Trip report - Southwest Chief #4 / Lake Shore Limited #448 LAX-SPG

[user 14106]

Is this just transitional or will plastic cutlery and paper table cloths be permanent? I thought I had read that real china is coming back.

The table cloths are not paper they are cloth. They are only out at dinner - they use a paper Mat on the table (like they’d use at a diner type establishment) for breakfast and lunch - table cloth only at dinner. I had metal cutlery at both dinners and on the last lunch. It was plastic at breakfast and at the first lunch. They may just be trying to go through their stock of stuff.

 

[Green Maned Lion]

Personally, I like Corelle over porcelin (sp?). Lighter, easier to clean, lower cost.
Same with stainless steel utensils over silver.

We have a set of Amtrak Corelle plates and saucers.

Thanks for the trip report and pics!

I eat using a set of 1940s Oneida silver plate and a 1930s set of Homer-Laughlin China. Both are extremely easy to clean in the sink. The silver requires a polish about once a month- takes about ten minutes. Lends a sense of occasion to just plain eating. Also it’s a lot cheaper than new stainless and Forelle or porcelain or even ceramic plates, because people are obsessed with dishwashers for some reason.

 

[Barb Stout]

That is very true. I used to think the Texas Eagle was a second-rate train because it didn't go through areas that seemed to have dramatic scenery. But then I rode it round-trip from Chicago to El Paso with a stopover of several days in San Antonio on the return trip. Then I realized what a great train it was. Unfortunately I have only been able to make one subsequent trip on the Eagle but that was a great trip from LA to Chicago.

Does "great train" mean that the scenery was better than you expected? Or what does it mean?

 

[MARC Rider]

That is very true. I used to think the Texas Eagle was a second-rate train because it didn't go through areas that seemed to have dramatic scenery. But then I rode it round-trip from Chicago to El Paso with a stopover of several days in San Antonio on the return trip. Then I realized what a great train it was. Unfortunately I have only been able to make one subsequent trip on the Eagle but that was a great trip from LA to Chicago.

But Amtrak management has engaged in a self-fulfilling prophecy. By removing the lounge car and traditional dining Amtrak has made the Eagle a second-rate train which it never was before.

The Texas Eagle has great views of the St. Louis Gateway Arch. Urban scenery counts just as much as mountain or ocean vistas.

 

[Rasputin]

Does "great train" mean that the scenery was better than you expected? Or what does it mean?

The scenery along the route was much better than I had expected and it was a fairly busy train. I enjoyed the passengers and crew on this train. Very pleasant trips.

 

[NapTown Jim]

Thank you for sharing this trip report! I am thrilled to see the return of traditional dining on those western trains.

 

[alpha3]

Thanks for such a great and informative trip report, especially the photos; I especially liked the food ones, lol.... can't wait to get back on the 'Builder or the 'Zephyr!

 

[Cal]

Is this just transitional or will plastic cutlery and paper table cloths be permanent? I thought I had read that real china is coming back.

Amtrak is stating that real china is coming back. Don't be surprised if they only use it for dinner though.

 

[Cal]

Urban scenery counts just as much as mountain or ocean vistas.

Gotta disagree with you here. Seeing different urban areas can be nice, however that's all you (or at least most people) see usually, it can get old. Nothing like enjoying Glacier National Park or the Cascades from the SSL!

 

[user 14106]

And my last photo - lunch on the lake shore! Interestingly, the Boston section is running with 2 coach cars today - so back up to normal consist.

 

[MARC Rider]

And my last photo - lunch on the lake shore! Interestingly, the Boston section is running with 2 coach cars today - so back up to normal consist.

When I rode the Boston Section last week, it had 2 coaches.

 

[user 14106]

When I rode the Boston Section last week, it had 2 coaches.

When I rode out on the first leg of my trip June 11 (connected to Zephyr) was only running with 1. I believe one Boston coach and two New York coaches. Now it’s running with two Boston and two or just one New York I think. I honestly can’t remember how many coaches I walked through from the Boston sleeper to diner. Given that I can’t imagine they’d do only one New York coach it just be 2 Boston 2 New York.

 

[Ferroequinologist]

Amtrak is stating that real china is coming back. Don't be surprised if they only use it for dinner though.

I suspect you're right.

 

[Dustyroad]

Has any one had the Tamale appetizer yet? And how was it? I want to try it, but I want to get it with Sour Cream instead of of the sauce that's offered. I don't know if they will let me. I will be on the Southwest Chief.

 

[Cal]

Has any one had the Tamale appetizer yet? And how was it? I want to try it, but I want to get it with Sour Cream instead of of the sauce that's offered. I don't know if they will let me. I will be on the Southwest Chief.

WHen I was on board they were out of it,so I haven't tried or seen it.

 

[Dustyroad]

WHen I was on board they were out of it,so I haven't tried or seen it.

Thanks for the reply. It must be a popular item (I'm guessing). Maybe they will have it when I am on board. I can't eat rice so I'm not sure about the Lobster Crab Cake. It might be my choice since the salad doesn't appeal to me. At least we have real food!