Saturday we are taking an Amtrak western safri to sightsee & meet many grand children. Trip has been delayed several times for 2-1/2 years by variious medical problems so we are really looking forward to this trip. If you are interested we will try to give a blow by blow account of what items are encountered. We expect 2 - 4 minor problems and a 30% chance of a major event. Camera fritzed last night so pictures ? All the items that various posters have noted over the years will be watched for.
Sat Leave ATL on Crescent in car 2011, Sun leave WASH on Capitol in car 2901, Mon leave CHI on Builder in car 2730, WED leave PDX on Starlight car 1132 to San Jose, Ca.. week there. More on trip later.
Any suggestions about lay over spots or points of interest on way most welcome.
blue streak 1 Saturday we are taking an Amtrak western safri to sightsee & meet many grand children. Trip has been delayed several times for 2-1/2 years by variious medical problems so we are really looking forward to this trip. If you are interested we will try to give a blow by blow account of what items are encountered. We expect 2 - 4 minor problems and a 30% chance of a major event. Camera fritzed last night so pictures ? All the items that various posters have noted over the years will be watched for. Sat Leave ATL on Crescent in car 2011, Sun leave WASH on Capitol in car 2901, Mon leave CHI on Builder in car 2730, WED leave PDX on Starlight car 1132 to San Jose, Ca.. week there. More on trip later. Any suggestions about lay over spots or points of interest on way most welcome.
If you are headed south from San Jose, with plenty of time on your hands, I recommend a few days in Santa Barbara, California. It is a nice ride on the Coast Starlight. San Diego is another of my favorites. And if you are headed east on the Sunset Limited, I recommend a few days in Tucson.
Portland is worth some hours. If you have time. the Classical Chinese Garden is near Union Station and quite extraordinary. Santa Barbara area is beautiful, also Santa Monica? Spend time in San Diego. And of course, wander over to Millennium Park while on layover in Chicago.
C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan
I agree with Schlimm about the Chinese Garden in Portland.
Mac
Streak, I'm interested in your blow by blow description of your trip and would look forward to hearing about it. I hjope you enjoy your grandchildren. Mine are the greatest reward of my old age.
John
Streak, west of Minot of course keep an eye out for all the oil action. The platform should be busy at Williston, the epicenter. West of Williston be on the south side of the train for the running along the Missouri River. Just before you cross into Montana, you will pass (again, on the south) the reconstructed Fort Union, the capital of the fur trading empire of the American Fur Co. in the wake of Lewis & Clark. This is midday running, so the light should be good.
Have a great trip!
Note all times approximate see status site for actual times.
Arrived Peachtre Station 30 mintues later due to train running late from BHM. Unfortunately due to traffic congestion train would not arrive until over hour late. Agents very helpful due to change of last minute accomodations.
Station has ungone some renovation. Parking area now reopened after beams underneath had to be replaced But only space for seven autos Had 3 different passengers inquire about pay parking directed them to same. Staation has been repainted, better lighting, Split face block added, facade repaired, etc.
A real surprize was that NS has resurfaced the Steel siding that Amtrak sometimes uses to park trains when ATL - NOL is cancelled due to MOW / construction activities are happening. ( Note equipment was there but they were ancient guess good for stub end tracks. ) Also ballast regulator present to dress the additional ballast..
While waiting for #20 a southbound intermodal waited just north of station so passengers not blocked if #20 should arrive. IM had an approach signal. Once an advance approach given they then proceeded as they had enough space to clear station. The intermodal had well cars, TOFC, Containers on flat cars and one other kind of car.. Very eclectic. NS 9412, 9410,1081 led IM.
Earlier an northbound manifes led by NS 1086?, 9098, 6708 at 1815 local time.
At train time about 130 passengers in waiting area but plenty of bench space left. Crew member informed that ATL has the most on and offs of any station of Crescent.
Train arrived with 181, 91, 1750, 62024, 62021, 8504, 28024, 25075,25072, 25012, 25115. A comment about 8504 ( dinner ) refurbishment was liked but one fault was no grab irons at each end of car doors. Could be a problem for some persons.
