During WWII, I rode the "Green Diamond" from St. L to Chicago and back several times while my Dad was at GLNTC at Green Bay prior to duty in the South Pacific. We lived in Clayton at the time and we stayed with my uncle in Oak Park so Dad could visit on weekends, The trains were packed with uniformed troops at that time. The strangest sight at the time was a "Baby" Aircraft Carrier at anchor on Lake Michigan. The white on white captions are difficult to see and need to stay visible longer for us "oldsters" LOL!
Very interesting video. Thank you so much. Can’t get enough of Amtrak videos. You are very interesting and informative. Looking forward to seeing more videos.
Very enjoyable video. I like your comments especially, they are informative and well written. They are just the right amount of information. Your final product is very good.
Nice video! A pleasant surprise to watch while I have my second coffee. It’s always entertaining to watch rural and small-town USA from a train. I look forward to see your take on the cross country experience.
Thanks for watching, I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! I plan to upload much more Amtrak/train related content in the future. I love watching the world go by out the window and seeing the small towns as the train passes through.
I'm really grateful for this video! I'm going to be traveling to Chicago in February to see a friend on the big screen at the Chicago Bulls game! I was pretty worried since this will be my traveling alone as a woman and I wanted to do a thorough search of what to expect when traveling! I was surprised to even find a video that would show me such a detailed description of what to expect when taking the train from St. Louis! This was very informational and brings my at ease about traveling on the train!
Oh wow thanks. This is the train I am booked on! And I would love to see more about business class to determine if worth upgrade....one about Empire Builder Chicago to Seattle.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, I know that the Venture cars are currently only on those trains you mentioned. I was hoping that there'd still be the off chance they'd be on my train but there's always next time! I had been wondering about the hand dryer so thanks for that info! One of the first times I've ever seen one on Amtrak.
Next time you take this route could you do it in business class I am curious to see the differences between business class and coach class on this route. thanks. awesome video btw
@@jimmellenberger8505 Business class is in the back of the Cafe car. It has all leather seating with two on one side and a single on the other. Anywhere north of Springfield this section is full.
Very enjoyable & informative upload. I too am an Amtrak train fan. However, I like videos of all kinds of trains. Trains are a great way to see the cities as well as the rural areas but especially the mountains & rivers as you sit back & relax - totally different to flying (which I try & avoid as much as possible). I have been on the South West Chief from Chicago to LA and have the California Zephyer on my 'bucket list'. So much looking forward to your next Amtrak long-distance experience on the California Zephyr - the scenery is supposed to be the best.
Yes Dennis it is beautiful, i live in Chicago & my brother and i have rode the California Zephyr from Chicago to Glenwood Springs, it was back in September 2001, Dennis get a sleeping car, and when the Zephyr leaves Denver, go in the Sightseeing Lounge car, I'm a Model Railroader and i model the California Zephyr in N Scale, enjoy your journey on the Zephyr.
@@michaelglass4701 Thank you Michael I have taken note of your suggestions - much appreciated. I have also been on the City of New Orleans train (Chicago to NL) & The Maple Leaf (NY to Toronto). 3 things I especially like about Amtrak long-distance trains are the traditional dining, observation car & the extended breaks when you can get off the train & walkabout. Of course, the scenery & generally the helpful & pleasant crew & fellow passengers are also worth mentioning.
Thanks for your comment, Dennis, I agree! Traveling by train is incredibly enjoyable and the views never disappoint no matter which route you take. There's always something to see even on these shorter routes. The Southwest Chief is on my list, and I'll hopefully ride it later this year. The California Zephyr has some stunning scenery, and I can't wait to share my experience on it! Thanks so much for watching!
In spite of their age, the Horizon cars have great seats, to be honest. I traveled on them between Chicago and Detroit recently and, as a European, I was pleasantly surprised. While I'm at it, can anyone explain what improvements Amtrak is bringing to the St.-Louis - Chicago services (beside the momentous introduction of the new Siemens cars)? Is frequency scheduled to be improved, or speed, or both? I'm really interested in Amtrak's massive plans for improvement.
