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Amtrak winter experiences

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Posted by MarknLisa on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 9:41 AM

[quote user="blue streak 1"]

Well Amtrak may now have a new latest ever train.  As of 10:30 PM  CDT the Empire Builder 8/17 is showing 40:08 late out of St. Cloud. Maximum late of train has been 40:30. This because of the landslides in Idaho.  Probably arrive CHI about 0700 ?

 

Good estimate. Shows arrived 06:55 at Chi-town.  It would be interesting to hear from someone on the train.  Were the passengers kept informed, fed & bathrooms serviced, or was it a trip from hell?

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Monday, March 20, 2017 10:39 PM

Well Amtrak may now have a new latest ever train.  As of 10:30 PM  CDT the Empire Builder 8/17 is showing 40:08 late out of St. Cloud. Maximum late of train has been 40:30. This because of the landslides in Idaho.  Probably arrive CHI about 0700 ?

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Thursday, March 16, 2017 9:59 PM

Well the Builder will be cancelled in Idaho due to a landslide on the high line.  Suspect that if the rain does not stop there will be even more cancellations due to slides.  Just hope there is not a major one taking out a route for weeks such as the past Feather River slides.

 

http://domino.bnsf.com/website/updates.nsf/updates-service-industrial/DE8CF136A5518A24862580E50072015B?Open

 

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Posted by CSSHEGEWISCH on Thursday, March 16, 2017 6:46 AM

Let's not get too self-righteous about this.  The snow can really fly when a train is pushing it aside at even a moderate rate of speed.  Even if waiting passengers are standing several feet back from the edge of the platform, they can still get hit by flying snow, which is not very powdery this time of year.

The daily commute is part of everyday life but I get two rides a day out of it. Paul
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Posted by blue streak 1 on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 9:20 PM

Deggesty

The lady was very careful not to cross the yellow line while waiting for her train. Did she think that the yellow line would stop the snow?

 

 

Absolutely !Big Smile

 

April 1 bulletin: ??  To all Amtrak engineers.   ---   Please reduce to slow speed thru any station when snow on track has not been plowed by other trains.

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Posted by Deggesty on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 9:16 PM

The lady was very careful not to cross the yellow line while waiting for her train. Did she think that the yellow line would stop the snow?

 

Johnny

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Posted by NorthWest on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 9:06 PM
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Posted by blue streak 1 on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 7:04 PM

Amtrak operating modified schedule all routes in and out of NYP tomorrow  Wedensday Mar 15 th.

https://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Alert_C&pagename=am/AM_Alert_C/Alerts_Popup&cid=1251649301373

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Posted by BaltACD on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 1:33 PM

Amtrak just taking a page from the airline playbook.  In case of doubt about the weather - don't operate!

People complaining about cancelled trains are easier to placate than those that are stuck on a trains in the middle of nowhere with catenary failure and no heat or lights.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 12:55 PM

Now Amtrak which had planned to operate reduced schedule NYP to BOS and Albany has cancelled all trains north of NYP after any that departed before 0900.   

 

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Amtrak Service Update for Tuesday, March 14

Service suspended between New York City and Boston

March 14, 2017

9 a.m. ET

Amtrak will operate a modified schedule in the Northeast region on Tuesday, March 14, due to a winter storm. Passengers holding reservations are strongly encouraged to monitor conditions and make any necessary changes in advance of their scheduled departure using amtrak.com or our mobiles apps to check their train status.

Due to changing winter storm conditions, the Northeast Regional service between New York City and Boston and Empire Service between New York City and Albany, N.Y., are suspended until further notice. Trains that depart each city before 9:00 a.m. will complete their trips. Acela Express service between New York City and Boston has already been canceled.

In addition, the Acela Express and Northeast Regional service that operate between New York City and Washington, D.C., will run on a modified schedule, with some trains truncated or cancelled, including some trains that operate in Virginia.

The Keystone Service, Shuttle, and Downeaster Service will also run on a modified schedule, with some trains truncated or cancelled.

Some long distance trains that normally travel to and from the Northeast Corridor will also be affected, with service suspended between Albany/Rensselaer and Boston, and between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.

 

This is only a guess but MNRR has cancelled all trains so Amtrak may have been told no access New Rochelle - New Haven or the Albany line?

Below is bulletin from MNRR.

 


Long Island Railroad: https://twitter.com/LIRR

METRO-NORTH RAILROAD
 

Winter Storm Update: Train Service Remains Suspended

Metro-North train service remains suspended due to the impact of the blizzard on the railroad’s territory and low ridership during the AM peak. 

 

This suspension is necessary to ensure the safety of Metro-North’s customers and employees, and to enable the railroad resume service once the worst of the blizzard passes.

 

Please continue to check here and to listen to local news for updates as to when Metro-North will be able to resume service. 

