I was in coach on the CA Zephyr when two women boarded in Reno and sat behind me. They talked nonstop for over five hours and kept kicking my seat. It was because of that experience that convinced me to spring for sleepers on long trips
Love you pointing out Amtraks bad points and or passengers, yet you say it with Respect wanting a change for the better. Love your wife and your brother is a hoot, a very good thing in my mind.
Also the first L car number 1, built in 1892 for the South Side Rapid Transit Company is located there. It and others were made for being pulled by steam L locomotives. That was also the first L line in Chicago.
@@jrails46 Thanks for that information. Imagine riding in it in 1892 on the first L train to run in Chicago behind a steam locomotive with an open window smelling the smoke, steam and ashes? I would ride it!
@@luislaplume8261 I did ride car 1 back in 1997 on a cta fan trip being pulled by 2 4000 series cars built in 1924. Cars 4271 and 4272. Very fun and nostalgic trip. There are videos on youtube of that trip.
You're right to point out the rude behavior of the Amtrak staff in the cafe car. I've encountered this situation a number of times where the crew seize the cafe car as their own personal break room, passengers be damned.
I took a trip with my family from New York to Santa Fe, NM via the Lake Shore Ltd and the Southwest chief 10 years ago, and we also remember the folks (both Amtrak staff and passengers) on the chief being far friendlier than on the lake shore. Sorry to hear that happened, but it’s interesting to hear that it’s seemingly a persistent phenomenon!
That’s kind of wild we had the same experience! Thanks for watching! Empire Builder is next on my schedule, very excited to see how that journey will go!
I agree with the bag check service. I just used it when I was leaving Chicago last time. I had to be out of my hostel by 11, but my train didn’t leave til late afternoon. It was great to be able to leave my bag and not drag it around the city with me during the day. I have never done this route to NYC; I will have to add it to my list!
The old passenger trains that you saw at Syracuse was built in 1948 and was the first train to use florescent lights in the passenger cars. It was pulled by either steam or diesel locomotives whichever was available.
I think you saw me through the window of my sleeper as you walked past - at least our roomette was about there and that looked like my hair. Anyway, I can answer your question about why the train was delayed at departure. It was due to unusually high staff numbers being out with COVID. They have to give what staff is available an adequate turnaround from their last trip to get some sleep. It's not a very long break. I don't remember what they told us but it was something like six hours so, not a lot of sleep before sending them out on the next train. Anyway, now you know! And YES the tree at Union Station was awesome! By the way, you didn't miss anything at Cleveland. It is a strikingly ugly little station although you can see the stadium behind it which is cool. As for the attitude of the crowds on the train, it's the luck of the draw. I've had great trips with total strangers in coach on the Lake Shore Limited but it only takes one awful person to ruin it all. And to wreck the toilets.
Another interesting & informative upload Thom, as always. Union Station with the Christmas Tree was awesome - never seen such a sight. I like the fact that Amtrak retained the old names for the various trains it operates. I also like your candid comments, both positive & negative, about your train journeys. I have heard that some Amtrak staff can be very rude & others go beyond expectations to make the train journey as pleasant as possible. Likewise with passengers, unfortunately, some display little or no manners or consideration for others. Well, I suppose it is what it is. The views and that 'Amtrak experience' make it all worthwhile in the end. Re the Adirondack Amtrak train (also on my forever growing 'To Travel" train list together with the Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, California Zephyr & the Carinal) is also apparently another spectacular train journey from Montreal to NY city - in the warmer months, Amtrak adds an old Observation Car for part of the journey. It must be interesting seeing all those familiar Dutch-named places - did you know New York City was originally called New Amsterdam! Good to see Lesley & Bear joining you on your train journey to NY. Looking forward to your next upload.
Living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I’m used to seeing Dutch names all around me! It is weird for sure. As far as the staff is concerned, I was surprised because normally I do have such a pleasant experience with them! The last time I rode the Pere Marquette, I made sure to tell the attendants how much I appreciated them. Nothing like a bad experience to remind you to be grateful for the good ones… I’m glad you enjoyed the video so much! I’ll be traveling on the Empire Builder later this month, so stay tuned for when I upload that (probably in the summer). It’s always such a pleasure hearing from you, hope you’re doing well!
