Thank you for letting me tag along...I loved trains since I was a five yr old girl....watched the trip from Chicago to the Rockies and beyond...very enjoyable..thanks again...
This video was a very nice ride-a-long and I never knew WV was that beautiful. You speak very well and I had no idea Amtrak could be this enjoyable of a ride, this is a must do for me and thank you for taking us along on a free ride.
A cozy Cardinal sleeper would be fun to ride through ragged West Virginia backwoods on a cold, spooky Halloween night. Snow or a heavy rain storm would be great. No way I'd offboard the warm, safe train for any type of station break. I'd have lots of pumpkin spice tea, buttered pumpkin bread, traditional Halloween candy and battery-powered tea lights. Bundled up in warm nightwear, I'd watch scary videos running on DVDs.
Hopefully you will get better at this. Watching during a bout of insomnia but still had food on my stomach UNTIL the filming of approaching the train. Thank God for the pause bar!!!
Makes me REALLY want to take a long-trip train ride (again; I went to St. Louis-Oregon many years ago.) I’m putting a trip like this on my have-to bucket list. What a wonderful way to see parts of our country you otherwise would not. Thanks for filming all of this! Unique trip!!
Loved the video. I took this train as part of a solo trip from L.A. to Hot Springs, VA when I was 16 in 1961. The L.A.-Chicago leg was on the old UP City of Los Angeles. My first real independent trip and a very fond memory!
Hello Jacob. I typically don't comment on videos, typically I just browse videos but I am a loyal viewer of your videos. I always look forward to waking up on Saturdays and watching your new video, and I have to say, this was definitely one of my favorites to watch. The train part was nice. Great Trip Report as always, but I REALLY enjoyed watching your room tour at the hotel as I have actually stayed at this particular Hampton twice before. One time was in December 2017, and the other time was In April 2018 (Actually this particular weekend, just one year earlier.) I really enjoyed both of my stays there and it is actually really neat as you were on the same floor as my second visit (I was in 1103) and you were directly above my first visit room (1010). You are correct that this is a converted Hampton. This was originally the Editors building (a historic landmark plaque is located out front) built in 1949. It was the for Kiplinger Organization. Hampton did a great job on renovations as most rooms have different layouts.
Thanks so much! And I was really impressed with this Hampton. I didn’t like the newer-style rooms when I visited the Hampton in Merriam KS. But it seems like that property is a bit troubled. Here the renovation was much more comfortable and warm.
I was told by the building staff at Union Station that leaving the panels out of the ceiling somewhat attenuates the noise which they discovered by accident during renovations.
I wanted to thank you for filming this. I'm in a long distance relationship, (I'm in NYC and my boyfriend lives in Eastern Kentucky). I usually take an airplane to go see him but I have been debating whether or not Amtrak is cheaper. If I would take the Amtrak, I would be stopping in Charleston, WV and taking a cab for three hours to go to him. Thank you so much for letting me see what riding the Amtrak to that station would be like and showing us the scenery.
Damn, I oddly lost the comment I was attempting to type at first. Anyway, the gist of my comment was to remind you there also are station stops in Huntington, WV, Ashland, KY, and also Maysville, KY(last one is overnight mind you, but this station stop is an option too). Not sure where in eastern KY you are trying to take Amtrak too, but keep this in mind when planning an Amtrak trip. Along with the sad reality this train is only 3 days a week. :(
I like watching your video. I’m an Amtrak rider myself. I live in California, I take the Surfliner from L.A to Oregon. I love riding on Amtrak. Being disabled, I always have the handicap sleeper, very comfortable too. I’m also legally blind. What I love about it is instead of going to the dining car (because it’s difficult for me to get to), they bring my food to me. I love the service. I’m planning to take Amtrak in May to Oregon again. Thank you for the video.
I forgot to mention that from L.A to Oregon (as well as Washington state), I love some of the landscape scenery from what I can see. I have no central vision, but have perineal vision, so I can still enjoy seeing some beautiful landscape scenery along the way.
I enjoy all your rail videos. I have ridden all the AMTRAK routes west of my hometown St. Louis from 2001 through 2013 (i.e., connections in Chicago and K.C. at times) in 5 weekend to weekend trip plus The Canadian (Vancouver to Jasper and back). I know of The Cardinal and have gone through West Virginia and Viginia on several of our family road trips East. Your videos make you feel like you are sitting right there with you. I bet this is very scenic in the Fall, although sometimes at single level you can find yourself just looking staright in to trees out the window and not seeing anything beyond. Also liked seeing Chicago Union station again and have taken metros in to Washington union station on road trips several times.
One great advantage to booking sleepers is being able to use the Metropolitan Lounge and its baggage storage room. Drop your bags, enjoy downtown Chicago, then retrieve your bags and board the train. Oh, and get a drink and a snack, while you're at it. Fantastic.