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Saturday, March 11, 2017 11:08 AM

UP dropped about 5 - 10 cars on CAL Z route between Winter Park and DEN.  Ski train cancelled and Cal Z #5 holding in Denver indefinitely.   #6 still heading east although 2 hours late now west of Grand Junction at helper.  Appears held 2 hours at Salt Lake City..

 

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Sunday, March 5, 2017 2:17 PM
 
 

Once again winter weather is causing Thruway buses to be cancelled today to the Sierra.

 

Capitol Corridor <capitolcorridor@public.govdelivery.com> Due to winter weather conditions in the Sierra, connecting bus service has been cancelled on Sunday, March 5, between Auburn and Truckee/Reno, and between Placerville and South Lake Tahoe. Local servi

To
Today at 11:46 AM
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Posted by blue streak 1 on Friday, February 24, 2017 2:49 PM

Well 6/21  arrived CHI 5:12 early.   OOPS that is actually 19:48 late.  Due to holding for avalanche warning at Colfax 19:00+  ^/22 (:00+ ate today at Omaha.  

One note.  It is too bad Amtrak cannot fix its reservation system to show the 19:00 hours late and available for reservations.  Checked the trains and will not show availability for trains late if after scheduled departure time.  

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 7:03 PM

Amtrak #6 / 21 ( CAL Z ) now 20+ hours late at Winnemucca due to getting caught by snow at Colfax for 19 hours.  Since it will loose more time to SLC maybe Amtrak can let it run on 6/22 schedule and take those passengers as well?.   6/22 appears to have been cancelled at Emeryville.

EDIT   ----  Appears Amtrak is doing that as SLC - east open for reservations on the 23rd.

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Sunday, February 19, 2017 10:45 PM

Amtrak thru way buses taking hit again to Reno

 Capitol Corridor <capitolcorridor@public.govdelivery.com> Due to a winter storm in the Sierra, connecting bus passengers should expect delays to/from Truckee/Reno and South Lake Tahoe through Presidents' Day, February 20, and possibly into Tuesday, February
  
Today at 6:34 PM

 

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Saturday, February 18, 2017 4:33 PM

Its official   --  service disruption on coast line.  Have no idea how Starlight passengers will be accomondated ?.

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Amtrak Service Suspended between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo, CA

Train service temporarily suspended due to extreme weather conditions

Feb. 18, 2017
1:00 p.m. ET

Amtrak service has been suspended between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo due to extreme weather conditions in the area. There is no alternate transportation for Amtrak train service in the area at this time. Union Pacific Railroad, which owns the tracks, has suspended rail service due to multiple mudslides in the Santa Barbara area.

This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.

 

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Friday, February 17, 2017 9:21 PM

Amtrak must feel that UP cannot catch a break this month------

Latest bulletin

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Amtrak Service Disruption between Oxnard, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA

Train service temporarily suspended due to extreme weather conditions

Feb. 17, 2017
4:30 p.m. PT

Amtrak service has been temporarily disrupted for Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight trains between Oxnard and San Luis Obispo due to extreme weather conditions in the area. There is no alternate transportation at this time. Union Pacific Railroad, which owns the tracks, has suspended rail service due to multiple mudslides in the Santa Barbara area.

Amtrak regrets any inconvenience. This information is correct as of the above time and date. Information is subject to change as conditions warrant.

Passengers with travel plans can confirm their train's status, change their plans or review refund information using a range of tools – including Amtrak.com, smartphone apps or by calling 800-USA-RAIL. Service Alerts, Passenger Notices and other announcements are posted at Amtrak.com/alerts.

 

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Posted by NorthWest on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 2:55 PM

Sunday's 11 was turned at Redding and returned north as Monday's 14 with UP power towing the reversed consist. Monday's 11 had power facing both directions so this may not be the case today.

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Sunday, February 12, 2017 9:43 PM

Referring to the general discussion of the Oroville dam spillways that  may fail there is already Capitol corridor notices of delays.  Someone who knows the area will have to fill us in to possibility that the whole area of Sacremento might be flooded ?  If so can we expect UP and Capitol corridor to evacuate all equipment to at least Oakland ?

 
 

Capitol Corridor <capitolcorridor@public.govdelivery.com> Delays anticipated Mon 2/13-Tue 2/14: Union Pacific will be rerouting freight trains as a result of weather-related track shutdown. While our trains will still operate, we do anticipate delays to Capi

  
Today at 5:50 PM
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Posted by blue streak 1 on Sunday, February 12, 2017 5:09 PM

CAL Z #6 originating out of SLC today has unconfirmed report to have 19 cars and unknown # of locos.

Amtrak Stockton <> Sacremento reported out of service for UP and BNSF trains ?.  UP reported detouring Stockton <> Sacremento freights over Altamont pass.  ACE reported to have cancelled Monday and Tuesday trains ?

http://www.acerail.com/

Capitol corridor thruway buses east of SAC reported not operating ?