I took the Lake Shore Limited a few days ago fron Chicago to New York Penn station. I was able to upgrade to a roomette the same day for $567 from my $151 coach ticket. It was steep but worth every penny. The new Viewliner II sleeper and dining car were very nice. I highly recommend traveling this way especially those who never traveled in a sleeper. My first time was back in 2004 on the lake shore limited with viewliner I sleepers. They were nice, but the viewliner II are much nicer. I also enjoyed the splitting of the 48 and 448 in Albany and the views of the Hudson river during the sunset were spectacular. As a sleeper car passenger, you have the privilege of visiting the metropolitan lounge which both Chicago and New York are very nice and friendly staff. All food is included with your sleeper car ticket as well as the meals from the dining car. Im sure you will enjoy the experience as I have. On a side note, have you traveled on Amtraks Cardinal 50 or 51 from Chicago to Washington DC? That is also a nice train which on my return trip to Chicago I was in Coach, not as great as the sleeper but it did have nice seats in the Amfleet II cars. Through Virginia there was a lot of jointed rail which sounded very nice. I have recorded a lot of it and was suprised there was still jointed rail out there on Amtrak to this day.
As a person who will be going to New York on the exact same route and have watched maybe several videos on the Viewliners, They are the best choice for a overnight train trip and you honestly get better food than the small snacks.
@@boomstickbag except that they cost hundreds of dollars more. When coach is as comfortable as it is, three meals are not worth that money for me. And there are a lot of people who tell me they’re so grateful to finally see someone review coach rather than the countless sleeper reviews that frankly a lot of people, myself included, cannot afford.
Great video. I'm really sorry that your experience on board this journey didn't go as you probably hope it would've turned out to be, especially when you got kicked out of the cafe car. I also wanted to mention that there are 4 stops that the Lake Shore Limited doesn't stop at that the Empire service does stop at. Those 4 stations would be Rome, Amsterdam and Hudson as you mentioned, as well as Yonkers station. The Empire service, Maple Leaf, Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express all stop at Yonkers station whole the Lake Shore Limited doesn't.
Thanks for your comment! It’s alright, while the staff was unpleasant, overall it was still an enjoyable journey. The reason I bring it up is because I’m used to Amtrak’s higher standards, you know? Thanks for the heads-up about Yonkers. Totally forgot, but will make sure to mention it in Part 2 next week!
18:45 I love Syracuse. It was where I was born, and my dream college is there. I didn't get into SU, but I still love visiting the university when I get a chance. If you're ever in Syracuse during the holiday season, you should drive through Lights on the Lake at Onondaga Lake Park. I've been through it twice and it is beautiful.
hi my name is adam gardner Davenport my wife and I live in Raleigh nc and I was thinking that you and your better half should do a video from Chicago to California and the west coast have a great day today 😊
Enjoy riding the "Late For Sure" Limited!!🤣🤣😂 But seriously, the Lake Shore Limited is the best ride between New York, Boston and Chicago. My Mom, Grandma and I swear by it. If you really don't want to fly out to Chicago taking the Lake Shore Limited is the best way to go. Now it's lateness in either direction is definitely caused by the freight trains holding up AMTRAK trains but that very typical of AMTRAK. Regardless, I hope everybody enjoyed the ride to New York. The best part is seeing the locomotive switch at Albany-Rensselaer!!
Hi Thom! Really new subscriber and enjoy your videos and humour. Up in Canada we put ‘u’ in our words and the cars we get from Amtrak are horrible! I took Adirondack to NYC in the oldest Amfleet with burgundy and corduroy just before COVID and this January we took Horizon coach to Seattle on the Cascades on an overcapacity trip. I don’t blame Amtrak because Canada is not offering appropriate joint funding of the trains or track improvements but if anyone wants heritage equipment ride a cross border train!
4:31 the board in front of you is Arrivals. the other side is Departure. The train can have mechanical issues. 7:04 The Empire Builder arrives from the North tracks. you wouldnt be able to see it from the South gates. My guess is that it's a very late California Zephyr. Which typically has a dismal on-time performance during the winter because of the extreme weather it travels through. The fact that the Eastbound long distance train was late is probably why your train was held. the LSL is the very last train out of CUS because of the long distance trains tending to run late.
This was the empire builder, stopping at the south gates. It came from the north on through track 19/28 which allows trains from the north to head south. You can tell because the locomotive is on the south side.