I actually ride the cardinal twice a year from Montgomery, through to Clifton Forge and back for fun. The route is one thing but the crew is something else. The Huntington to Charlottesville crew is an experience in its own way. Since you were on 50 heading east on Sunday your head conductor was Glass and your roomette attendant was Mama J. both veterans in the railroad industry are amazing people you can walk up to them and talk to them for hours. However, 51 has Claytor and his crew has +150 years of experience. I spend most of my trip talking to them listening to stories and having fun with them. If you ride 50 or 51 you are in for an experience. Going through the New River Gorge and up and over the Allegheny Mountains is truly scenic. This train is on a different level if you are willing to talk to the crew. Once you ride enough you are treated like family and the crew will be much more open to you. And the crew thinks of themselves as a family. I am actually planning on riding during the fall foliage this year since the New River Train has since been canceled.
The part where we talks about the crew of the Cardinal being great. It’s not a lie, it’s not an exaggeration. I hope his sleeping car attendant was Mamma J. She makes the train.
I did Montgomery to Charlottesville in July. My first trip on Amtrak. I'll go again after this Covid crap goes away, just to make a fair judgment, but this time around it just wasn't an enjoyable experience for me. Nothing like I was hoping for, anyway. I'll try again, though.
I love Amtrak travel so thanks for pretty stable video to watch from my treadmill. The trip will be more colorful if I take it with foliage on the trees, maybe fall.
We took that train a couple of years ago. We took the Iowa Pacific train to Indianapolis. The station there was like a homeless shelter scary. Then the next day we took the Cardinal to Washington. Great trip and amazing scenery
Indianapolis has a really nice Union Station that we don't use in favor of making everyone leave from the saddest Greyhound station ever. I don't understand.
Pretty soon there will be only three trains in and out of the city a week from that station as the state government stop funding of the Hoosier line to Chicago in July. By then it will mostly be a homeless shelter. Yet, they plenty of money for sport teams.
Just subscribed to your excellent channel. Locked in and down in the UK, would love to do more of Amtrack's long haul train rides. But some great insights and useful info. Thanks very much for cheering my day. (Great voice and voice over BTW.)
Did California Zephyr From Chicago to Sacramento last October. My car attendant said the Cardinal has great scenery. Doing Empire Builder from Minneapolis to Portland, Oregon in 10 days. Great video.
I'll be doing the California Zephyr from Chicago to Sacramento in a couple weeks, then Coast Starlight to Eugene. I love how I keep seeing you on different train vids, great minds think alike eh? Have a good one Briggs
That wait in Sacramento sucks. It’s 11 or 12 hours I believe. When you go through the Rockies after Denver make sure you get up to the viewing car early. It was standing room only when I went up just as we started to climb.
Yep 9 hours and 45 min. I'll find a local bar or restaurant to kill some time in, thanks for the tip. I'm hoping the flooding in Nebraska doesn't delay the train enough so that we miss the Rockies due to lack of sunlight. Fingers crossed
@@TheElevatorChannel I salute your train vid productions. I recall this route and rode it when it was the James Whitcomb Riley. Now, it's Acela all the way to NYC to see shows.
Very interesting video. I enjoyed seeing the old coaling towers from the days of steam, but, even though it was winter, the scenery was enjoyable, and I can only imagine what it would be like in the other three seasons. Thanks for posting.
Amtrak journeys like this must be a nice and relaxing alternative to air travel. You actually get to see the country, particularly often passed over communities, when traveling by train.
@@jeffdur1330 EXACTLY!! LIke I tell people--the country is largely uninhabited. People who go on about "over population" don't get it because they live in cities that are overcrowded. I love cross country trains because I find the open spaces inspiring.
I love your videos. I've always loved trains and take as many trips as I can. The Cardinal is one of my favorites, as well as the Zephyr and the last 1/3 of the Empire Builder route. You brought up some good points in the room accommodations. The Viewliner imo is best for the 2 full size rooms, but I prefer the Superliner for the roomette as you get a bit more room.
Another great report, Jacob! And you were in my neck of the woods too! You ought to start meeting some of your followers. I'd have loved to shake your hand and maybe treat you to dinner and hear firsthand about your experiences!
Great video I loved it a lot one thing on jointed rail it was fast and smooth back in the days but now it's all about track cruise and how much they want to spend on that keep it on the rails happy trails
At 50:42, those are the remains of the Excel Inn and Suites, a hotel which apparently burned accidentally on May 4, 2017. According to the New York Times, Martin Luther King once spent the night there before delivering a speech at UVa; it was called something different back then. Keep on adventuring! Thanks for the upload!
I road the Cardinal several times when I lived in West Virginia. They had a sight seeing tour of the state, which came before our stop but I have seen everything several times and loved to brag on my birth state. I went coach each time but really enjoyed the ride. It was more comfortable than a plane ride because they had foot tests and the seats lent back much further as well. You endured less hassle, too! Also you can move around and even visit the club car and relax. I enjoyed a 🍕 from Pettrige Farms! It is THE way to travel! The Cardinal runs (at least in the 1980's and 90's) from Chicago to NYC. We had a huge delay in DC once due to having to connect a PRIVATE car of some VIP or another so we were several hours late getting into the big city of NY but enjoyed the trip immensely!