Train arrived 2015 - 2043. Was in dinner before left station . Station personell did great job turning train despite being a terrible station to work. Especially the 2 baggage carts each in & out.
More later don't want to loose this.
Page 2
Dinner was great but patronage was only one sitting. Waiter said hectic BHM - ATL. Note breakfast well patronnized. It may be once a third sleeper added diner will do better. Sleepers both full except for one no show but that was sold out of CLT later. Seems that the new fare collection system may be paying off. Train left Gainesville 2138. The diinner does not ride well especially side to side thru equalaqteral CPs. Viewliners & Amfleet much better. Note lounge cafe car very busy.
Oaltamann;s desire for a day time ATL - NEC traiin showed a weakness on NS track. Although clear signals all way to where Columbia branch that joins route at CLT ( 3 min wait ) train speed rarely exceeded 60 MPH & several 40 MPH Could not make up any time. If pass speed that reduced then Crescent corridor IMs on that segment are taking a hit.
Quite a contrast CLT (0216 )- Greensboro (0310 ). Most time speeds 79 with only a couple spots back to 55 around the I-85 rebuild. Zoomed around the Salisbury yard. NCDOT much kadoos.
Another surprize - The signal system with few exceptions has not been upgraded yet for PTC. Those that had been upgraded were not observed to use LEDs. The antique signal system stabbed the train north of Lynchburg as we left there just 4 minutes late. The dispatcher was not able to clear the signals. 2 freights ahead of us then slowed and had to walk the CPs. had us with advance approach then appproach and finally stop, ( at tye river () The freights were at restricted speed and us which appeared to be 10 MPH. As soon as dispatcher was able to get freights into a double track section our conductor had to throw switch, observe thru CP restore switch to normal where needed then walk to front to repeat process.
At Charlottesville finally got signals cleared. Left CVS at 0912. Did not note time at WASH but approx 1130.
More later
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Note: the NS problems have been a reoccurring problem as VRE gets stabbed a couple timesa month. After arrival WASH delayed getting to lounge due to Biden's wife arriving on Amtrak.
New Acela lounge was nice and good amenities however one problem . As composing pg2 cleaning lady came in and had her two way radio on high volume and she screamed Spanish into the radio waking several patrons including wife. Tried to suggest to one front desk agent about problem suggesting cleaner wear headphones.. Was completely dismissed as not any of my business ! ! Wonder how mye mail reply will address that item.
Tried to find a meter battery & camera SD card no luck.. Called to ride to train..Cqpitol was parked at the track (14 ? ) whose bumper is about 5 car lengths further up platform. Real walk for all passengers especially those to forward sleepers. At sleeper car the HEP was not working with maintenance still trouble shooting.. 10 minutes before scheduled departure finally they had to use the second unit to provide power and we arrived CHI with 2nd unit still providing.HEP. If a problem shutting HEP could have been seriously delayed. We did leave WASH on time.
Had to wait for time at all stations to cumberland. CSX tracks in great shape. much 79 MPH running However going up Sand Patch we got stabbed for 25 minutes of restricted running at 12 mph. Unknown reason as was eating dinner. Amusing item. Steward announced that the dinner was serving Salmon ( FILL - ET ) several alert pass caught the FAUX PAX. with giggles.
CSX appears to have installed all PTC capable signaling until bed time. In the mountains could see remanants of code line however noticed 2 new cable code lines were on old poles that had been sawed off just above new line. An inquiry revealed that new lines were a back up due to possible interference to RCL in the very mountainous area. Lines only astride in close quarters.
Many signal bungalows were high on stilts in the river section. One was higher than roof of an agent's office building. Good flood protection. . All stops appeared on time to CHI even though we took a 10 -15 min delay at Englewood. + total of another 15 delays on NS tracka. Much work in progress. .
blue streak 1...desire for a day time ATL - NEC traiin showed a weakness on NS track. Although clear signals all way to where Columbia branch that joins route at CLT ( 3 min wait ) train speed rarely exceeded 60 MPH & several 40 MPH Could not make up any time. If pass speed that reduced then Crescent corridor IMs on that segment are taking a hit.