@@Thom-TRA Yes. That is correct. Not to mention the California Zephyr arrives from the other direction heading north into Union Stations south concourse. :)
Your delay in CHI gave me some deja vu, as I was stuck there for 5 extra hours due to a couple of bad-ordered SC44 Charger engines on Blue Water 364 back in January. Apparently Cardinal 50 also had a frozen toilet in one of the Amfleet II coaches, leading to a lengthy delay for them as well! It was quite the hectic night, but I still had a good ride on the Amfleet I back to MI. And yes, crews unfortunately can be hit or miss. Some I have had are absolutely fantastic, and some clearly have no business dealing with the public. Anyways thank you to you three for producing all of these excellent in depth videos! I made sure to follow on IG too. I've also decided to take the Southwest Chief in May after watching your videos from riding on it last year. I've only been on the Superliner I & II a few times on the Pacific Surfliner, but taking one on such a long and gorgeous journey sounds incredible! That will also be my first overnight on a train, so hopefully I will manage to score a window seat and get some sleep along the way...
Wow, you saying you felt inspired to ride the Southwest Chief after watching my video is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever received. That makes me so happy. I’ve never been on the Blue Water, though I live in Michigan. Glad you enjoyed the video, looking forward to hearing more stories from your travels!
@@Thom-TRA Absolutely! I was actually considering doing Lake Shore Limited 448/449 or Capitol Limited 30/29, but I think that doing Southwest Chief 3 would be the most enjoyable overall! And yeah totally! I am glad I found your page. I also saw your rides in Portugal, which I am very familiar with Fertagus, CP and the metro there from visiting family over the years. Glad you got to do the Alfa Pendular--that one is still on my bucket list. And when you get the chance, certainly take a ride on the Blue Water! It has Horizon & Amfleet cars instead of the Superliners you guys get on the Pere Marquette, but it looks like all of the above will be replaced with Venture cars on those routes anyways. And lastly, thank you! I am actually far more active on IG than I am on here if you'd wish to follow along! I can shoot a PM there if you'd like.
Have made this journey as far as Schenectady a few times, but not since the pandemic. Might have to give it another go. While boarding for the return trip to Chicago, the conductors specified where to sit as the cars were pretty full already and they were generally trying to sort passengers by destination.
If you’re ever back in Chicago, I’d recommend checking out the Field Museum or the Shedd Aquarium, it’s maybe a 5-10 minute ride between Chicago Union Station. I also feel bad that your cafe car experience was disappointing.
That sucked that they didn't let coach passengers in the restaurant car during your voyage. I remember taking this train back from New York Penn to Chicago, and I had a good breakfast in the restaurant car during my trip. I can't believe that you were treated so rudely in the cafe car.
9:45 that's not always the case- when they are really busy you get a seat assignment in the station on some trains. This prevents everyone taking a two set thus preventing later boarders down the line from sitting together. You probably left late because you had transfers from the Empire Builder
I’ve only gotten an assigned seat once in the dozens of trips I’ve taken. I think it’s not official policy, but at the discretion of the conductor. Considering my reservation was written in sharpie.
Hey Thom! I’m actually surprised you enjoyed a 17 hour journey in coach class! I honestly wouldn’t try it. There’s another route that goes to New York Penn Station called the Cardinal. It’s about ten hours longer because you go through the Shenandoah River Valley.
Coach class on Amtrak is one of the most comfortable ways to travel! You should be adventurous and try it out. You meet way more people, sleep pretty good, and save so much money.
@@Thom-TRA Yeah, I can honestly agree with you on that. Usually Roomettes are less expensive price range than a bedroom suite. Also, the Viewliners with the Red, White and Blue are Viewliner II, while the navy blue and red are Viewliner I.
Y'all were asked to leave the Cafe car because you were taking up space for other people who wanted to use it? Unless the train was full, it's first come first serve right? That crew was rude.
I wouldn’t count on it happening. They’ve recently begun downgrading even the meals for sleeper passengers on some trains, such as the City of New Orleans.
Ah, thanks for the info. Don’t worry, I think it would take a special kind of freaky to lick my fingers after touching anything on a train hahaha. Thanks for your comment about the music, this past year my goal has been to improve on audio and I like the progress I’ve made :)
The Dutch settled there in the 1600s, so well before railroad technology had been invented. I think it’s just some common sense policy from the NY department of transport? A rare quality from anyone these days…
I used to take Amtrak from Philly to Montreal. I would get a sleeper. One time I opted for coach. The bathrooms were clogged. Went back to a sleeping car on my next trip.
