Sunday morning,
out here in fly-over land we seem to have had some snow over night... I have read the January TRAINS, til the words are starting to disappear...So while 'Searching' I found the folowing article, in 'The Drive', an Internet publication, I enjoy reading.
"Forget Private Jets, You're Better Off Chartering a Sightseeing Train Across America"
"What better way to travel during a pandemic than in a private railroad car meandering through the American countryside?"ByJames Gilboy November3,2020
Article is linked here @ https://www.thedrive.com/news/37368/forget-private-jets-youre-better-off-chartering-a-sightseeing-train-across-america
As many of us who follow the TRAINS Forums realize; most of the opprtunities to ride the rails on a private train(or car?) are imited to opprtunites provided by AMTRAK. And from the data that has been noted on more than one occasion, Amtrak.
While these days, where private travel is concerned;AMTRAK is about as friendly as Ernest Borgnine's character "Shack" in the 1973 movie 'Emperor of the North'.
So what the heck; why not see the presentation of Private Car travel, but by some -one whose point of view might be somewhat different (maybe, more of a car guy,mIlitary buff(?) ; other than just a foamer? )
Can'r be all bad; the photo on the first page is of a 'Coaster' on the California Pacific Coast line.
FTA:"...Indeed, though it was born after the heyday of American passenger rail, America's quasi-public passenger rail service Amtrak still operates train charter services for those who prefer wondrous scenery to handsy TSA agents, and full meals to packets of peanuts. Historically, Amtrak's charter trains have catered to everyone from businesses to sports teams, and even political campaigns, including one as recently as the 2020 election cycle..."
Further, FTA:"...Amtrak naturally imposes limitations on what sorts of private cars it'll haul around—no Schwerer Gustav replicas is probably rule number one. Only inspected, Amtrak-approved rolling stock can be coupled to its trains, and if you volunteer your own for the trip, you're restricted to its confines—no traveling to public cars for snacks. There should be no need, of course, as Amtrak will volunteer its own cooks and menu to feed you, should you not have a private chef of your own..."
Not to also mentiion, the article is complete with a number of photos by way of illustration. as well!
If you charter a plane in most cases you have your choice of what is served on the plane and they will buy the meals the alchol that you prefer. So no your not stuck with crappy food with the private plane option. Of course you pay for what you upgrade to but some of the upper end catered plane food is excellent (as it could be if Amtrak Managers offered the option).
If you ask me you get more for your money and more mileage for your money with a private plane than you would with an private car. Of course it depends on what size plane you charter. The smaller jets go for $2500 an hour, private Amtrak car is about $5000-7500 a day. So roughly three hours of flight.
Also, you have to pay for the rail car sitting on the siding waiting on your return whereas the private plane just takes off and will return when you need a flight back. Usually the private plane firm can book a deadhead flight back with passengers if your traveling to a major city and you give them enough advance notice. Your more than likely stuck with an empty passenger car with the rail option and the firm or person that rents the rail passenger car to you is going to charge for the empty time sitting there waiting for you to return.
CMStPnPIf you charter a plane in most cases you have your choice of what is served on the plane and they will buy the meals the alchol that you prefer. So no your not stuck with crappy food with the private plane option. Of course you pay for what you upgrade to but some of the upper end catered plane food is excellent (as it could be if Amtrak Managers offered the option). If you ask me you get more for your money and more mileage for your money with a private plane than you would with an private car. Of course it depends on what size plane you charter. The smaller jets go for $2500 an hour, private Amtrak car is about $5000-7500 a day. So roughly three hours of flight. Also, you have to pay for the rail car sitting on the siding waiting on your return whereas the private plane just takes off and will return when you need a flight back. Usually the private plane firm can book a deadhead flight back with passengers if your traveling to a major city and you give them enough advance notice. Your more than likely stuck with an empty passenger car with the rail option and the firm or person that rents the rail passenger car to you is going to charge for the empty time sitting there waiting for you to return.
In either case - if you have to question the costs - YOU CAN"T AFFORD IT.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Chartered trains? Jet setter? Deluxe meal service on Amtrak? This is supposed to be a forum about public transportation.
I've seen photos in Trains and other mags like Railpace of 2 or 3 private cars sitting on a track in whatever city the super bowl is in. Looks like the way to go if you can afford it and if you have say, 12 friends splitting the cost it could be do-able. It's your hotel and your transportation- what's not to like?
https://www.amtrak.com/charter-your-private-train?fbclid=IwAR3wxWgs8EPE1XhHMx6crMKyUtxpgpEBbMJCw1dEULM5qgk6mjyWJOKCJ8k
From the above link:
"...must not be one-time trips..."
So put your wallets away, guys, unless you want to commit to a long-term relationship.
Ed
54light15I've seen photos in Trains and other mags like Railpace of 2 or 3 private cars sitting on a track in whatever city the super bowl is in. Looks like the way to go if you can afford it and if you have say, 12 friends splitting the cost it could be do-able. It's your hotel and your transportation- what's not to like?
Firms do that for marketing as well. Occassionally, I get box seats at the DFW horse track with catering from my financial analyst because I am one of his larger accounts. He invites others and it turns out he gets the box seats because one of his clients raises throughbred horses. There is a guy in Houston that has two private cars for marketing ...............Patrick Henry Promotions or something of that nature.
BaltACDIn either case - if you have to question the costs - YOU CAN"T AFFORD IT.
I can afford it but I never really asked because I am never in that kind of hurry and still view it as a waste of money.
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