Many, many 3 degree curves in this stretch. It's why HrSR on this segment won't come cheap. Existing schedule is good enough to get started.
-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/)
Page 4
Wash maintenance stretched thin including inadequate air conditioning in car 32069. AS well many of the bellows curtains on Capitol were not attached between cars. En route they were attached and stayed that way. Baggage car 1734 needed a washing. It was filthy. PTC capable appeared installed all the way to Pittsburgh with mountains having 2 – 25 pair code line cables as backup for RCL due to radio line of sight problems. Crescent train crew NOL – Diner NYP
Capitol’s superliners seemed very close to the CAT wires at WASH 4” ? .
WASH – CHI had lots of 79 mph running. On MARC areas could expect 100 MPH running on CSX. Near CHI saw NS 3066, 3067 MUed together. Then immediately saw a Harbor freight SW MUed to a NS GP . 3 -5 minute wait at HICK tower. Then took 10 – 12 minute wait at Englewood for METRA. Many piers in place for that flyover. The new NS intermodal work from 53rd to 47th is progressing at a moderate pace. In NS yard saw some CSX / UP EMP units painted a bright green.
THE BUILDER
Please excuse typing as bouncing around on the Builder.
Once left Western Ave tower ran at 65 MPH then 79 all way the MKE airport. In METRA territory appears that several new signal bridges are spanning all ROW for the old 4 & 3 track territory. Still just 2 tracks but some vegetation control in place. Once near MKE city the 2 bridges slowed us to 8 MPH. No work yet observed in station. Found rear section of train in a dark location with no lighting. No excuse. Then restricting signal into station. Also restricting out of station Once PTC installed & bridges fixed. ( Some kind of repair in progress on south bascule bridge east side. ). 100 MPH running over immaculate & very smooth track. Might allow 1:10 en route time ? ?
Diner scheduled 3 – 4 seating’s with 15 tables so 60 pass each seating. 4 wait staff + Stewart. Cook & 2 assistants. 2 additional tables completely stacked with storage & third table partially. The only food source is CHI with no intermediate supply. If any resupply at Havre done then delivery charge of $150. With the delivery of the new baggage cars maybe a way would be to modularize the stocking and place spare items in baggage car. Remove same with forklift at Havre and restock. Crazy ? ?
Why the stock problem ? Very high demand for diner service as all sleeper pass eat and as many coach as possible. Turns out that for persons west of St. Cloud find Amtrak food cheaper than local eateries. McDonalds is paying $24. / hr. in Williston.for bugger turners. Snack bar in lounge also gets cleaned out. Some chicken house delivered very expensive food bought by passengers who could not get a dining car reservation at Havre. Breakfast & Lunch next day crowding not quite as bad ==humbugger was great. Supper same problem at Havre as all supper stock sold.
Track out of MKE was excellent with most 79 MPH until 20 miles from MSP. St. Paul Union depot all lit up Switching into Midway same old slow manual switching.
Our many different posters have mentioned the upgraded private crossing signs in most states. ---- Well not in Wisconsin. Many private crossing have no cross bucks, stop, or yield signs. There may be advance signs but I doubt it. Then it was also in North Dakota as well. Montana regular markings. Slept thru Mn.
To MSP -- CP adding walkways to all their bridges. Their non upgraded portions of signaling has most signal heads with 4 bulbs & 5 observed at least 2 locations. Will drive KP bonkers. On double track only occupied track approach lighted even at CPs. Deep ballast with much older pink mixed in. also noted that many cross ties had rail anchors every tie. Some welded rail sidings no anchors ? Some CP track uses equilateral CP when going to / from 2 to 1 track.
5 – 10 west of Tomah ( MP 244 ) ? new 5 track yard under construction ( appears for oil ). New sidings are being built wider from main track. At a couple locations CP has built a short section of siding with outside of rail concrete pads. Sign say park BO wheel set here. Interesting ? Any flat sidings brand new regular derails. Sloped sidings some new split rail derails
On the CP line most very new auto overpasses are 3 – 4 tracks wide some even with crash guards. On some single track locations and even double track vegetation control only on one side of track was observed. BNSF the same. . finally moving at Whitefish details later.