I would recommend taking The South Shore Line from Chicago Millennium Station to South Bend Regional Airport The World's Last Continuously Operating Interurban Railroad.
I didn't notice, in your😮 comments section, a mention of the stop at Summit. In order to board in Summit, you have to be booked on an Amtrak train going beyond Chicago, and there is a time limit to the connection. In other words, you couldn't be booked on your train and connect to the Capitol Limited or the Lake Shore Limited. You would have to take a later Lincoln Service train. You could connect to a Hiawatha train or a Michigan train. I'm not sure if you could connect to the "Builder," "Chief," or "Zephyr" though. It's the same situation with local Chicago boardings at Glenview and Naperville.
I'm looking at ways to travel to see the solar eclipse this April, but not driving the 900 miles and having to go through Chicago traffic from Milwaukee. I can take the Hiawatha to Chicago and another to Carbondale, but then I thought about extending my trip to 3 or 4 days and travel to St Louis to see the arch and the park and museums where they held the early 1900's World's Fair. I figured on renting a car in St Louis and using it to drive down to Carbondale on Monday the 8th and then return later that day to spend the evening back in St Louis. It's like 2.5 hours from St Louis and we'd kill two destinations in one extended weekend. Based on your trip in this video, it looks like I could travel back on the 9th and get back to Milwaukee in the afternoon.
Remember, this was taken during COVID restrictions, and many Americans would choose to drive rather than be forced to submit to mask restrictions for the 5 hour run.
Well done video and learned information I did not know. I have much familiarity with this route being from St. Louis and riding all the AMTRAK routes west of St. Louis in 5 weekend to weekend trips between 2001 and 2013 to see The West and Canada between Vancouver and Jasper. I would have liked to know if your ride was on a lot of AMTRAK "only" track as I know they had been working on plenty of new track between Joliet and Alton to make it a faster route, which I think is the case given your timetable. Was your track ride smooth? That would be a good indicator the track work is completed. I made connections going or returning with the Empire Builder and Zephyr routes in Chicago with this train. That newer St. Louis train station is small but much better than what I first caught out of St. Louis. I wish there had been a way for you to film the business class section on this route shared with the cafe car. I never rode business class on it. Thanks for sharing.
Forgot to mention you did miss something by the hour you caught the train in St. Louis. Within easy walking distance of the AMTRAK station is the St. Louis Union Station that was used for many years for rail travel but now only accommodates special excurions like the Polar Express at Christmas for the kids. It has had extensive redevelopment with the giant ferris wheel and aquarium with restaurants and other things to do. I mention it though because of the great architecture inside the Union Staion hotel lobby with its lighing show that would have really impressed you as it was one of the old grand train stations from years ago. It's all made to look new now. A rail fan will want to stay in this hotel.
I find the disparity in the number of views of your rail trips vs airline trips absolutely amazing. Perhaps it's time for a quick month in Europe or Japan or some other place that boasts lots of rail lines just waiting for reviews from an optimistic American perspective. But I suppose there are still some Amtrak routes to do along with some interesting commuter and light rail lines that might be of interest. Best of luck with your pursuits here.
The Lincoln Service tracks are right outside my office window, so I probably saw this train go past when you were riding it! Coach fare sounds pretty cheap, even for the entire distance. (I wonder how much more Business class would be?)
Nice video! Here are my questions: 1. On a scale of 1-10, how scenic is the trip? how would it compare to the Pacific Surfliner? 2. Are there any fresh air/smoke stops where you can get out and looks at the engine? (can you go onto the platform before boarding at STL and/or go to the front when boarding? Sorry for lots of questions, but hope it’s ok!
Actually, it is the least frequent service offered by Metra - Metra offers only 3 inbound trains in the morning and 3 outbound trains in the afternoon/evening. Summit is unique among Metra stations in that it has more Amtrak departures than Metra departures.
