@@GreenerGrass it is true freight trains receive priority wish Amtrak would just add a second track to solve all of our problems especially on some of the bigger midwest routes i.e. Chicago to STL, etc.. Great videos as always!
Did you break the fork because you tried to use your fork to break the meatball apart? There’s a thing called a “knife” and it’s designed to cut food apart. Just sayin... (Maybe you didn’t get one?)
Jeb - I'm a train attendant & avgeek based in LAX. Thank you for including rail travel in your reviews. You beam with delight & reverence on your videos. Let me respond to your questions regarding train car numbers & freight train priority. The train attendant working that car should have verified/changed the car number during their pre-departure duties. At the station on the platform there should have been station services personnel directing passengers to the appropriate sleeping car & coach boarding locations. At the door to the individual sleeping car the attendant should say something to the effect of "This is the 5110 car" or whatever car number it is of the train consist. Yes, freight trains have running priority over Amtrak as those freight railroads own & operate the tracks which Amtrak long-haul travel on. Something that caught my attention was the announcement made by the attendant on PA seemed a little gruff, not hospitality industry welcoming. It's a pet peeve of mine when initial PA announcement doesn't mention the safety card & emergency exit information. I prefer to speak individually person to person at the door of their room explaining the meal & bed turn down. I would also ask if you, the passenger, are familiar with & have previously traveled abroad Viewliner equipment & explain specifically the features & workings, i.e. toilet, bag rack, ect. I didn't see the paper headrest covers on the sleeping car seats or in coach, that bothers me. I often wish we at Amtrak had the same level of product presentation finesse as the airlines. Very grateful for your support & enthusiasm for Amtrak.
"I often wish we at Amtrak had the same level of product presentation finesse as the airlines". Nice. Especially because your transportation service is SO MUCH BETTER than the airlines . . . especially these days. Thanks for caring about your job / customers!
I suspect there was a lot of pressure on the entire system at that time, trying to adapt to covid just generally such a moving target - everything from supply chain disruption for anything and everything on the train, to short-staffed due to coworkers getting sick so juniors are suddenly on the door/on the PA and the conductor is freaking out how we gonna get this DONE, to trying to actualize the latest rules that came in 3 hours ago oh mah lawdy... Amtrak's a total blast no matter what, and Jeb had a heck of a good time, so all is well in the end :)
What kind of genius designed that in-room toilet next to where you sit, eat, and sleep, and basically one curtain away from exposed yourself to the hallway. Not to mention if you ever have a roommate since this is called roomette.
Actually, ***I*** feel that it's MUCH BETTER to have one's 1st Class Personal Accomodations totally self-contained!!! Others may disagree, and a couple of you do above do so. ME? I want ALL of mine contained inside my 1st Class, rather than going out into the PUBLIC AREAS to take a shower, etc. Those who want to do so...are free to do THAT, also, so, something for everyone! :-) as a PRIVACY GUY, the options above for myself, as well. See, a WIN-WIN situation! :-)
If you're traveling with a younger child this could be a very ideal arrangement. Since privacy is not a concern when you're assisting your own child. As for the one curtain being your only barrier for privacy, it's not as if the corridor are packed with potential observers. I agree it's a bit weird but you're not forced to use it.
It's honestly not as bad as you think it is. If you're in a roomette, odds are you're probably pretty comfortable (or hopefully at least unconcerned) about this arrangement. If you're in a suite then you do have a separate wet bath, but only one queen size bed instead of two single bunks.
I've watched a lot of train stories, and they don't really treat Amtrak with the care that you are doing. Thanks for showing how great train travel really is.
You'll find 70% or higher I bet, of train fans of all types hate amtrak with a passion me included so your comment don't surprise me to much. Train travel is great amtrak not so much back in the 40s it was way more classier cooked meals and drinks you name it. Now you got amtraks premade box lunches and microwaved meals gross..... when it gets set up I'm looking at a trip on the rocky mountaineer on their new Colorado to Utah route if it works out for them.
If you really want to have great train travel spend two or three weeks in Europe,You can book passage for London to France to Amsterdam to Germany, And if you want to travel first class The accommodations are Great, trains and accommodations are clean and the dining car is first class all the way. This is what first class train travel is in most of Europe, with exception for train travel in the Balkans.I recommend to anyone who loves train travel spend two weeks or so in Europe. In my opinion Switzerland has the best first class train travel in the world.