Page 5
Now In Spokane 3 hours late. About that later
Last night out of Fargo took several delays due to inop auto crossing signals. Crew had to walk us through those crossings. One crossing after local midnight had thirty vehicles waiting for us to clear.
When awoke just getting to devils lake. That is a real mess. Not only the RR problem but pipeline, telephone, electric, US2, cell towers,. BNSF had much track work equipment all which appeared brand new just waiting for us to clear.. 3 complete ballast trains, rip rap trains, panel tracks, panel switches, all sorts of signal equipment. Large solar panels. KP --- eat your heart out. no id marks on bungalows yet. Some in service and other out of service poles leaning at crazy angles, foundations for new bungalows, RCL poles, & signals all which were raised. US 2 being raised and old sections definitely washboard. Pipeline repair openings too numerous to count with all cave in protected. New Pipeline manholes (?) being raised (?). Power & phone poles having smaller rip rap around each pole + around many guy wires. All sizes Rip rap stored everywhere.
BNSF making very genle slopes on both sides of ROW. On top of that morning fog down to mile visibility in places. Changing the rhyme of the ancient mariner. Water water every where but no place to put it. Even BNSF navy present. . Unidentified grass in water almost like rice.
BNSF actually building more siding to accommodate all work. IMHO not enough will get done before winter sets in maybe lack of personnel. . Minot news paper said rainfall for this calendar year already has set record with 3-1/2 months to go. Much flowing into devils lake. At one place train traversing at 8 MPH train car suddenly leaned about 10 degrees to right. Yikes ! ! !
MINOTt
Gavin yard east of Minot major expansion & upgrades. YARD switch heaters, concrete ties for welded rail yard signals for yard tracks & new refueling bay, wide track centers. An auto overpass of County 12A has just been built over present west end approaches with spacing for 4 tracks each under 8 spans. Future expansion (?). Many lots north of main line appear to be in various states of clearing ? We took a 30+ min delay due to freight traffic.
An explanation - For about 20 miles west of Minot the south track was out of service to add new ties. At Minot only station track in service so expedited IM train had to go to Gavin to clear in front of us.
When arrived Minot car man placed a blue light 100 ft behind train on one rail. Unit was smaller than a cell phone but thicker. Never have seen one had flashing blue LED. West of the single track Glassman Coulee river bridge west of Minot (MP 5 ) enough panel track sections to on side of ROW to completely replace bridge rail. Inquiry could not reveal purpose. West of Minot much connecting of sidings appeared to be planned. Saw same one side vegetation control as west of MSP. Track is on side of north hill. As usual some replacement ties went down south slope some as far as 100 ft lower, South track many ties marked for replacement and some places every one for 50 – 100 ft. Thought that violated maintenance rules ? Definitely not every 3rd or fourth tie. Saw new ROW clearing, subgrade work, fabric laying, crusher run, tie & track, etc. New sidings and some places connecting sidings for long sections of double track. One conductor claimed BNSF wants it all double track except in very difficult places. A practice that may confirm that was all new signals, crossing ( except gates ) RCL bungalows were set back from tracks to allow one or more additional tracks. This appears only for equipment very recently installed ( 0 – 2 years ? ) Also some on MKE - MSP route observed. F course more dumb trucker protection.
Along route many new power lines were available for various signaling although some locations had solar or solar backup in case of obvious probable commercial failure
-
dakotafred Streak, west of Minot of course keep an eye out for all the oil action. The platform should be busy at Williston, the epicenter.
Streak, west of Minot of course keep an eye out for all the oil action. The platform should be busy at Williston, the epicenter.
Did not see much action except the mob at Williston. As posted some kind of construction east of station. Talked to a couple workers. They were glad to get away from hustle but going back. Food on Amtrak cheaper ? Quite a surprize ! ! No wonder cannot keep food in stock. Lounge attendant said best tipping route.