What's checking in a bag like? Do we check in before boarding or carry it with us on the platform and onto thr train itself and someone will assist us?
I have taken the Amtrak Lincoln Service in coach multiple times, and it is open seating. If the train is full, the conductors might mark certain train cars as reserved for certain destinations (i.e. one car as St. Louis to Chicago, another as St. Louis to intermediate destinations), but you can sit wherever you want within that car (with obvious exceptions, like accessible seating for individuals with disabilities).
Great question! I've never had an issue getting a window and on most short-medium distance trains it is open seating (Except for the group seating which is usually for parties of three of more).
During WWII, I rode the "Green Diamond" from St. L to Chicago and back several times while my Dad was at GLNTC at Green Bay prior to duty in the South Pacific. We lived in Clayton at the time and we stayed with my uncle in Oak Park so Dad could visit on weekends, The trains were packed with uniformed troops at that time. The strangest sight at the time was a "Baby" Aircraft Carrier at anchor on Lake Michigan. The white on white captions are difficult to see and need to stay visible longer for us "oldsters" LOL!
Thank you for sharing your story
Very interesting video. Thank you so much. Can’t get enough of Amtrak videos. You are very interesting and informative. Looking forward to seeing more videos.
The bridge you cross at 2:50 is the MacArthur Bridge. The Merchants Bridge is a couple of miles upstream
Very enjoyable video. I like your comments especially, they are informative and well written. They are just the right amount of information. Your final product is very good.
Thanks Dan! My partner and I are planning a trip to Chicago late in 2023 and are gonna take the Amtrak! Great video, keep it up!!!
Nice video! A pleasant surprise to watch while I have my second coffee. It’s always entertaining to watch rural and small-town USA from a train. I look forward to see your take on the cross country experience.
Thanks for watching, I'm so glad you enjoyed the video! I plan to upload much more Amtrak/train related content in the future. I love watching the world go by out the window and seeing the small towns as the train passes through.
I'm really grateful for this video! I'm going to be traveling to Chicago in February to see a friend on the big screen at the Chicago Bulls game! I was pretty worried since this will be my traveling alone as a woman and I wanted to do a thorough search of what to expect when traveling! I was surprised to even find a video that would show me such a detailed description of what to expect when taking the train from St. Louis! This was very informational and brings my at ease about traveling on the train!
Great video thanks for sharing! My girlfriend is going to be traveling that exact route so good to see what it will somewhat be like
Oh wow thanks. This is the train I am booked on! And I would love to see more about business class to determine if worth upgrade....one about Empire Builder Chicago to Seattle.
Very cool video. Makes me feel like I'm actually on the train.
Travelling right through my neck of the woods!
I really like your channel. Keep up the excellent work!
Sir best video for ever 👏
Great video!!! Btw the Siemens Venture cars are currently on 303-306 only. The hand dryer in the restroom is a Nova 5.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, I know that the Venture cars are currently only on those trains you mentioned. I was hoping that there'd still be the off chance they'd be on my train but there's always next time! I had been wondering about the hand dryer so thanks for that info! One of the first times I've ever seen one on Amtrak.
Next time you take this route could you do it in business class I am curious to see the differences between business class and coach class on this route. thanks. awesome video btw
agree
Train only consisted of 4 Coach cars, a Cafe car, and a locomotive.
@@jimmellenberger8505 Business class is in the back of the Cafe car. It has all leather seating with two on one side and a single on the other. Anywhere north of Springfield this section is full.
Very enjoyable & informative upload. I too am an Amtrak train fan. However, I like videos of all kinds of trains. Trains are a great way to see the cities as well as the rural areas but especially the mountains & rivers as you sit back & relax - totally different to flying (which I try & avoid as much as possible). I have been on the South West Chief from Chicago to LA and have the California Zephyer on my 'bucket list'. So much looking forward to your next Amtrak long-distance experience on the California Zephyr - the scenery is supposed to be the best.