I had to watch this again. I’ve never been to WV, but what I have in mind as to what I would expect if I went there is EXACTLY what I’m seeing out your windows. Isn’t it amazing how America has SO MUCH “middle of nowhere” areas with the big metro areas appearing, then disappearing quickly and you’re out in the boonies again. This video is great. Thank goodness there isn’t a music soundtrack!!!! Thank you for that. (So many UA-camr’s ruin their videos with stupid music).
I enjoy your videos very much I've heard a lot about that cardinal but I wasn't sure on what type of the train it was It looks interesting thanks for the video
I’m a former Amtrak Onboard Service Attendant. I first worked on The Auto Train out of Lorton Virginia then transferred to Washington DC. When I was working out of DC. The Cardinal was still a 3 day a week train, however, it did not go into New York. DC crews worked it and was Superliner Equipment. I don’t remember what year it switched to New York
I'm actually taking this route myself in February to go from my home in Iowa to Indiana for a railroad I start training for all the way through spring time. Definitely looks exciting just seeing the trek in leaving Chicago Union.
Took this route a couple years ago in October. The foliage was in early fall color, subtle but beautiful. The early meal coming into DC is due to a change of engine for the remaining trip to NYC; power is absent so they shut down food service. But it runs 110 mph in stretches to NYC.
@35:18 the station at Prince WV is pretty cool. Google search of images show the floor inside has a Chessie the kitten (C&O logo) terrazzo inlay floor. Very cool.
It looked like it was built very nice and then history forgot it and it's one of those things that not really used anymore, train stops three times a week.
I'm taking the Coast Starlight to L.A. this summer. It's too bad they got rid of the Pacific Parlour Car which was exclusive for the train. Great video as always. You are the travel pro!
The parlor car was great. We enjoyed a wine and cheese party while riding through California. They also had games and a small library if memory is accurate. The Starlight is still an experience. Ride it if you have the chance. 👍
@The Elevator Channel -- the best time is in the fall. I went on the train during what WV calls Bridge Day which is the 3rd Saturday in October near Fayetteville, WV. On that day, the base jump of the bridge. It's sad that it's not a daily train because it would be nice to get off and rent a car and stay at a state park or the Greenbrier Hotel. The view from Cincinnati to Maysville but timing for that tough for daylight.
Really enjoyed that. Now no doubt the scenery at the height of the summer would be a riot of colour but even with the semi monotone plate it’s very interesting. Old world charm mixed with industrial might and even some old steam architecture hidden in the trees. Plus it sort of was a throw back to olden days with the houses etc and you can only imagine how it would have looked in the 40s/50s when steam was still very much to the fore especially with the heavy coal trains around that region. As usual a great vid
This is a whole lot better way to get to DC than to fly in a sardine can. Lots and lots to see, and you can get up and walk around. It may take a lot longer, but if you're not on a strict schedule it's a good way to spend your time. Generally, Amtrak dining car food used to be pretty good, though I understand that they're moving to prepackaged meals on some lines to save money. These long-haul trains drag down their profits!
I enjoyed your video very much and thank you for sharing. If you want a piece of advice. I think is very helpful somebody else rode Amtrak brought a GPS with them made by Garmin and suction cup it to the window and then you can tell where you’re at at all times plus it tells you how fast you’re going so I thought that was a great idea to carry with you. food for thought.
Your videos bring great Joy as I remember over 30 years of taking many of your adventures that I have not seen any trips to Portland Main. Any chance when your have to go to Boston your could take a side trip to Portland. That town is really nice to all older adults and veterans. I recall that any vacant shops with heat systems must leave open for homeless in winter days. Lots of old time sea farriers are well taken care of. I f you ever do this trip could your look into the local government who heads up these programs? Thanks for the rides.
Great video I've seen other videos where they were talking about riding the cardinal I didn't realize though it really goes through a very mountainous but rough track area it's not being maintained bye Pennsylvania Railroad or Norfolk Southern it was a wonderful video thank you for doing that God bless
I've really enjoyed your videos. Very entertaining. I'm thinking about taking a train from Columbus, Oh to Richmond, Va. Hopefully itll be as beautiful as your trip through WV
This is probably my favorite video of yours. It really shows how much I miss Pre COVID life. Doing a long distance Amtrak Trip is one out of 2 of my lifetime dreams. I'm starting to think it will never happen because of the service cuts. My other lifetime dream is to meet DieselDucy in Roanoke.
I enjoyed your Amtrak video. Beautiful scenery while it's nice to ride throught towns and countries of West Virginia. The skyline by the Alexandria stop is actually Tysons Corner, and it's been redeveloping that area since the mid-2000s despite they got two shopping malls so close to each other.