Page 5A
The delays to the Builder seem to be a combination. During the day many work zones with stops and starts. Only high priority freight operates during day. Saw many other freights parked at various yards and other locations. ( Coal, Oil, grain. manifests,etc: both empty and full during day.
So at nights all the extra freight traffic slows Builder down due to capacity constraints that are being addressed during day. Work seems to start at crack of dawn to sunset.
When winter weather shuts down this work hopefully what work is completed will allow schedule slop to be used for maintaining timetable.
Page 6
In PDX trying to catch up posts. Was told Wi – Fi works in Pacific parlor car. Maybe catch up tonight. Bumpy track causes many typing errors. At Gavin yard shortage of workers shows with some details not yet finished. Noticed 2 & 3 truck tankers fueling thru traffic near fueling pad under construction. From MSP – PDX noticed several blue & yellow Santa Fes also a few war bonnets and of course many more green BNs. At Gavin even the yard company roads have concrete crossing pads over tracks some new split rail derails on slopes. Flat track many brand new standard derails installed on flat tracks.. .
East & West of Havre 3 & 4 track siding being built. Williston had some white shackle cars.
New double track installing Palmero -- Stanley.. Dinner sold out of food before all coach passengers got food. Some Chicken house provided take out meals at one stop. Am not happy about some short rail replacements. Again wonder if it is lack of time for rail workerson BNSF. Often get violent side to side movements when passing over patches. Vertical alignment is good. New sidings E & W of Williston. Saw 2 photographers taking pictures of Builder near ? On several BNSF older sidings welded rail had no rail anchors. Will they be waiting on a sun kink or pull apart ?
Going thru several small towns was doing 79. In one town someone had erected a banner obviously not a RR type saying “ trains no need to speed “
At Havre saw several new tank cars marked DOT 112A. Anyone know difference from DOT 111s ? At Havre for some reason upper Missouri river’s name has been changed to the milk River. Anyone know why and when?. Smart remark from gallery ” maybe too many milk cows ?”
Arrived at Whitefish at 2302 but left at 0028. Cause a “woops” . manifest train 15 miles west pulled apart just short of destination . Was slightly blocking turnout and by time pull apart fixed ( knuckle ? ) original freight crew went dead on law. #7 first available transportation to transfer dog catch to blocking freight in boonies. Dog catch rode us to broken freight and immediately backed blocking freight back into siding or main and we then proceeded.
Spokane
Arrived 0406 leave 0457. Ran some 20 miles on advance approach both double yellow & single flashing yellow. Then max allowwed speed on into PDX. Not much signal work as using many old signal posts, heads, bulbs, & etc. However Some new bungalows and signal posts with bungalows properly named. Pasco yard track alignments being revised with many new yard signals in position. Couple new sidings on wide spacing. What Line side code line left now covered cable. Solar panels powering many locations. 4 solar panels per those locations each measuring 4’ x 4’.
Our P – 42 #117 sounded like a sick C – 30. Had difficulty maintaining speed on any grade although route is downhill/ Whole area lacking rain/ No water over any Columbia river spillways. Willamette river down about 15 feet in PDX.
Several AMTRAK refurbished stations have added what appears to be standard outside lighting. Lighting consists of antique type pole street lights with one or 2 globes. Globes are of a unique design that I,ve never seen. That could be a real plus ?
More later.
Blue Streak, I am enjoying your trip; I wish I could be with you. How was it this morning as you came down along the Columbia?
The Milk River is an old name; I do not remember for certain, but I think it had the name when Lewis and Clark went west. Why the name, I do not know. It flows into the Missouri just east of Nashua.
Johnny
Deggesty Blue Streak, I am enjoying your trip; I wish I could be with you. How was it this morning as you came down along the Columbia? The Milk River is an old name; I do not remember for certain, but I think it had the name when Lewis and Clark went west. Why the name, I do not know. It flows into the Missouri just east of Nashua.
