I've only been on one train that wasn't purely tourism in my life. I rode in the engine car where my Grandaddy had me on his lap and I got to help pull levers and blow the whistle, so nobody was rude to me on the train.

Then on the tourism trains - that's their sole purpose so they're very friendly.

No clue what it would be like to actually travel on one but if you've never done it, you might as well have a new experience if you have the time for it.

Some coworkers recently made it sound like the ones in chicago are nice. I have only been on like a mid line, and maybe one of the better trains in western europe. THEY were nice. THAT was over maybe 1-2 thousand miles. The other similar ones, like trams, metros, subways, etc... may have only been a couple hundred miles tops.

Steve

I've done a few trips on Amtrak over the years and I really enjoyed it. New England, Mid West, West Coast. A great way to see the US countryside. It's good value too.
Where are you planning to go?

Andrew

Joe,

I was an early employee of Amtrak, Seaboard Coast Lines (now CSX), Silver Bullet from Miami to New York and back. I was a cook.

Rode the train all over the country. If you are coming to Ohio, from CA, it is a long trip, make sure you bring plenty to read or do. I think you should chronicle and detail your trip...use to

A) Write a script,,,Hollywood loves train tales
B) Special Report on HOW to and what to do...seems to be a market? at least of one for now.

C) Talk to people, especially old timer railroad people.

Having slept above nuclear reactors, and huge diesel engines, the rhythms of the rail car helped put me to sleep...however, noise sensitive people who get seasick could have some problems.

Bring a camera, take as many pics as you can...could be useful, maybe even create some pics, video, which people may want to buy from you. Stock photo and stock video are a good niche, why not create some on the way.

Make it an adventure, meet people, see things, and enjoy it.

Railroad cooks are some of the most creative and fun people to meet. Ask if you can observe during a meal...which could last for hours...our breakfast started in Miami and ran all the way into S. Carolina before lunch started.

So, go for it, have fun, make it a fun and profitable experience.

My RR ID got me free rides all over N. America. Fun times, me and Woody Guthrie types, and Boxcar Willie fans...riding on the train: New Orleans.

The Silver Streak, Bullet, Express, silver something would be fun...maybe.

gjabiz

PS Old timer travel secret. I'd ride the train to Ohio, the do a drive away car to FL, NY or back to CA. Some people send their cars via train, ride along and deliver it to them...like a free trip.

I've thought about doing one of those "board and disembark anywhere" tickets, just to see what it's like.

Question: Don't most Amtrak runs have wifi these days?


Paul

Joe,

That's interesting. My home connection is twice that. But then, it's a fixed, wired connection.

I wouldn't be using it for much that mattered but occasional emails anyway. And based on how I do my travel computing, it'd be very low volume. I have a private mailbox for that, and it only gets direct personal email from people I know I want to answer. If I were going to be on the road longer than 2 weeks, there are maybe 20 people who'd get that address.

Still, nice to know it's an option.


Paul

Joe,

Just a "walkabout," but without the walking.

Every once in a while I get cabin fever and just get in the car and go. Sometimes it's for an afternoon, sometimes a few days. Occasionally a couple of weeks. I don't plan anything when those happen. Just drive until something looks interesting and stop to see what's there.

I find some of the best diners that way!

Doing it by rail seems like it might be fun. Less "what's over there," but more conversation.


Paul

I've personally had some very pleasant train trips, however the best one I know of was a trip taken by my two oldest daughters when they were much younger.

In their early twenties they just HAD to see New York, but they only had a peanut butter and jelly food budget for the trip. (Literally) Once they got to New York there were plenty of relatives and friends to make their NY stay very pleasant.

So here in Los Angeles they bought their tickets, packed their clothes and their Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and water.

Unknown to me, two hours out of Los Angeles in the middle of nowhere the train broke down. With flash lights in hand crew members went from car to car informing the nervous passengers of the problem and assured them that help was on the way.

After about 4 hours the train was moving again.

Over the loud speaker a voice announced, Ladies and Gentlemen we are very sorry for this mishap. To compensate you for your trouble, all passengers who were on the train during the breakdown, show your tickets when you order any meal, food, snack or drink and it will be comped to you for the remainder of your trip.

My girls ate and drank first class all the way and had one of the best times of their lives, arriving in NY happy as could be with a bag of stale Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, making the pigeons very happy too.

George Wright

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Would be amazing i am sure because i have heard of it a lot and certainly it would keep you quite decent in also in many ways entertain you.