I think if any long-distance route would be good for high speed, it would be this one though. You’ve got two of the largest cities on each end, with a lot of major cities in between (SB, Toledo, Cleveland, Buffalo, Albany, and maybe branches to Detroit and Toronto). If anything would justify long-distance hsr, it would be that. But I fear it’s all fantasy…
@@Thom-TRA If you like trains, come visit NYC and take a ride on the "train of many colors", a NYC transit museum train composed of various (but similar era) train cars. They are running the next 3 sundays.
Compared to French, Italian, Spanish and German highspeed trains, these Amtrak trains are simply a crap. Sorry for saying that. As a European tourist I will rather fly from Chicago to NYC
As a European person myself, you’re missing the point. Amtrak isn’t about high speed, it’s about slowing down and seeing the country. Think of it like a cruise.
I was in coach on the CA Zephyr when two women boarded in Reno and sat behind me. They talked nonstop for over five hours and kept kicking my seat. It was because of that experience that convinced me to spring for sleepers on long trips
yes same here coatchis ok but people can be rude
If only sleepers weren't so expensive. Coach is cheap, but sleepers are like 5 to 10 times more expensive. That makes no sense.
Love you pointing out Amtraks bad points and or passengers, yet you say it with Respect wanting a change for the better. Love your wife and your brother is a hoot, a very good thing in my mind.
So agree with all that you said.
I love the Chicago Union Station.
Every time I see this station, it reminds me of the movie "Untouchable".
I enjoyed this video, you have a very relaxing voice and your wife and brother seem like fun people to spend time with.
Thank you! And yes, they’re great. Truly my best friends.
Next time you're in Chicago, definitely go to the Museum of Science and Industry, they have some pretty cool train exhibits!
My family lives in Chicago and my sisters love that place! I guess I will have to check it out!
Also the first L car number 1, built in 1892 for the South Side Rapid Transit Company is located there. It and others were made for being pulled by steam L locomotives. That was also the first L line in Chicago.
@@luislaplume8261 Southside Rapid transit car 1 is located at the Chicago Historical Museum on the north side near Lake Shore Drive and North Ave.
@@jrails46 Thanks for that information. Imagine riding in it in 1892 on the first L train to run in Chicago behind a steam locomotive with an open window smelling the smoke, steam and ashes? I would ride it!
@@luislaplume8261 I did ride car 1 back in 1997 on a cta fan trip being pulled by 2 4000 series cars built in 1924. Cars 4271 and 4272. Very fun and nostalgic trip. There are videos on youtube of that trip.
My grandma lives in Syracuse! And I live in DC! What a wonderful surprise!
You're right to point out the rude behavior of the Amtrak staff in the cafe car. I've encountered this situation a number of times where the crew seize the cafe car as their own personal break room, passengers be damned.
It’s so unprofessional
I took a trip with my family from New York to Santa Fe, NM via the Lake Shore Ltd and the Southwest chief 10 years ago, and we also remember the folks (both Amtrak staff and passengers) on the chief being far friendlier than on the lake shore. Sorry to hear that happened, but it’s interesting to hear that it’s seemingly a persistent phenomenon!
That’s kind of wild we had the same experience! Thanks for watching! Empire Builder is next on my schedule, very excited to see how that journey will go!
I agree with the bag check service. I just used it when I was leaving Chicago last time. I had to be out of my hostel by 11, but my train didn’t leave til late afternoon. It was great to be able to leave my bag and not drag it around the city with me during the day. I have never done this route to NYC; I will have to add it to my list!
The old passenger trains that you saw at Syracuse was built in 1948 and was the first train to use florescent lights in the passenger cars. It was pulled by either steam or diesel locomotives whichever was available.
I think you saw me through the window of my sleeper as you walked past - at least our roomette was about there and that looked like my hair. Anyway, I can answer your question about why the train was delayed at departure. It was due to unusually high staff numbers being out with COVID. They have to give what staff is available an adequate turnaround from their last trip to get some sleep. It's not a very long break. I don't remember what they told us but it was something like six hours so, not a lot of sleep before sending them out on the next train. Anyway, now you know! And YES the tree at Union Station was awesome! By the way, you didn't miss anything at Cleveland. It is a strikingly ugly little station although you can see the stadium behind it which is cool. As for the attitude of the crowds on the train, it's the luck of the draw. I've had great trips with total strangers in coach on the Lake Shore Limited but it only takes one awful person to ruin it all. And to wreck the toilets.
