Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight FUL-SEA round trip

[jis]

Good thing your trip was not on yesterday (12/19) Starlight. It apparently had a rather eventful journey.

 

[TinCan782]

The ride for the rest of the evening was uneventful. I scrolled through my phone for much of it, while also noting the speed and listening to the horn. I also went on the chehalis railcam when we passed, which was nice. About an 90 minutes before arrival into Seattle the attendant (Maria is her name) gave us some roses, nice touch. When we went over the site of the 2017 Cascades derailment I looked out, not much to see but a lot to remember. I also looked out when we passed Boeing field, I was surprised to see how tall we were when compared to the aircraft. Tomorrow I’m looking forward to seeing it in daylight. About 30 minutes prior to arrival we packed up our things, and enjoyed the speedy ride through the Seattle Metropolitan area. Being a railfan, my eyes naturally looked at the Amtrak and Sounder yards, which are always cool to see. When we pulled into the station I saw the two remaining Talgo sets, they are beautiful. It’s a shame they’re gonna be gone so quick. We arrived just before 9PM, and we disembarked fairly quickly. Seattle King Street Station has such a beautiful interior. We walked to the nearby Hilton and checked in. I can hear the trains from the room which is great. Now I am going to sleep, tomorrow morning I hope to take a very quick ride on the streetcar and see Seattle Union Station. Thanks for reading part one, I see y’all tomorrow.

the last picture is in the hotel room, neat feather. The TV also has Amtrak departures, although they are outdated.

I had that painting in my room at the Embassy Suites Seattle last year! I really like it.

 

[Cal]

Good thing your return trip was not on yesterday (12/19) Starlight. It apparently had a rather eventful journey.

I see it’s running two hours late, which we were also running 2 hours late. What happened?
I know realize you’re talking about 11, which is running 6 hours late, I remember passing it, apparently it dropped an engine in PDX for the builder.

 

[Cal]

For the entire afternoon I relaxed in the SSL. It’s been rainy and foggy all day, and it got worse as we continued south. However I like it, as I don’t get much rain where I live. The scenery is very serene, and the fog adds to it. When we got to the flatter part there were, and still are a lot of flooded fields, and even some flooded roads. The SSL is pretty busy, with a handful of people chatting, it’s a wonderful atmosphere. After we left Albany we slowed and passed a late 14, meanwhile we are running on time. While racing through the valley the conductor came on and announced that passengers will have to vacate the SSL because it will be used for passengers seats for those boarding at Eugene, apparently we are oversold. My partner and I wanted to eat dinner (from the diner) in here [the SSL] as well — the reason we’re not eating in the diner is that it was not an option, I assume because sleepers are sold out and they’re already overstretched. Our attendant said we would be able to, but I’m not holding my breath as conductors have the final say, we’ll see what happens. Right now we’re getting closer to Eugene and the sky is getting darker, and I’m preparing to see a local railfan whose spotting the train.

One thing I forgot to mention is thst I saw a small waterfall across the willamette River just south of Oregon city.

 

[Cal]

one thing I forgot to mention earlier is that shortly after departing Seattle it was announced that the restrooms in the last coach were out of order, still out of order as we depart Eugene

 

[87YJ]

Best time to travel into the PNW. Happy for you!

 

[TinCan782]

While racing through the valley the conductor came on and announced that passengers will have to vacate the SSL because it will be used for passengers seats for those boarding at Eugene, apparently we are oversold.

OK, there is a definite number of seats on a train. How the H does Amtrak oversell?
Nevermind!

 

[CCC1007]

OK, there is a definite number of seats on a train. How the H does Amtrak oversell?
Nevermind!

They can sell slightly over the capacity and hope that some people cancel or miss the train. Or there may be some seats out of service.

 

[Bob Dylan]

They can sell slightly over the capacity and hope that some people cancel or miss the train. Or there may be some seats out of service.

This is pretty common on the NEC where people end up sitting in the Cafe when the Trains are Full!

 

[Cal]

I was able to see the railfan as we sped by, it’s always cool to see and interact with local railfans. When we came into Eugene I stepped out quickly, I contemplated whether or not I should get a picture of the engines but I got a text saying dinner had arrived and decided to board. Dinner was good, we both got the steak again and my partner got the tamale (again) while I got the salad. They rated the tamale an eight out of ten: We saved our desserts for later. As we departed Eugene the railfan filmed us and I waved. When I went to return the steak knives to the diner I saw that flowers weren’t on the tables, not sure why. By this time it was too dark to see anything outside, and there were multiple people without seats in business class so we went back to our seats, turned on a show (Air Crash Investigation), and relaxed. During this time a small chihuahua walked down the aisle while it’s owner was asleep, which caught the attention by a few passengers, myself included. It was returned by a fellow passenger, I don’t know about some but I didn’t mind it, it was adorable. Right before chemult I went downstairs and peaked through the window to see if there was snow, and there was. I was about to go back up when the conductor and attendant came down, he opened the door as we were slowing down and I saw the snowy landscape. He and the attendant were talking, apparently the dining car had been having issues all day with the AC and other things. And one of the dining car staff was pouring orange juice out of the diner (before we reached the platform of course), kind of funny and worth noting IMO. Another thing worth noting is that one passenger was getting off and two were getting on, one headed to Sacramento and one headed to Salinas. Once the hallway cleared out I went back to my seat, snapped a picture of the outside, snd went back to my show. We decided to eat our dessert not too much later, and enjoyed the carrot cake and chocolate torte, although the latter is a bit too rich for my taste while the former is wonderful. Soon we were arriving into Klamath Falls a few minutes early, and we decided to pack up the computer and clean up the seat before arrival. When we did arrive I went up to the engines for a picture, then walked the length of the train. Also peaked inside the small depot. It was in the high thirties so I was cold, but not freezing. After that I chatted with our attendant and the chef loaded the diner with water. The station staff also collected trash bags. Soon we departed, and we got ready for “bed.” Currently we’re stopped in Dorris, CA for whatever reason. I’m hoping to wake up prior to Sacramento to step out. Other than that, goodnight.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