California is taking it in the chin

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Posted by cprtrain on Sunday, February 12, 2017 1:50 AM

VIA Rail has 2 problems on the Canadian's route between Toronto and Vancouver. The most serious is that CN runs many long freights that exceed the length of many of the route's passing sidings. This means that the Canadian must take the sidings and at times, wait for more than one freight to pass. Sometimes the waiting can be more than an hour. The second problem is what happens when the temperature falls to -30C or colder and you encounter equipment and track problems.

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Friday, February 10, 2017 9:20 AM
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Posted by blue streak 1 on Friday, February 10, 2017 3:43 AM

Cannot find any link but reports are major wash outs on both UP routes Salt lake city - Reno.  May be days before Cal Z can operate again between those points,

http://kutv.com/news/local/after-rain-and-warm-temperatures-flooding-slams-elko-county-nevada

Evidently somewhere near Wells, NV ? 

https://www.wunderground.com/US/NV/039.html#FLO

Another mefia report nothing new

http://www.king5.com/news/local/landslides-disrupt-amtrak-service-in-western-washington/406680392

 

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Posted by blue streak 1 on Friday, February 10, 2017 3:00 AM

No details ye but evidently a  problem between Tacoma and Portland with no Cascades service PDX <> Everette ?

https://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Alert_C&pagename=am/AM_Alert_C/Alerts_Popup&cid=1251647993244

 

 

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Posted by Bruce Kelly on Thursday, February 9, 2017 8:36 PM

Amtrak's current plan to work around the latest Marias avalanche:

  • Train 8/28(8) will hold through tomorrow afternoon at WFH station, awaiting open track and accepting passengers from 8/28(9) when it originates. 36-hour+ hold for approximately 85 customers. Train 8/28(8) will be represented by stubbed train tomorrow morning from MSP to CHI.
 
  • Train 7/27(8) will hold for open track at SBY station. No alternate transportation to points west. 24-hour+ hold for approximately 54 customers. It is possible this train will represent Train 8/28(9) if we are not able to continue west in a reasonable time.

 

  • Holding at the stations will enable customers to board and deboard the trains at will.

 

  • Train 28(9) will only operate between PDX and SPK. No alternate transportation to points east. This train will turn at SPK to represent Train 27(8) between SPK and PDX. No Train 8(9) or Train 7(8) SEA-SPK-SEA due to temporary track closure between SEA and EVR.
 
  • Train 7/27(9) will terminate tonight at MSP, with alternate transportation as far west as MOT. Customers ticketed west of MOT will be housed tonight in MSP and offered return MSP-CHI travel on the stub Train 8/28(8).
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Posted by blue streak 1 on Thursday, February 9, 2017 5:11 PM

Empire Builder has more trouble brewing

Mudslide north of Seattle.  This will stop any passenger trains SEA <> Everette for 48 hours. 

 
 

Sound Transit <soundtransit@public.govdelivery.com> North line Sounder service is canceled this evening, 2/09/17, due to a mudslide. Sound Transit will monitor the situation, if there are no additional events, service is expected to resume Monday morning

Today at 5:30 PM
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Posted by schlimm on Thursday, February 9, 2017 3:21 PM

RME

 

 
BaltACD
but then there is the West Virginia slaw dog metric!

 

I prefer my slaw dogs in inch measure, thank you.  (But I for one would like to know if there is going to be one of those SI named measurement for frank length... perhaps a 'sonic' being defined as 30.5cm?)

 

Sounds good, but....

Chicago-style hotdog:  An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun piled high with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers and a dash of celery salt.

The most important thing: NO catsup!

C&NW, CA&E, MILW, CGW and IC fan

RME
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Posted by RME on Thursday, February 9, 2017 1:10 PM

BaltACD
but then there is the West Virginia slaw dog metric!

I prefer my slaw dogs in inch measure, thank you.  (But I for one would like to know if there is going to be one of those SI named measurement for frank length... perhaps a 'sonic' being defined as 30.5cm?)

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Posted by Bruce Kelly on Thursday, February 9, 2017 12:05 PM

Another avalanche reported on the west side of Marias Pass this morning.

http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/flathead-glacier/advisory#null

Posted statement reads:

"Today:  BNSF Avalanche Safety Team reported natural avalanche activity in their program area.  One large magnitude avalanche deposited 6-8 feet of debris that was 150 feet wide on the rail grade and it also reached the highway. The powder blast from the avalanche was evident 25 feet up a power pole."

Another posting, at Trainorders, describes different dimensions and mentions it's at MP 1163. That would put it near snowsheds 10 and 10.7.

Correction: BNSF says it's near MP 1162.

Amtrak 8, already 2 hours late, is shown just east of Libby. No.7 is shown approaching Wolf Point.

 

 

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