Another interesting & informative upload Thom, as always. Union Station with the Christmas Tree was awesome - never seen such a sight. I like the fact that Amtrak retained the old names for the various trains it operates. I also like your candid comments, both positive & negative, about your train journeys. I have heard that some Amtrak staff can be very rude & others go beyond expectations to make the train journey as pleasant as possible. Likewise with passengers, unfortunately, some display little or no manners or consideration for others. Well, I suppose it is what it is. The views and that 'Amtrak experience' make it all worthwhile in the end. Re the Adirondack Amtrak train (also on my forever growing 'To Travel" train list together with the Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, California Zephyr & the Carinal) is also apparently another spectacular train journey from Montreal to NY city - in the warmer months, Amtrak adds an old Observation Car for part of the journey. It must be interesting seeing all those familiar Dutch-named places - did you know New York City was originally called New Amsterdam! Good to see Lesley & Bear joining you on your train journey to NY. Looking forward to your next upload.
Living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I’m used to seeing Dutch names all around me! It is weird for sure.
As far as the staff is concerned, I was surprised because normally I do have such a pleasant experience with them! The last time I rode the Pere Marquette, I made sure to tell the attendants how much I appreciated them. Nothing like a bad experience to remind you to be grateful for the good ones…
I’m glad you enjoyed the video so much! I’ll be traveling on the Empire Builder later this month, so stay tuned for when I upload that (probably in the summer). It’s always such a pleasure hearing from you, hope you’re doing well!
I took the Lake Shore Limited a few days ago fron Chicago to New York Penn station. I was able to upgrade to a roomette the same day for $567 from my $151 coach ticket. It was steep but worth every penny. The new Viewliner II sleeper and dining car were very nice. I highly recommend traveling this way especially those who never traveled in a sleeper. My first time was back in 2004 on the lake shore limited with viewliner I sleepers. They were nice, but the viewliner II are much nicer. I also enjoyed the splitting of the 48 and 448 in Albany and the views of the Hudson river during the sunset were spectacular. As a sleeper car passenger, you have the privilege of visiting the metropolitan lounge which both Chicago and New York are very nice and friendly staff. All food is included with your sleeper car ticket as well as the meals from the dining car. Im sure you will enjoy the experience as I have.
On a side note, have you traveled on Amtraks Cardinal 50 or 51 from Chicago to Washington DC? That is also a nice train which on my return trip to Chicago I was in Coach, not as great as the sleeper but it did have nice seats in the Amfleet II cars. Through Virginia there was a lot of jointed rail which sounded very nice. I have recorded a lot of it and was suprised there was still jointed rail out there on Amtrak to this day.
I’d love to try out the new Viewliners someday!
As a person who will be going to New York on the exact same route and have watched maybe several videos on the Viewliners, They are the best choice for a overnight train trip and you honestly get better food than the small snacks.
@@boomstickbag except that they cost hundreds of dollars more. When coach is as comfortable as it is, three meals are not worth that money for me. And there are a lot of people who tell me they’re so grateful to finally see someone review coach rather than the countless sleeper reviews that frankly a lot of people, myself included, cannot afford.
@@Thom-TRA Yes. I have to agree with you on that. Love the trip report by the way!
Your vlogs are... awesome! Thanks for sharing your travels,...
Thank you! I just booked a few more trips this week!
@@Thom-TRA Nice! Will you travel to the Netherlands again?
@@EmilePoelman Probably not before the end of the year, if I do. I do have some European content coming, and I just booked two big Amtrak trips!
Union Station - memorable scene in ‘The Untouchables’ shot there.
Fun traveling with you guys!
I’m a worker for Amtrak as shown on my profile pic, that lil White/Blue disc u touched is a deodorant disc to get rid of any stinky smells
Great video. I'm really sorry that your experience on board this journey didn't go as you probably hope it would've turned out to be, especially when you got kicked out of the cafe car. I also wanted to mention that there are 4 stops that the Lake Shore Limited doesn't stop at that the Empire service does stop at. Those 4 stations would be Rome, Amsterdam and Hudson as you mentioned, as well as Yonkers station. The Empire service, Maple Leaf, Adirondack and Ethan Allen Express all stop at Yonkers station whole the Lake Shore Limited doesn't.