Yes Dennis it is beautiful, i live in Chicago & my brother and i have rode the California Zephyr from Chicago to Glenwood Springs, it was back in September 2001, Dennis get a sleeping car, and when the Zephyr leaves Denver, go in the Sightseeing Lounge car, I'm a Model Railroader and i model the California Zephyr in N Scale, enjoy your journey on the Zephyr.
@@michaelglass4701 Thank you Michael I have taken note of your suggestions - much appreciated. I have also been on the City of New Orleans train (Chicago to NL) & The Maple Leaf (NY to Toronto). 3 things I especially like about Amtrak long-distance trains are the traditional dining, observation car & the extended breaks when you can get off the train & walkabout. Of course, the scenery & generally the helpful & pleasant crew & fellow passengers are also worth mentioning.
Thanks for your comment, Dennis, I agree! Traveling by train is incredibly enjoyable and the views never disappoint no matter which route you take. There's always something to see even on these shorter routes. The Southwest Chief is on my list, and I'll hopefully ride it later this year. The California Zephyr has some stunning scenery, and I can't wait to share my experience on it! Thanks so much for watching!
In spite of their age, the Horizon cars have great seats, to be honest. I traveled on them between Chicago and Detroit recently and, as a European, I was pleasantly surprised. While I'm at it, can anyone explain what improvements Amtrak is bringing to the St.-Louis - Chicago services (beside the momentous introduction of the new Siemens cars)? Is frequency scheduled to be improved, or speed, or both? I'm really interested in Amtrak's massive plans for improvement.
I would recommend taking The South Shore Line from Chicago Millennium Station to South Bend Regional Airport The World's Last Continuously Operating Interurban Railroad.
Thanks for the suggestion!
loved your video ill be on my way to Michigan next week hopefully not sure if i can get a train that goes to flint.
Thank you!
Very nice video 📹
Thanks so much!
Nice video.
Thanks so much!
Me encanta todos los vídeos son excelentes gracias saludos desde Santiago de cuba Rey
I didn't notice, in your😮 comments section, a mention of the stop at Summit. In order to board in Summit, you have to be booked on an Amtrak train going beyond Chicago, and there is a time limit to the connection. In other words, you couldn't be booked on your train and connect to the Capitol Limited or the Lake Shore Limited. You would have to take a later Lincoln Service train. You could connect to a Hiawatha train or a Michigan train. I'm not sure if you could connect to the "Builder," "Chief," or "Zephyr" though. It's the same situation with local Chicago boardings at Glenview and Naperville.
I'm looking at ways to travel to see the solar eclipse this April, but not driving the 900 miles and having to go through Chicago traffic from Milwaukee. I can take the Hiawatha to Chicago and another to Carbondale, but then I thought about extending my trip to 3 or 4 days and travel to St Louis to see the arch and the park and museums where they held the early 1900's World's Fair. I figured on renting a car in St Louis and using it to drive down to Carbondale on Monday the 8th and then return later that day to spend the evening back in St Louis. It's like 2.5 hours from St Louis and we'd kill two destinations in one extended weekend. Based on your trip in this video, it looks like I could travel back on the 9th and get back to Milwaukee in the afternoon.
I've taken amtrak from BWI to DC union station. Our tickets were never checked.
I'm surprised it was so empty, which is almost unheard of here in europe
Remember, this was taken during COVID restrictions, and many Americans would choose to drive rather than be forced to submit to mask restrictions for the 5 hour run.
I was on it a couple weeks ago, and the train was fully booked. It honestly needs more frequent run-times..