No, Tyson's Corner is nowhere near the Alexandria station (King St.) Station is across the street from the George Washington Masonic Memorial, and Old Towne Alexandria is a few block away.
I’ve just checked the map, and I stand corrected. I was thinking of the shopping center with the AMC theater would be Tyson’s Corner, and I was way off west. The shopping center near the Alexandria stop is actually Hoffman Town Center. Sorry about the geographical errors.
@@art2daG2002 No problem, I'm a bit of a ringer. I lived in the DC area for over 20 years, am a life-long railfan, and also was an Amtrak and CSX employee in the region, and a qualified locomotive engineer through Alexandria.
Excellent video, Lad. The rough rails through that one area of West Virginia, I believe it was, could be considered 'mid aer turbulence' only by rail. The two Union Stations looked incredible. After seeing this video, I may have to check into traveling by rail some tyme, the room you had seemed quite nice.
I'm flying to Vegas for a business trip leaving from Virginia but I've decided to take the train back!!! Getting on the train just inside California (after a short 2 hour drive) and then coming all the way thru Chicago and then onwards to Staunton VA! Love the videos online that have gotten me to the point of pulling the trigger. See you all when I get back. The train will be the highlight of my trip!
You really need to take the Cardinal in the summer with long days and a short night. Really a beautiful ride. The schedule sure doesn't help because to get to Philly this summer on the dates I needed. The one advantage that I didn't hear you mention was that the Cardinal offers checked baggage from Chicago to the major east coast cities.
I have done Philadelphia to Cincinnati and back many times on the Cardinal. It's a nice ride. The tunnel in DC runs under First Street behind the Capitol. I will be on the Cardinal this coming Friday.
I will be riding this train in June, we visited New River Gorge overlook a few years ago and saw the tracks down below but now we will be riding thru the Gorge.
![South Shore Line - Chicago, IL. to Gary, IN. [WINTER 2016]](/img/n.gif)
Thank you for letting me tag along...I loved trains since I was a five yr old girl....watched the trip from Chicago to the Rockies and beyond...very enjoyable..thanks again...
YEAH!!!! New Amtrak video!! Love it. Said it before but I'll say it again, you're videos got me into traveling by train. Thanks Jacob!!
My name is Jacob to! (I’m the kid in the picture)
Nice trip review. Thanks for posting it
Always fun to travel with you. Like the hotel review at the end. Hope more long distance trips are planned.
I love your amtrak videos. Not a lot of talking but anything said adds to the experience and nice background noise. I could fall asleep to it. LOL
This video was a very nice ride-a-long and I never knew WV was that beautiful. You speak very well and I had no idea Amtrak could be this enjoyable of a ride, this is a must do for me and thank you for taking us along on a free ride.
My state is marketed as “Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia”. Thank you for your positive coverage of us and our scenery.
Ohhhhhh. Is that why the movie about the Whites is named that??(this is rhetorical a year later. Lol)
I love 💝 trains you meet the best people and have a awesome time.
A cozy Cardinal sleeper would be fun to ride through ragged West Virginia backwoods on a cold, spooky Halloween night. Snow or a heavy rain storm would be great. No way I'd offboard the warm, safe train for any type of station break.
I'd have lots of pumpkin spice tea, buttered pumpkin bread, traditional Halloween candy and battery-powered tea lights. Bundled up in warm nightwear, I'd watch scary videos running on DVDs.
Thank you letting me share a marvelous journey. You were a friendly, informative roommate
I bet this scenery would be beautiful in autumn with all the colors.
Hopefully you will get better at this. Watching during a bout of insomnia but still had food on my stomach UNTIL the filming of approaching the train. Thank God for the pause bar!!!
Makes me REALLY want to take a long-trip train ride (again; I went to St. Louis-Oregon many years ago.) I’m putting a trip like this on my have-to bucket list. What a wonderful way to see parts of our country you otherwise would not. Thanks for filming all of this! Unique trip!!
Loved the video. I took this train as part of a solo trip from L.A. to Hot Springs, VA when I was 16 in 1961. The L.A.-Chicago leg was on the old UP City of Los Angeles. My first real independent trip and a very fond memory!
Thank You for taking the time to video your trip, I enjoyed watching it!
I live in Cincinnati and have taken the Cardinal several times. They call it the best kept Amtrak secret train.
Literally my favorite video to watch. I’ve always wanted to ride a long distance Amtrak train.
Hello Jacob. I typically don't comment on videos, typically I just browse videos but I am a loyal viewer of your videos. I always look forward to waking up on Saturdays and watching your new video, and I have to say, this was definitely one of my favorites to watch. The train part was nice. Great Trip Report as always, but I REALLY enjoyed watching your room tour at the hotel as I have actually stayed at this particular Hampton twice before. One time was in December 2017, and the other time was In April 2018 (Actually this particular weekend, just one year earlier.) I really enjoyed both of my stays there and it is actually really neat as you were on the same floor as my second visit (I was in 1103) and you were directly above my first visit room (1010). You are correct that this is a converted Hampton. This was originally the Editors building (a historic landmark plaque is located out front) built in 1949. It was the for Kiplinger Organization. Hampton did a great job on renovations as most rooms have different layouts.