Thanks for your comment! It’s alright, while the staff was unpleasant, overall it was still an enjoyable journey. The reason I bring it up is because I’m used to Amtrak’s higher standards, you know?
Thanks for the heads-up about Yonkers. Totally forgot, but will make sure to mention it in Part 2 next week!
Great video, I'm excited to take this same route up to Syracuse
Thank you! Hope you have a great trip
18:45 I love Syracuse. It was where I was born, and my dream college is there. I didn't get into SU, but I still love visiting the university when I get a chance. If you're ever in Syracuse during the holiday season, you should drive through Lights on the Lake at Onondaga Lake Park. I've been through it twice and it is beautiful.
I teach at SU and take the Lake Shore Limited quite a bit, either to Cleveland or to New York and beyond.
hi my name is adam gardner Davenport my wife and I live in Raleigh nc and I was thinking that you and your better half should do a video from Chicago to California and the west coast have a great day today 😊
Why don’t you come back in September and see what videos I’ll have up then 😉
I never knew about the Lake Shore Limited.
Sleeper passengers can leave luggage (at no extra cost) at the self-service bag storage area near the Met lounge. It's convenient.
Thanks for the ride and smart commentary.
Good video enjoy watching the two of you!
Thank you for the very nice video, from The Netherlands!
You’re welcome! There will be a video from the Netherlands in 2 weeks! Bedankt voor het kijken en de reactie!
Enjoy riding the "Late For Sure" Limited!!🤣🤣😂 But seriously, the Lake Shore Limited is the best ride between New York, Boston and Chicago. My Mom, Grandma and I swear by it. If you really don't want to fly out to Chicago taking the Lake Shore Limited is the best way to go. Now it's lateness in either direction is definitely caused by the freight trains holding up AMTRAK trains but that very typical of AMTRAK. Regardless, I hope everybody enjoyed the ride to New York. The best part is seeing the locomotive switch at Albany-Rensselaer!!
I rode on this line back on 1-04-2023 from Buffalo to Utica.
bear’s got that stormy kara look
Hi Thom! Really new subscriber and enjoy your videos and humour. Up in Canada we put ‘u’ in our words and the cars we get from Amtrak are horrible! I took Adirondack to NYC in the oldest Amfleet with burgundy and corduroy just before COVID and this January we took Horizon coach to Seattle on the Cascades on an overcapacity trip. I don’t blame Amtrak because Canada is not offering appropriate joint funding of the trains or track improvements but if anyone wants heritage equipment ride a cross border train!
Thanks for subscribing! Would love to try out some of the cross-border trains!
thanks for this review! I'm taking this train later this year
You're welcome! What time of the year will you be riding the train?
@@Thom-TRA in June
@@titusmetcalfe1344 Cool! The scenery will be very lush and green then!
What a cool channel! Thank you friend, these videos are excellent!
Thank you so much!!
4:31 the board in front of you is Arrivals. the other side is Departure. The train can have mechanical issues. 7:04 The Empire Builder arrives from the North tracks. you wouldnt be able to see it from the South gates. My guess is that it's a very late California Zephyr. Which typically has a dismal on-time performance during the winter because of the extreme weather it travels through. The fact that the Eastbound long distance train was late is probably why your train was held. the LSL is the very last train out of CUS because of the long distance trains tending to run late.
This was the empire builder, stopping at the south gates. It came from the north on through track 19/28 which allows trains from the north to head south. You can tell because the locomotive is on the south side.
@@Thom-TRA Yes. That is correct. Not to mention the California Zephyr arrives from the other direction heading north into Union Stations south concourse. :)
Your delay in CHI gave me some deja vu, as I was stuck there for 5 extra hours due to a couple of bad-ordered SC44 Charger engines on Blue Water 364 back in January. Apparently Cardinal 50 also had a frozen toilet in one of the Amfleet II coaches, leading to a lengthy delay for them as well! It was quite the hectic night, but I still had a good ride on the Amfleet I back to MI. And yes, crews unfortunately can be hit or miss. Some I have had are absolutely fantastic, and some clearly have no business dealing with the public. Anyways thank you to you three for producing all of these excellent in depth videos! I made sure to follow on IG too. I've also decided to take the Southwest Chief in May after watching your videos from riding on it last year. I've only been on the Superliner I & II a few times on the Pacific Surfliner, but taking one on such a long and gorgeous journey sounds incredible! That will also be my first overnight on a train, so hopefully I will manage to score a window seat and get some sleep along the way...