Here is link to everything you might want to know or not know about the Milk River:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milk_River_(Alberta%E2%80%93Montana)
Page 7
PDX -- Well Parlor car Wi-Fi not operating so now in SJC with a connection
The Starlight arrived PDX 25 minutes early. Train left on time. Somewhere near Oregon city UP is replacing a major bridge over some river or backwater ? Not to be outdone by BNSF the UP navy is present there. UP is installing many tall mast signal heads on the starlight route. They will be easily seen over tallest double stacks. All new UP signals & crossings signals are LEDs unlike BNSF. The LEDs so far are much more visible. Still much evidence of the landslide at the Cascade Loops, Signals all being replaced over the loops and in forest service land. One remaining ancient SP style T arm signal bridge appears on borrowed times. It was only one spotted. Not many new the new signals yet in operation. Those in operation appear to be connected to the older system control. Maybe a major signal blitz with suspension of signals in the works ? Might even bring Sunset signal workers in? Inquiry said that unsubstantiated rumors running around that is the case? Back up code line covered cable has been installed which is in service. The R$CL antennas at backup code line locations and other locations indicate a different style radio signal ? ? Note: Saw same antennas on some on CSX & BNSF. 25 minutes early Klamath falls - left on time. On time even though we met approximately 7 northbound UP freights. The demand for dinning car seating mirrored those of the Builder. Cannot believe how many people want to eat in diner. Many coach passengers had to use coach lounge 32000 to eat. Only had 3 coaches completely full. Rumor 4th BO in Seattle with few in coach lounge on full segments ? Many of the sleeper passengers ate the lighter fare of Pacific Parlor car 31073. We had 3-1/2 sleepers 39022, 32076 ,32019, 32082 full by using part of the transition dorm. DC seated 72 persons at one time. Inquiry revealed the Starlight did not have to store as much supplies out of LAX & SEA because the diner is replenished from the Oakland commissary. Therefore there are more tables available for seating and not supply storage as on Builder. .
Nighty night.
Morning
Train arrived Sacramento early at 0614. Other posters comments about distant walk appear true, but will inspect it next week. Platform width is good. On platform potable water reels located at top of canopy every car length allowing very easy replenishment of potable water and needed engine water. One car man easily serviced 3 cars which at other stations it is a struggle for car men to service 2 cars There is a ramp between adjacent platform tracks allowing baggage and other service vehicles to never impinge on passenger platform. So only the red cap transportation vehicles are on passenger platform.
Last minute passengers at SAC caused cascading major problems down the line for running on schedule. 2 minutes before our scheduled departure PA announcement from ticket counter “ # 11 hold for passengers on transfer cart” By time last minute pass were boarded we left 10 minutes late, Maybe public schedules should show 10 minutes earlier departures? 5 minutes for commuter trains? Missed YOLO causeway while walking thru cars because track so smooth. Train arrived Davis 12 late with max speed enroute operation. IMHO the Davis station very impressive with its upgrade & rebuild. SP character well preserved. It is very pedestrian friendly with what appears to be over 200 bike racks. The Martinez station was so -- so. Just before Emeryville train had to wait for California commuter train run around us to arrive at outer EMY platform first. We then used the close track. Train front had to stop short of walkway for the commuter passenger boarding. Train arrived EMY about 0819 There appears to be no overpass yet for far platform. The stopping short caused rear coach passengers a long walk to / from station further delaying us. Commuter train left but we were still boarding. When leaving EMY what can only be described as a sudden direction change of the station track was noted. Change was about 15 degrees and really jerk the last car. Very puzzling ? ? ?. Departed EMY 20 late.