Thanks so much! And I was really impressed with this Hampton. I didn’t like the newer-style rooms when I visited the Hampton in Merriam KS. But it seems like that property is a bit troubled. Here the renovation was much more comfortable and warm.
why different layouts?
I can't believe you missed White Sulphur Springs or climbing the Alleghenys and its summit tunnel. So much for a badly timed lunch.
I was told by the building staff at Union Station that leaving the panels out of the ceiling somewhat attenuates the noise which they discovered by accident during renovations.
Enjoyed that. Found the train’s room very cozy. Makes me want to travel on it. Thank you for sharing.
52:22 my town, Culpeper VA! Culpeper National Cemetery. Glad you stopped by! 1:15 more mins to DC.
Been in Staunton for school for the past year and a half. One of the safest and most charming towns I have ever seen! I love it.
I have seen 3 or 4 Cardinal trips on UA-cam. This is excellent.
I wanted to thank you for filming this. I'm in a long distance relationship, (I'm in NYC and my boyfriend lives in Eastern Kentucky). I usually take an airplane to go see him but I have been debating whether or not Amtrak is cheaper. If I would take the Amtrak, I would be stopping in Charleston, WV and taking a cab for three hours to go to him. Thank you so much for letting me see what riding the Amtrak to that station would be like and showing us the scenery.
Damn, I oddly lost the comment I was attempting to type at first. Anyway, the gist of my comment was to remind you there also are station stops in Huntington, WV, Ashland, KY, and also Maysville, KY(last one is overnight mind you, but this station stop is an option too). Not sure where in eastern KY you are trying to take Amtrak too, but keep this in mind when planning an Amtrak trip. Along with the sad reality this train is only 3 days a week. :(
I like watching your video. I’m an Amtrak rider myself. I live in California, I take the Surfliner from L.A to Oregon. I love riding on Amtrak. Being disabled, I always have the handicap sleeper, very comfortable too. I’m also legally blind. What I love about it is instead of going to the dining car (because it’s difficult for me to get to), they bring my food to me. I love the service. I’m planning to take Amtrak in May to Oregon again. Thank you for the video.
I forgot to mention that from L.A to Oregon (as well as Washington state), I love some of the landscape scenery from what I can see. I have no central vision, but have perineal vision, so I can still enjoy seeing some beautiful landscape scenery along the way.
I enjoy all your rail videos. I have ridden all the AMTRAK routes west of my hometown St. Louis from 2001 through 2013 (i.e., connections in Chicago and K.C. at times) in 5 weekend to weekend trip plus The Canadian (Vancouver to Jasper and back). I know of The Cardinal and have gone through West Virginia and Viginia on several of our family road trips East. Your videos make you feel like you are sitting right there with you. I bet this is very scenic in the Fall, although sometimes at single level you can find yourself just looking staright in to trees out the window and not seeing anything beyond. Also liked seeing Chicago Union station again and have taken metros in to Washington union station on road trips several times.
One great advantage to booking sleepers is being able to use the Metropolitan Lounge and its baggage storage room. Drop your bags, enjoy downtown Chicago, then retrieve your bags and board the train. Oh, and get a drink and a snack, while you're at it. Fantastic.
Very Helpful, thank you. I'll be planning a trip on the Cardinal.
I actually ride the cardinal twice a year from Montgomery, through to Clifton Forge and back for fun. The route is one thing but the crew is something else. The Huntington to Charlottesville crew is an experience in its own way. Since you were on 50 heading east on Sunday your head conductor was Glass and your roomette attendant was Mama J. both veterans in the railroad industry are amazing people you can walk up to them and talk to them for hours. However, 51 has Claytor and his crew has +150 years of experience. I spend most of my trip talking to them listening to stories and having fun with them.
If you ride 50 or 51 you are in for an experience. Going through the New River Gorge and up and over the Allegheny Mountains is truly scenic. This train is on a different level if you are willing to talk to the crew. Once you ride enough you are treated like family and the crew will be much more open to you. And the crew thinks of themselves as a family.
I am actually planning on riding during the fall foliage this year since the New River Train has since been canceled.
I did not know that the New River Train Fall Too late Train was cancelled? May I ask why?
The part where we talks about the crew of the Cardinal being great.
It’s not a lie, it’s not an exaggeration.
I hope his sleeping car attendant was Mamma J. She makes the train.
Well he doesn’t show him talking to the crew. Doesn’t mean he didn’t talk with the crew.
I did Montgomery to Charlottesville in July. My first trip on Amtrak. I'll go again after this Covid crap goes away, just to make a fair judgment, but this time around it just wasn't an enjoyable experience for me. Nothing like I was hoping for, anyway. I'll try again, though.