Wow, you saying you felt inspired to ride the Southwest Chief after watching my video is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever received. That makes me so happy.
I’ve never been on the Blue Water, though I live in Michigan. Glad you enjoyed the video, looking forward to hearing more stories from your travels!
@@Thom-TRA Absolutely! I was actually considering doing Lake Shore Limited 448/449 or Capitol Limited 30/29, but I think that doing Southwest Chief 3 would be the most enjoyable overall! And yeah totally! I am glad I found your page. I also saw your rides in Portugal, which I am very familiar with Fertagus, CP and the metro there from visiting family over the years. Glad you got to do the Alfa Pendular--that one is still on my bucket list. And when you get the chance, certainly take a ride on the Blue Water! It has Horizon & Amfleet cars instead of the Superliners you guys get on the Pere Marquette, but it looks like all of the above will be replaced with Venture cars on those routes anyways. And lastly, thank you! I am actually far more active on IG than I am on here if you'd wish to follow along! I can shoot a PM there if you'd like.
@@miaviation-railway I’ve got one more CP trip report lined up, just a matter of figuring out when to upload it…
Oh cool! Looking forward to seeing it
@@Thom-TRA Tomorrow is the day!
Have made this journey as far as Schenectady a few times, but not since the pandemic. Might have to give it another go. While boarding for the return trip to Chicago, the conductors specified where to sit as the cars were pretty full already and they were generally trying to sort passengers by destination.
Hey guys! New to the channel, and this one you mentioned in the Hudson River trip in 20th Century cars, wanted to see it! ( Streamwood guy here!)
Glad you found it!
Boston in respect is almost like Chicago with many drawbridge near the center of the city.
If you’re ever back in Chicago, I’d recommend checking out the Field Museum or the Shedd Aquarium, it’s maybe a 5-10 minute ride between Chicago Union Station. I also feel bad that your cafe car experience was disappointing.
I have a fun fact for you: I live in Chicago.
@@Thom-TRA Oh, Lol.
That sucked that they didn't let coach passengers in the restaurant car during your voyage. I remember taking this train back from New York Penn to Chicago, and I had a good breakfast in the restaurant car during my trip. I can't believe that you were treated so rudely in the cafe car.
Hopefully Amtrak will reopen dining together coach soon!
Thanks for the video!
Any update from Amtrak on your complaint about cafe/dining car experience?
Nope, never got a response… I’ve had some better experiences on my trips since then thankfully
9:45 that's not always the case- when they are really busy you get a seat assignment in the station on some trains. This prevents everyone taking a two set thus preventing later boarders down the line from sitting together.
You probably left late because you had transfers from the Empire Builder
I’ve only gotten an assigned seat once in the dozens of trips I’ve taken. I think it’s not official policy, but at the discretion of the conductor. Considering my reservation was written in sharpie.
Is there a trick to getting a good seat on the Lake Shore Limited? I want a window seat so should I get to the station early?
Get in line early is my tip! Seats are on a first-come first served basis.
15:01 the city in this clip is Rochester, not Buffalo. I live there
You need to visit Kansas City union station at Christmas time.
Do they decorate it nicely?
@@Thom-TRA they decorate it up real nice. Lots of trees. Lots of lights. Several displays. Lots of activities A huge model train exhibit.
I know kansas and i like ti, is very nice.
Hey Thom! I’m actually surprised you enjoyed a 17 hour journey in coach class! I honestly wouldn’t try it. There’s another route that goes to New York Penn Station called the Cardinal. It’s about ten hours longer because you go through the Shenandoah River Valley.
Coach class on Amtrak is one of the most comfortable ways to travel! You should be adventurous and try it out. You meet way more people, sleep pretty good, and save so much money.
@@Thom-TRA Yeah, I can honestly agree with you on that. Usually Roomettes are less expensive price range than a bedroom suite. Also, the Viewliners with the Red, White and Blue are Viewliner II, while the navy blue and red are Viewliner I.
Have you ever written and reviewed a sleeper room? Will you do so in the future?
I have not and I probably won’t for a while
Y'all were asked to leave the Cafe car because you were taking up space for other people who wanted to use it? Unless the train was full, it's first come first serve right? That crew was rude.