This is pretty common on the NEC where people end up sitting in the Cafe when the Trains are Full!

On the NEC that’s probably due to pax with multi-ride tickets. I’m not sure, but I don’t think they need a reservation.
Also, I think Amtrak will sometimes cross honor commuter tickets.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

You may have stopped in CA due to an earthquake in northern CA. If so, then UP probably is checking the tracks for damage.

 

[jis]

You may have stopped in CA due to an earthquake in northern CA. If so, then UP probably is checking the tracks for damage.

It was not an insignificant event at magnitude 6.2. Its epicenter was offshore near the so called Mendocino Triple Junction, for those geologically minded.

Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Northern California, causing 'moderate to strong shaking'

How much was the Starlight delayed because of it?

 

[87YJ]

Did you know that some areas of Klamath Falls have steam heat from underground vents piped to their homes. I had family member that was a conductor for the SP based in KF during the 50's & 60's. Have his signal lantern.
Know you are enjoying the ride!

 

[20th Century Rider]

Hello! Currently at LA Union waiting for 14 to pull in. Will begin the trip report once on the train. Feel free to tune in, I will be posting along the way.

Thank you for sharing with us... a great way to see how things are going... will you be in business class or coach?

 

[20th Century Rider]

CS doing well today... so far...

 

[Barb Stout]

Yep. They will head out to the Renton plant where 737s are assembled.

I noticed that the 779 has its wings folded up. I saw the early ones being assembled when I last visited the Everett plant, and the Carbon Fiber wing spars being laid out on mandrels for cooking in the autoclaves.

Huh. Why do airplane parts need to be autoclaved, asked the biomedical person.

 

[Maglev]

Huh. Why do airplane parts need to be autoclaved, asked the biomedical person.

It's a baking process, I believe to set the carbon fiber resin. It is not a sterilization process.

 

[20th Century Rider]

I was able to see the railfan as we sped by, it’s always cool to see and interact with local railfans. When we came into Eugene I stepped out quickly, I contemplated whether or not I should get a picture of the engines but I got a text saying dinner had arrived and decided to board. Dinner was good, we both got the steak again and my partner got the tamale (again) while I got the salad. They rated the tamale an eight out of ten: We saved our desserts for later. As we departed Eugene the railfan filmed us and I waved. When I went to return the steak knives to the diner I saw that flowers weren’t on the tables, not sure why. By this time it was too dark to see anything outside, and there were multiple people without seats in business class so we went back to our seats, turned on a show (Air Crash Investigation), and relaxed. During this time a small chihuahua walked down the aisle while it’s owner was asleep, which caught the attention by a few passengers, myself included. It was returned by a fellow passenger, I don’t know about some but I didn’t mind it, it was adorable. Right before chemult I went downstairs and peaked through the window to see if there was snow, and there was. I was about to go back up when the conductor and attendant came down, he opened the door as we were slowing down and I saw the snowy landscape. He and the attendant were talking, apparently the dining car had been having issues all day with the AC and other things. And one of the dining car staff was pouring orange juice out of the diner (before we reached the platform of course), kind of funny and worth noting IMO. Another thing worth noting is that one passenger was getting off and two were getting on, one headed to Sacramento and one headed to Salinas. Once the hallway cleared out I went back to my seat, snapped a picture of the outside, snd went back to my show. We decided to eat our dessert not too much later, and enjoyed the carrot cake and chocolate torte, although the latter is a bit too rich for my taste while the former is wonderful. Soon we were arriving into Klamath Falls a few minutes early, and we decided to pack up the computer and clean up the seat before arrival. When we did arrive I went up to the engines for a picture, then walked the length of the train. Also peaked inside the small depot. It was in the high thirties so I was cold, but not freezing. After that I chatted with our attendant and the chef loaded the diner with water. The station staff also collected trash bags. Soon we departed, and we got ready for “bed.” Currently we’re stopped in Dorris, CA for whatever reason. I’m hoping to wake up prior to Sacramento to step out. Other than that, goodnight.