I love Amtrak travel so thanks for pretty stable video to watch from my treadmill. The trip will be more colorful if I take it with foliage on the trees, maybe fall.
We took that train a couple of years ago. We took the Iowa Pacific train to Indianapolis. The station there was like a homeless shelter scary. Then the next day we took the Cardinal to Washington. Great trip and amazing scenery
Edward Travels It’s funny... some of the stations along the route looked really charming. Others looked pretty awful.
Indianapolis has a really nice Union Station that we don't use in favor of making everyone leave from the saddest Greyhound station ever. I don't understand.
That’s too bad about Indianapolis. Getting off at that station really left a bad impression of the city with us.
Pretty soon there will be only three trains in and out of the city a week from that station as the state government stop funding of the Hoosier line to Chicago in July. By then it will mostly be a homeless shelter. Yet, they plenty of money for sport teams.
@@EdwardTravels Never mind the station, Indianapolis is really a nice city. They have one of the best underutilized airport in the country.
Dang, I just finished breakfast! I'll have to have another sitdown breakfast to enjoy this video!
I am enjoying your "little" train adventure tonight..... thank you for making it …. new states to look at for me. xoxox from MN
You did a very nice guide trip and I would recommend your video to others.
Oh dear, an hour long video. Time to grab a blanket and watch.
Just subscribed to your excellent channel. Locked in and down in the UK, would love to do more of Amtrack's long haul train rides. But some great insights and useful info. Thanks very much for cheering my day. (Great voice and voice over BTW.)
Did California Zephyr From Chicago to Sacramento last October. My car attendant said the Cardinal has great scenery. Doing Empire Builder from Minneapolis to Portland, Oregon in 10 days. Great video.
I'll be doing the California Zephyr from Chicago to Sacramento in a couple weeks, then Coast Starlight to Eugene. I love how I keep seeing you on different train vids, great minds think alike eh? Have a good one Briggs
That wait in Sacramento sucks. It’s 11 or 12 hours I believe. When you go through the Rockies after Denver make sure you get up to the viewing car early. It was standing room only when I went up just as we started to climb.
Yep 9 hours and 45 min. I'll find a local bar or restaurant to kill some time in, thanks for the tip. I'm hoping the flooding in Nebraska doesn't delay the train enough so that we miss the Rockies due to lack of sunlight. Fingers crossed
Thanks! The Empire Builder has been on my list for a long time. I’ve just had a hard time getting the logistics in place to make it happen.
@@TheElevatorChannel I salute your train vid productions. I recall this route and rode it when it was the James Whitcomb Riley. Now, it's Acela all the way to NYC to see shows.
Zzenjoyed this as there was a good comantary. I will continue to subscribe. Thanks
This goes right through my hometown and I have taken it to Chicago once from OH and loved it. The scenery in WV is amazing.
So well done (as always)... the Cardinal is a fabulous experience. Beautiful scenery and a great crew! Thanks for the great work in this video!
Thanks for your post. You're answering many questions for me about my next adventure.
Ye but it is not that I can get a ride to work for a few minutes then we will head e and e a l l bean to get a new one for the kids.
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Very interesting video. I enjoyed seeing the old coaling towers from the days of steam, but, even though it was winter, the scenery was enjoyable, and I can only imagine what it would be like in the other three seasons.
Thanks for posting.
Really wish the US would get a Bullet train. With just a few stops across America. Great fun. Thank you for making video. Feb. 26, 2021
Amtrak journeys like this must be a nice and relaxing alternative to air travel. You actually get to see the country, particularly often passed over communities, when traveling by train.
It's actually a more scenic trip in the winter and during the summer the bushes are so thick you barely see the river.
You dont see the country lol all you see is empty space
@@jeffdur1330 EXACTLY!! LIke I tell people--the country is largely uninhabited. People who go on about "over population" don't get it because they live in cities that are overcrowded. I love cross country trains because I find the open spaces inspiring.
@@jeffdur1330 you see the back side of towns.
I have ridden this line several times, from Washington to Huntington, WV. Love this ride.
That's the train I ride all the time and I usually board in Montgomery. Thanks for the video. Glad you enjoyed your ride.
I love your videos. I've always loved trains and take as many trips as I can. The Cardinal is one of my favorites, as well as the Zephyr and the last 1/3 of the Empire Builder route. You brought up some good points in the room accommodations. The Viewliner imo is best for the 2 full size rooms, but I prefer the Superliner for the roomette as you get a bit more room.
Another great report, Jacob! And you were in my neck of the woods too! You ought to start meeting some of your followers. I'd have loved to shake your hand and maybe treat you to dinner and hear firsthand about your experiences!
Trip has to be great in the fall during peak-something I will keep in mind. Nice vid-thanks for sharing.
Great video I loved it a lot one thing on jointed rail it was fast and smooth back in the days but now it's all about track cruise and how much they want to spend on that keep it on the rails happy trails
Had the opportunity to experience this trip but starting from NY going to Indianapolis. The West Virginia views are amazing!
The Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago's Union Station looks quite nice - a lot like the lobby/breakfast area in hotels I've stayed in.
Wow, I love your videos. Going to start doing the train thing soon.
At 50:42, those are the remains of the Excel Inn and Suites, a hotel which apparently burned accidentally on May 4, 2017. According to the New York Times, Martin Luther King once spent the night there before delivering a speech at UVa; it was called something different back then.
Keep on adventuring! Thanks for the upload!
Thank you for a really interesting video . I didn’t know this route existed now I want to travel on it.
There’s something so majestic and creepy about riding under that bridge in the fog. Very atmospheric
I road the Cardinal several times when I lived in West Virginia. They had a sight seeing tour of the state, which came before our stop but I have seen everything several times and loved to brag on my birth state.
I went coach each time but really enjoyed the ride. It was more comfortable than a plane ride because they had foot tests and the seats lent back much further as well. You endured less hassle, too!
Also you can move around and even visit the club car and relax. I enjoyed a 🍕 from Pettrige Farms! It is THE way to travel! The Cardinal runs (at least in the 1980's and 90's) from Chicago to NYC. We had a huge delay in DC once due to having to connect a PRIVATE car of some VIP or another so we were several hours late getting into the big city of NY but enjoyed the trip immensely!
Sir your voice is so soothing I enjoyed watching your video.
These videos are addicting. Literally addicting. You should try the silver meteor train Jacob! I think you will like the route
Great Train
I think he should also try the Silver Star too
I had to watch this again. I’ve never been to WV, but what I have in mind as to what I would expect if I went there is EXACTLY what I’m seeing out your windows. Isn’t it amazing how America has SO MUCH “middle of nowhere” areas with the big metro areas appearing, then disappearing quickly and you’re out in the boonies again. This video is great. Thank goodness there isn’t a music soundtrack!!!! Thank you for that. (So many UA-camr’s ruin their videos with stupid music).
I enjoy your videos very much I've heard a lot about that cardinal but I wasn't sure on what type of the train it was It looks interesting thanks for the video
Great informative video! Now I want to take that trip in the fall, it should be beautiful. Thank you!
I’m a former Amtrak Onboard Service Attendant. I first worked on The Auto Train out of Lorton Virginia then transferred to Washington DC. When I was working out of DC. The Cardinal was still a 3 day a week train, however, it did not go into New York. DC crews worked it and was Superliner Equipment. I don’t remember what year it switched to New York
I always took this trip and I love it. Now I’m taking a trip on Amtrak from here in Chicago to Fort Worth Texas because I’m moving to Texas.
I'm actually taking this route myself in February to go from my home in Iowa to Indiana for a railroad I start training for all the way through spring time. Definitely looks exciting just seeing the trek in leaving Chicago Union.
Took this route a couple years ago in October. The foliage was in early fall color, subtle but beautiful. The early meal coming into DC is due to a change of engine for the remaining trip to NYC; power is absent so they shut down food service. But it runs 110 mph in stretches to NYC.
@35:18 the station at Prince WV is pretty cool. Google search of images show the floor inside has a Chessie the kitten (C&O logo) terrazzo inlay floor. Very cool.
It looked like it was built very nice and then history forgot it and it's one of those things that not really used anymore, train stops three times a week.
Informative video. Very well done. Thanks for sharing.
I'm taking the Coast Starlight to L.A. this summer. It's too bad they got rid of the Pacific Parlour Car which was exclusive for the train. Great video as always. You are the travel pro!
Tell me it aint so! No more Parlor Car?! The Parlor car made the Coast Starlight my favorite train. I wish AmTrak would stop downgrading.
@@Clay_Maguire Yeah, it's unfortunate. I was hoping to check it out. It looked awesome.
The parlor car was great. We enjoyed a wine and cheese party while riding through California. They also had games and a small library if memory is accurate. The Starlight is still an experience. Ride it if you have the chance. 👍
I would hate to have to either fly or drive in weather like this. perfect train weather!
@The Elevator Channel -- the best time is in the fall. I went on the train during what WV calls Bridge Day which is the 3rd Saturday in October near Fayetteville, WV. On that day, the base jump of the bridge. It's sad that it's not a daily train because it would be nice to get off and rent a car and stay at a state park or the Greenbrier Hotel. The view from Cincinnati to Maysville but timing for that tough for daylight.
Really enjoyed that. Now no doubt the scenery at the height of the summer would be a riot of colour but even with the semi monotone plate it’s very interesting. Old world charm mixed with industrial might and even some old steam architecture hidden in the trees. Plus it sort of was a throw back to olden days with the houses etc and you can only imagine how it would have looked in the 40s/50s when steam was still very much to the fore especially with the heavy coal trains around that region. As usual a great vid
That James River Bus 247 at 51:16 is the same exact bus I went on for my Show Choir trip to Ohio.
Going on this train in the summer. Awesome video, keep up the great work!