OAK
The many changes there shows It has been too long away. The Street running reduced to 4 blocks north with just 2 tracks in the middle and one outside lane for cars each way with no parking. Then south of the street running the tracks become 3 with 2 for passenger loading and center track apparently for freights. All SP signals are gone with more locations with now standard UP systems. There is a passenger overpass to west passenger track so no stopping short at OAK. Surprise was the new Jack London station. It is very functional. The unloading & loading of large amounts of prepositioned diner supplies went well. It is very strange for local residents to wander or jog beside the trains while stopped, arriving, and departing. Some locals even raced the train. Our platform spies from the NEC would faint dead ! ! ! . At OAK train had a long wait for a clear signal (reason unknown however south of OAK station it was observed that only one useable track available because of a major overhead bridge being built). While waiting to depart a meal payment evader ( about $10) was arguing with OAK police and LSA. Evader did not realize that the only reason the LSA & cops were talking to her was train waiting for the clear signal. When clear relayed from engineer to conductor it was “ BY BY -- enjoy OAK “. Some people think they can talk themselves out of any trouble. Departed OAK 34 late. Arrived SJC 24 late
Much 79 running to San Jose arrived 1019 24 late. Train left and train report continues next week.
IMO if the Starlight had not taken that 10 minute delay in SAC the train would have been on time at every station.
A side note: Due to the many items I have observed of the rolling stock I am starting a separate file that will be edited as I go along. Once trip is complete the file will be posted for your viewing and corrections. I do expect many corrections ! !
Did you notice which route you took from Oakland to San Jose? I had no way of telling at night, going north from San Jose, but the last time we went south (2007), I was surprised to see that we took the Hayward line instead of the Coast line; I realized the difference when we went past the coliseum.
Streak,
Spec 112 cars are pressure cars while spec 111 are nonpressure.
Deggesty Did you notice which route you took from Oakland to San Jose? I had no way of telling at night, going north from San Jose, but the last time we went south (2007), I was surprised to see that we took the Hayward line instead of the Coast line; I realized the difference when we went past the coliseum.
I looked for the Milk River, and found this (from Wikipedia):
"The Milk River was given its name by Captain Meriwether Lewis, of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, who described the river in his journal:
This appearance results from clays and silts suspended in its waters. These extremely fine-grained sediments are the result of the erosion of soft clay-rich rocks along the Milk River basin in southern Alberta."
As to the route between Oakland and Newark, apparently the dispatcher has the choice as to which way to direct any train that does not have to stop between the two places.
Just found out the reroute of Starlight over Tehachapi. Cannot believe coach already sold out Sunday. Still very tempting. Wife not happy until she found out that it sold out.. Suspect the detour is south of Oakland so train can get its diner serviced at Oakland. By the way Jack London is OJK my bad..
Due to complications at Denver due the flooding ( not RR related ) we probably are going to skip that part and go directly to LAX. Still to be determined for sure but are already making alternate plans.
All rhough Amtrak tolsd me I was jumping the gun to drop the colorado mountain part of my trip we now find that the cal Z will be detouring thru Wyoming., So our visit has been extendded here in the bay area with a very enjoyable time. Daughter in Denver fully understands. Will take Starlight to Lax WED AND CONNECT TO SsUNSET TO SPEND MORE TIME IN hOUSTON. BTW if had waited to change would have been impossible.
The trip by bus from Grand Junction was not as bad as I feared it would be.
I would be glad to go back home all the way by rail next week, leaving Chicago on Thursday. You r comment about Wyoming gives me hope that if the Moffat Tunnel line is not back in service, the train will be run across Wyoming.
Perhaps a 24 hour lay-over at the Issac Walton Inn, rent a car and drive around Glaicer National Park.
Smitty
Chessie Perhaps a 24 hour lay-over at the Issac Walton Inn, rent a car and drive around Glaicer National Park. Smitty
plan to same in about 18 months Apr - May but from SEA to Inn and back then on to DEN after another stop of about 10 days in SAC or maybe the other direction ? Total 45 day trip
Seems that we made a good decision as the alternate routing was not operating either side of planned trip EMY to DEN or the actual day.
Finally rode San Jose - LAX- Houston. Many details to cover later. A very on time ( many times early ). Details later but UP dispatching very good, UP track geometry is lacking, Had DODX 221 on rear which may have influenced the on time. As an interesting item --- markers did not work on DODX car so had to place a fred on the rear of our train. Much construction Maricopa - Tucson 1-1/2 of delay. Second track all in Tucson - El Paso including ballast with just a few signals to be activated. . more details later
EDIT: correction --- all double track is Tucson - El Paso.
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