6:35 or you could scan the QR Code on ur phone & Do it that way
Making this trip in May! Which side of the train do you recommend sitting on for the best views?
Sit on the right side for the best river views!
Any idea when Coach passengers will be able to dine in the Dining car again?
I wouldn’t count on it happening. They’ve recently begun downgrading even the meals for sleeper passengers on some trains, such as the City of New Orleans.
You should try the train from Chicago to arizona
I have
They don't assign seats on the Lake Shire Limited out of Chicago in coach?
They usually don’t assign seats on any train in Chicago, only at intermediate stops.
That kinda looks alike to the Amtrak California Zephyr
18:00 That thingy, I believe, is a deodorant cake, to absorb the smelly restroom. Don't lick your fingers. BTW, I like your mix of background music.
Ah, thanks for the info. Don’t worry, I think it would take a special kind of freaky to lick my fingers after touching anything on a train hahaha. Thanks for your comment about the music, this past year my goal has been to improve on audio and I like the progress I’ve made :)
❤❤
7:29 Is that a Calvin University hat?
Maybe…
The prices on Amtrak are on the high side
Not if you take coach
anybody know if they have tsa, sceurity conveyor belt, or metal detectors in the chicago and new york stations?
They do not
@@Thom-TRA ok, thank you!
If Schenectady was found by Netherlands is that way there less Railroad Crossings and overpass there? At least yall go inside food car
The Dutch settled there in the 1600s, so well before railroad technology had been invented. I think it’s just some common sense policy from the NY department of transport? A rare quality from anyone these days…
How many hours/days is the travel????
It’s about 22 hours. You leave one night and then arrive the next evening.
Hold up, you're not supposed to throw toilet paper on the train bathrooms? So then where do I throw it away? Schenectady looks like a nice town.
Paper towel is different. It’s thicker, used for your hands. That will clog up the toilet, toilet paper won’t.
I used to take Amtrak from
Philly to Montreal. I would get a sleeper. One time I opted for coach. The bathrooms were clogged. Went back to a sleeping car on my next trip.
I hope the Amfleets will be retired for the new Siemen coaches this year or early next year.
I don’t think Amfleet is out soon but I am very excited to see what the new cars will look like!
Was there wifi?
Amtrak wifi is not the best sadly…
Sounds like Snowpiercer
At 18:02 you're asking about the deodorant disc in it's bracket.
$5.25 for a grilled cheese and $2.5 for a soda are expensive?
Yeah
If only high speed rail. Not that Chicago to NYC would be a particularly good route anyway
I think if any long-distance route would be good for high speed, it would be this one though. You’ve got two of the largest cities on each end, with a lot of major cities in between (SB, Toledo, Cleveland, Buffalo, Albany, and maybe branches to Detroit and Toronto). If anything would justify long-distance hsr, it would be that. But I fear it’s all fantasy…
@@Thom-TRA perhaps. I feel that getting the NEC up to 180-220 mph speeds would be a good first step for hsr in the states though
That's why is never a good idea to travel by coach when it comes to Long Distance.
What? I love traveling by coach. It’s affordable and I normally only have good experiences on Amtrak coach.
She asked you to leave because you were getting on everyone's nerves.
Lol glad you figured it out genius
@@Thom-TRA If you like trains, come visit NYC and take a ride on the "train of many colors", a NYC transit museum train composed of various (but similar era) train cars. They are running the next 3 sundays.
@@killajakez I couldn’t possibly, I’d just get on everyone’s nerves
@@Thom-TRA Probably. Just other tourists. NY'ers will be home watching the NFL.
@@killajakez I don’t understand your initial comment. What made you feel the urge to say that?
Compared to French, Italian, Spanish and German highspeed trains, these Amtrak trains are simply a crap. Sorry for saying that. As a European tourist I will rather fly from Chicago to NYC
As a European person myself, you’re missing the point. Amtrak isn’t about high speed, it’s about slowing down and seeing the country. Think of it like a cruise.
Yeah most ppl for NYC are rude no surprise there
Eh well then I guess we got the real New York experience lol
Wasted the first nine minutes as not even on the train.
The train doesn’t exist in a vacuum, sweetie
As a viewer, I do not find it time wasted. I quite enjoy seeing the whole experience, and the pre-trip stuff is part of that.
The staff taking up too many tables has been a decades long issue. It's the norm rather than the exception...and I wish amtrak would Crack down on it.
I wish so too!