Well done video and learned information I did not know. I have much familiarity with this route being from St. Louis and riding all the AMTRAK routes west of St. Louis in 5 weekend to weekend trips between 2001 and 2013 to see The West and Canada between Vancouver and Jasper. I would have liked to know if your ride was on a lot of AMTRAK "only" track as I know they had been working on plenty of new track between Joliet and Alton to make it a faster route, which I think is the case given your timetable. Was your track ride smooth? That would be a good indicator the track work is completed. I made connections going or returning with the Empire Builder and Zephyr routes in Chicago with this train. That newer St. Louis train station is small but much better than what I first caught out of St. Louis. I wish there had been a way for you to film the business class section on this route shared with the cafe car. I never rode business class on it. Thanks for sharing.
Forgot to mention you did miss something by the hour you caught the train in St. Louis. Within easy walking distance of the AMTRAK station is the St. Louis Union Station that was used for many years for rail travel but now only accommodates special excurions like the Polar Express at Christmas for the kids. It has had extensive redevelopment with the giant ferris wheel and aquarium with restaurants and other things to do. I mention it though because of the great architecture inside the Union Staion hotel lobby with its lighing show that would have really impressed you as it was one of the old grand train stations from years ago. It's all made to look new now. A rail fan will want to stay in this hotel.
My train a couple months ago had more venture coaches compared to yours which is using alot of the older cars.
I find the disparity in the number of views of your rail trips vs airline trips absolutely amazing. Perhaps it's time for a quick month in Europe or Japan or some other place that boasts lots of rail lines just waiting for reviews from an optimistic American perspective. But I suppose there are still some Amtrak routes to do along with some interesting commuter and light rail lines that might be of interest. Best of luck with your pursuits here.
The Lincoln Service tracks are right outside my office window, so I probably saw this train go past when you were riding it! Coach fare sounds pretty cheap, even for the entire distance. (I wonder how much more Business class would be?)
It was an all-coach train, in this case.
Nice video! Here are my questions:
1. On a scale of 1-10, how scenic is the trip? how would it compare to the Pacific Surfliner?
2. Are there any fresh air/smoke stops where you can get out and looks at the engine? (can you go onto the platform before boarding at STL and/or go to the front when boarding?
Sorry for lots of questions, but hope it’s ok!
The rail line largely follows along I-55, once you come off the Mississippi River, it's almost all flat farmlands outside of the cities.
2:50 You're on the MacArthur Bridge, not the Merchants.... Which is a good thing anyway in my opinion as the views are better from the MacArthur.
Exactly the Merchant's Bridge is further north & also Amtrak's trains 🚂 uses that bridge too I seen the videos on it.
Can do the Lake shore limited Chicago to New York viewliner Roomette
I predict that these train cars will be all replaced.
14:51 there is frequent Metra service on the Heritage Corridor.
Actually, it is the least frequent service offered by Metra - Metra offers only 3 inbound trains in the morning and 3 outbound trains in the afternoon/evening. Summit is unique among Metra stations in that it has more Amtrak departures than Metra departures.
Correct! I'm glad you mentioned that, The Rock Island line is the only one with regular service.
What website were you using on your phone that showed the Amtrak routes?
It's the train tracker on Amtrak's website.
@2:17 had a craving for McDonalds for some reason.
What's checking in a bag like? Do we check in before boarding or carry it with us on the platform and onto thr train itself and someone will assist us?
In trains, you never check bags. You just bring it on the train and find a place to lift it up.
my favorite part were the toilets
You could have taken the metro from the airport to the Amtrak station too
I know, I'll have to try that next time.
Why does no one ever go into business class or show if it's the new seats or not!? So frustrating...
Can you sit wherever you want and get a window seat if you like
I have taken the Amtrak Lincoln Service in coach multiple times, and it is open seating. If the train is full, the conductors might mark certain train cars as reserved for certain destinations (i.e. one car as St. Louis to Chicago, another as St. Louis to intermediate destinations), but you can sit wherever you want within that car (with obvious exceptions, like accessible seating for individuals with disabilities).
Great question! I've never had an issue getting a window and on most short-medium distance trains it is open seating (Except for the group seating which is usually for parties of three of more).
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Could a seventeen year old navigate thru Chicago Station?
Amfleets > Horizons