Amtrak Train #97-Silver Meteor Palatka, FL 6/17/11

[triplebuc]

Thanks again for all of your helpful info.

[CSXKid5016]

@triplebuc Happy to help!

[triplebuc]

yes, 1st Amtrak trip, any hints or suggestions will be very much appreciated.

[CSXKid5016]

@triplebuc Well, traveling during winter is a bit easier than during summer. They won't have the AC blasting like they do in the summer so you won't need a blanket but i still recommend bringing a pillow. Unless, of course you want to sleep with a blanket, thats entirely your choice. Bring money for food unless you want to bring your own food, which is allowed. The train may become late, but keep in mind Amtrak doesn't own the tracks so it wouldn't be their fault. Try to get a seat in

[CSXKid5016]

@triplebuc (continued) the middle of the coach. That way you avoid being close to the bathroom and coach doors. If you are very sensitive to light, bring a mask. They turn the lights off, but there is a small line of emergency lights that lines the roof of the coach that don't turn off that emit a not bright, but noticeable amount of light. Other than that there isn't much. Its pretty simple.

[triplebuc]

@CSXKid5016 Thanks, many things I did not consider, your suggestions are much appreciated. Are the bathrooms kept clean? Is it hard to find a OPEN bathroom?

How is the food choices for Coach passengers? Can you use a Laptop at your seat?

[CSXKid5016]

@triplebuc The bathrooms are kept clean for the most part. On the long haul trains, they might start to smell just a little bit towards the end of the trip, but it is very hard for some people to use manners in the restroom and keep them tidy for the next passenger. So even after a restroom is cleaned by a staff member, all it takes is one person to mess it up. If the bathrooms are not to your standards, simply try to find a staff member who isn't busy. The bathrooms are usually easy

[CSXKid5016]

@triplebuc (continued) to access. There are 2 on each side of the rear end of the coaches, so on a standard long distance train coach passengers will have 8 bathrooms. The food choices are the same for sleeper passengers. High quality food in the diner, but a little pricy. If you go to the cafe car (which has your basic vending machine style food) get there early because the line begins fast and long. But I would recommend the diner if you have the money. Laptops are allowed.

[triplebuc]

Thanks, enjoyed your video, want to take Amtrak from Pontiac, MI. to Deland in Feb. to visit my Daughter, any tips or advice, appreciated.

[CSXKid5016]

@triplebuc Cool! Deland is the station just after this one to the south. Will it be your first Amtrak trip?

[triplebuc]

Why no signals at crossing here in Palaltka, FL.? Or maybe they are just not visible in this Video.

[CSXKid5016]

@triplebuc The crossing signals are to the left of the screen. The little dirt road you see is not actually a legal road and was etched their by locals. Therefore there is no crossing gate protecting it. The city has since installed barriers on the dirt road.

[mjbr1010]

very nice

[CSXKid5016]

@mjbr1010 Thank you!!

[rufec12]

Nice catch bro!

[CSXKid5016]

@rufec12 Thanks! :)

[murjax]

Intentionally overshooting when you know there aren't any Viewliner passengers. That's pretty smart. I see they finally paired P42 #15 with another engine. The past few weeks it was paired with the Phase II heritage #66. That was great except 66 never got a chance to lead with 15 up front.. Hopefully it'll just a chance to lead something now.

[CSXKid5016]

@murjax Thanks i agree! And i know, when i saw 15 i got a slight smile that 66 might be on it...but nope...i will be seeing 98 or 92 Saturday.