Amtrak's Cascades have a highlight story on the USA Today web site.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2016/05/28/amtrak-cascades/85052478/
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
I rode a Cascade train from Seattle to Portland and back a couple of years ago. Thus, I found the linked article to be an interesting read.
Much of the scenery along the route, as described in the article, is magnificant. If you are in the area, this ride both ways is worth the money.
The stations in Seattle and Portland are worth a looksee.
"Non-train buffs need to know that these are the only European-style cars in the country and, more importantly, are known for their super-smooth ride."
The equipment, while comfortable, did not give me the sure footed feeling that I get from a Superliner or Amfleet car. It felt tinny. And it seemed to ride rougher than most of the other equipment I have ridden on in the U.S. as well as other countries where I have lived.
I have not lived in Europe, although I have been to the UK four times.
Rio Grande Valley, CFI,CFII
I love the Cascades, and ride them frequently when I need to travel somewhere.
The Talgos have the benefit of essentially no slack action, but can be a lot rougher in other areas. Because they have one axle per car instead of 4, they have a tendency to drop rather dramatically into and out of switchs and any other gaps in the rail, and rock rhythmically on jointed rail.
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