures/
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