This was by far very interesting. The cardinal seems historically an older train, as well as the route.
Another fantastic Amtrak vid. The Cardinal route looks very scenic. Would love to take a ride someday.
This is a whole lot better way to get to DC than to fly in a sardine can. Lots and lots to see, and you can get up and walk around. It may take a lot longer, but if you're not on a strict schedule it's a good way to spend your time. Generally, Amtrak dining car food used to be pretty good, though I understand that they're moving to prepackaged meals on some lines to save money. These long-haul trains drag down their profits!
❤
I enjoyed your video very much and thank you for sharing. If you want a piece of advice. I think is very helpful somebody else rode Amtrak brought a GPS with them made by Garmin and suction cup it to the window and then you can tell where you’re at at all times plus it tells you how fast you’re going so I thought that was a great idea to carry with you. food for thought.
Thanks for the vid...I used to take the Cardinal from Charleston WV to DC in my collage days....coach of course. Beautiful scenic views.
Your videos bring great Joy as I remember over 30 years of taking many of your adventures that I have not seen any trips to Portland Main. Any chance when your have to go to Boston your could take a side trip to Portland. That town is really nice to all older adults and veterans. I recall that any vacant shops with heat systems must leave open for homeless in winter days. Lots of old time sea farriers are well taken care of. I f you ever do this trip could your look into the local government who heads up these programs? Thanks for the rides.
I watch a lot of trip reports. These are my favorite
Great video I've seen other videos where they were talking about riding the cardinal I didn't realize though it really goes through a very mountainous but rough track area it's not being maintained bye Pennsylvania Railroad or Norfolk Southern it was a wonderful video thank you for doing that God bless
I was thinking about taking the Capitol Ltd from Chicago to DC, but this ride looks more interesting. Nice vid, thanks for all the useful info.
I've really enjoyed your videos. Very entertaining. I'm thinking about taking a train from Columbus, Oh to Richmond, Va. Hopefully itll be as beautiful as your trip through WV
This is probably my favorite video of yours. It really shows how much I miss Pre COVID life. Doing a long distance Amtrak Trip is one out of 2 of my lifetime dreams. I'm starting to think it will never happen because of the service cuts. My other lifetime dream is to meet DieselDucy in Roanoke.
I enjoyed your Amtrak video. Beautiful scenery while it's nice to ride throught towns and countries of West Virginia. The skyline by the Alexandria stop is actually Tysons Corner, and it's been redeveloping that area since the mid-2000s despite they got two shopping malls so close to each other.
No, Tyson's Corner is nowhere near the Alexandria station (King St.) Station is across the street from the George Washington Masonic Memorial, and Old Towne Alexandria is a few block away.
I’ve just checked the map, and I stand corrected. I was thinking of the shopping center with the AMC theater would be Tyson’s Corner, and I was way off west. The shopping center near the Alexandria stop is actually Hoffman Town Center. Sorry about the geographical errors.
@@art2daG2002 No problem, I'm a bit of a ringer. I lived in the DC area for over 20 years, am a life-long railfan, and also was an Amtrak and CSX employee in the region, and a qualified locomotive engineer through Alexandria.
We road the Cardinal two times enjoyed each time.
Beautiful scenery ! Good job ! 👍👌
Excellent video, Lad. The rough rails through that one area of West Virginia, I believe it was, could be considered 'mid aer turbulence' only by rail. The two Union Stations looked incredible. After seeing this video, I may have to check into traveling by rail some tyme, the room you had seemed quite nice.
I'm flying to Vegas for a business trip leaving from Virginia but I've decided to take the train back!!! Getting on the train just inside California (after a short 2 hour drive) and then coming all the way thru Chicago and then onwards to Staunton VA! Love the videos online that have gotten me to the point of pulling the trigger. See you all when I get back. The train will be the highlight of my trip!
How did it go?
A thorough job of filming to the end at hotel. I think I would have fruit with me for dinner-chicken looked like leftovers.
They actually have special fall foliage runs where they bring in observation cars. I think it runs from Huntington to Hinton and then returns.
You really need to take the Cardinal in the summer with long days and a short night. Really a beautiful ride. The schedule sure doesn't help because to get to Philly this summer on the dates I needed. The one advantage that I didn't hear you mention was that the Cardinal offers checked baggage from Chicago to the major east coast cities.
I have done Philadelphia to Cincinnati and back many times on the Cardinal. It's a nice ride. The tunnel in DC runs under First Street behind the Capitol. I will be on the Cardinal this coming Friday.
I imagine this one would be the best in the fall with all the leaves changing.
Thanks for the video. Peace
I will be riding this train in June, we visited New River Gorge overlook a few years ago and saw the tracks down below but now we will be riding thru the Gorge.
Great video, very informative. Thank you. My favorite part was you in the shower showing how close your head was to the ceiling.
Great video I love how you see the abandon coal towers from the steam train era.
That "drop ceiling" is the new look. We have one similar here in Toronto.