Southwest Chief Train 3 Last July During The Summer Of Breakdowns

[seat38a]

I've finally finished the trip report for my trip on the Soutwest Chief from last July during the summer of constant breakdowns. We traveled from ABQ - LAUS. My mom has been patient with Amtrak so far but after this trip on the SWC and couple other massive delays on the corridor routes, she wants a break from Amtrak.

Full report including photos can be found below.

http://seat38a.com/amtrak-southwest-chief-albuquerque-to-los-angeles-in-deluxe-bedroom/

 

[Steve4031]

Engine problems are the bane of Amtrak travel. My GF had a 7 hour delay on the Lincoln service because of engine problems.

 

[SarahZ]

Your pictures are great, especially for first-time travelers who want to know what the rooms and showers look like.

That picture of the Gallup station at night makes me nostalgic for long-distance trips. It's been too long.

 

[seat38a]

Your pictures are great, especially for first-time travelers who want to know what the rooms and showers look like.

That picture of the Gallup station at night makes me nostalgic for long-distance trips. It's been too long.

Thanks! I try to take pictures for my trip reports so they can be as informative as possible. There are two questions that I get asked a lot. 1 is how does one ride Amtrak and 2 is what does the room and the facilities look like. For the second question, I like to show them photos rather than trying to explain it in words.

 

[seat38a]

Engine problems are the bane of Amtrak travel. My GF had a 7 hour delay on the Lincoln service because of engine problems.

Yes, it seems to be getting worse and worse. In 2016, the breakdowns and cancellations were really starting to test my patience as well.

 

[crabby_appleton1950]

Is the first photo in this thread ABQ? Is that a ramp to walk up and into the train car? When I go I always have to step up onto a stool, and I'm a disabled guy with bad legs, using a cane.

The Amtrak folk just stand there, watching me, thinking "Hurry up, old man", never hearing my request for assistance.

As for the ABQ depot, I always find it full of what appear to be street people. They hang around the men's room door, apparently sizing you up as you enter, occupy every stall (perhaps sleeping) and stand at each sink combing their hair for hours.

 

[printman2000]

It is a ramp for a wheelchair.

 

[seat38a]

Is the first photo in this thread ABQ? Is that a ramp to walk up and into the train car? When I go I always have to step up onto a stool, and I'm a disabled guy with bad legs, using a cane.

The Amtrak folk just stand there, watching me, thinking "Hurry up, old man", never hearing my request for assistance.

As for the ABQ depot, I always find it full of what appear to be street people. They hang around the men's room door, apparently sizing you up as you enter, occupy every stall (perhaps sleeping) and stand at each sink combing their hair for hours.

Yes it is a ramp and it is ABQ. They put it down for the family boarding with someone in a wheelchair. ABQ station is definitely has the feel of an inner city station. Yes I know what you mean by the restroom. It wasn't clean and smelled worse like everyone who came through gave themselves a sponge bath.