The food looks good! The chef can make a super big difference... as can your attendant if you have it served in your room. I've experienced really great service on most trains... when it's good its fantastic.

 

[jis]

It's a baking process, I believe to set the carbon fiber resin. It is not a sterilization process.

Indeed. Quoting from a large document on carbon fiber part manufacturing:

The fibers are woven into sheets with the necessary orientations, needed by the manufacturer. To make carbon fiber parts, first a mold must be made of the desired part. The carbon fiber sheet is flattened along the mold and applied resin. The carbon fiber is then heated to harden it in the shape of the mold. Finally the mold is removed and the carbon fiber piece is ready.

Incidentally CF parts, are starting to be used in railway applications too.

If we wish to discuss this further we should move this to a new thread.

 

[joelkfla]

This is pretty common on the NEC where people end up sitting in the Cafe when the Trains are Full!

Like in White Christmas. After Danny gives his & Bing's tickets to Rosemary & Vera-Ellen, the boys board the overnight train from Florida without tickets, and the conductor says: "This train is completely sold out, but if you'd like, you can purchase coach tickets and sit up all night in the lounge."

Which leads to the memorable musical number, "Snow".

 

[Cal]

The food looks good! The chef can make a super big difference... as can your attendant if you have it served in your room. I've experienced really great service on most trains... when it's good its fantastic.

We’re in business.

 

[20th Century Rider]

This is pretty common on the NEC where people end up sitting in the Cafe when the Trains are Full!

But do all crews allow them to sit in the cafe dining section? Some I've encountered have been brash and rude... wondering if some of the 'not so nice' crews make people stand when all the seats are taken???

Oh my... I had that happen to me in Italy... it was so packed that I ended up squeezed up against the WC for a few hours... worst trip ever! When I finally got to my destination I 'drowned my sorrows and frustration' with a magnificent Italian pizza!

 

[jis]

But do all crews allow them to sit in the cafe dining section? Some I've encountered have been brash and rude... wondering if some of the 'not so nice' crews make people stand when all the seats are taken???

Have you had a crew on the NEC that did not let you sit in the Cafe when no seats were available? In my many dozen trips from Metropark, a place from where one often could not find a seat, I have never had that happen to me when I went too the cafe for a seat.

Of course when there are scads of seats in the train and someone tries to hog a seat in the cafe, they might frown upon that a bit.

 

[Cal]

Good morning, reading this was the first time I heard about the earthquake and we were early into Sacramento so I don’t think we were effected. I got a better nights sleep then on 14, at Redding me and my partner were woken up, not sure why. They went to the SSL and spent the rest of the night there, and I slept until Sacramento. I woke up while we were stopped at Sacramento at around 6:15, and stepped off and walked the train. The refueling process at SAC is interesting. The cars were also watered. After that I got back on and got ready for the day as we were departing. My partner was awakened by the crew and returned. Around this time we passed multiple Amtrak Californian trains. Just prior to Davis we slowed and stopped while a late Capitol Corrior which was behind us passed. We remained stopped for a little while and then came in about 20 minutes late. Just after Davis we went to the diner for breakfast, which was wonderful. While waiting to be seated I noticed a social distancing sign, which is ironic since the diner seemed (from announcements the dah before) to be packed. Breakfast might be my favorite meal. One of the SA’s said it was his first time in the diner, although I’m not sure if he is a new hire or came from a different OBS position. And there were at least two SA’s in addition to the LSA. As we left the diner we were going over the Suisun bay, and I went to the SSL to watch what I had missed in darkness While in Martinez a Capitol Corridor train arrived as well, and as we began skirting the bay a San Joaquin passed too; I went to the railfan window to see it pass. Once back in the SSL, I enjoyed the view of the bay. Once we got further south I caught a few glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline. As we approached Emeryville the conductor announced we’d be making a double stop. This was because we were late, and so the CZ had to take the long distance platform leaving us with the shorter corridor platform. This made us lose another ten minutes. As we approached Oakland I looked for the old 16th street station and got an okay picture of it, I also enjoyed seeing the Oakland yards. When we came into Jack London Square I filmed the infamous streetrunning, which I love. While we were at the station some track equipment was moving down the freight track and stopped in the streetrunning section, I’m not sure what was going on. As we departed a southbound San Joaquin train also departed, which I filmed from the railfan window. We soon sped up and were breezing through the Bay Area. As we went over the National Wildlife refuge I filmed the ghost town, which was neat to see. As we joined tracks with Caltrain it was also cool to see the catenary, it’s really impressive. I saw a unique car that looks kind of like an amfleet in their shops, I wonder what it is and why it’s there. A coach attendant (Renee) announced as we were approaching that all coach and business seats would be filled and solo passengers will be seated with someone. When we stopped in San Jose there were 20-30 people getting on in coach/business. Meanwhile I walked to the front, then chatted with one of the station volunteers as I’m curious about it. Unfortunately we had to cut it short as it was time to go. Now we are slowly moving through San Jose and I’m planespotting as many planes have been seen on descent. We are running around 20 minutes late, so basically on time, and I am in the SSL, which is completely full.