Jeb, I love watching your videos on train travel. In response to your question about whether or not freight trains get priority over Amtrak passenger trains: 1. When Amtrak was originally created May 1, 1970 congress wrote it into law that the Amtrak passenger trains would ALWAYS be given preference over the freight trains that also operated on the same tracks. 2. As the years went by, the Freight railroads who owned 97% of the tracks used by Amtrak became more and more inclined to give their own freight trains preference, as freight loads by rail increased and the freight railroads were not willing to give up their profits to keep the Amtrak trains running on time. 3. In 2008 the problem had gotten so bad that congress passed a new law stating that the freight railroads had to let Amtrak trains have priority. 4. The freight railroads hated this decision by congress, because it cut into their profits, so the freight railroad trade group, the Association of American Railroads (AAR), filed suit in 2011. The case made it to the U.S. Supreme Court, which sent it back to the D.C. appeals court who overturned the law in 2016, stating that the law gave Amtrak an unfair advantage as a regulator when they saw that Amtrak should be playing the part of a "Competitor" competing for use of the train tracks in a balanced way. This is exactly why in the original creation of Amtrak by congress in 1970 that they wrote it into law that Amtrak would always have preference over freights, because they knew the freight railroads would never give them preference unless they were forced to. They were not supposed to be a "Competitor" they were a government created national passenger rail systems that was supposed to have priority no matter what. 5. So now the freight railroads are "supposed" to act in a fair and balanced way to get Amtrak trains through in a timely manner, but we all know what without any repercussion for giving their profit-making freight trains priority, even if it makes Amtrak trains late, they are always going to chose their profit-making freights to go first.
Sitting beside an open toilet bowl that hundreds of strangers have used and probably not cleaned very well before your arrival, gives the ride that extra touch of class and comfort. Truly a ride you wont forget
Really? Sitting beside an "open" toilet bowl that "hundreds of strangers have used" since it was cleaned? I am sorry, but in the Amtrak Viewliner roomette review videos I have seen, the toilet bowl was neither "open" nor "dirty" in any sense. The cover was closed, and it looked absolutely spic and span inside when the cover was lifted. If you experienced an issue, did you report it to your sleeper car attendant? If so, did they not fix the problem promptly?
Do freight trains get priority over Amtrak? Short answer: Yes Long answer: Most of the track in the US is owned by freight companies who fix, monitor, and maintain their track therefore, the freight trains get priority over Amtrak who “borrows” the track. There is a fee which the government pays the freight companies to let Amtrak trains use their rails. However, Amtrak does own and has full priority on some track in the Northeast corridor up by the New York, Washington area where you departed from.👍
I have read (in many places) that while the freight companies own their track, they obtained the 'right of way' from the government with certain conditions, one of which includes now that the government's passenger rail company AMTRAK is supposed to get priority where practical. I don't know for certain whether this is still true, and if so, to what degree and with what conditions.
@@youtuuba This is false. The freight railroads built the tracks, the government has NEVER owned or operated passenger trains until Amtrak was created in the 1970s. Basically Amtrak has a window to fit in, but too much can go wrong to mess up that window...
@@ronclark9724 , WHAT is false? There is such a thing as railroad right of way, and at least historically the government granted those rights of way to railroads with certain condition attached. It has nothing to do with whether the government owned or operated passenger trains before AMTRAK. I do not know the current rules in this regard, but I know enough historically to ask the question now if somebody simply asserts that AMTRAK has no rights because the freight railroads own (most of) the tracks. Also, "right of way" can mean 'who goes first' OR it can mean the route that railroad track is laid on, and that has historically been granted to railroads by the federal government, in the interest of encouraging railroads to be built and thus provide economic boost and benefit to industry and other commerce. In my comment, I was using the second definition. If you are going to convincingly argue that AMTRAK has no rights vis-a-vis freight carriers, it would be good to back that up with some corroborative information. For my part, I have done some online investigating, and there are LOTS of places detailing how freight carriers are supposed to give a certain amount of priority to AMTRAK trains running on those carriers tracks. Just one example is this brief statement on the AMTRAK website: "By law, Amtrak is supposed to receive priority over freight trains even when operating on freight railroad tracks." Other sources state that such priority has been in effect for over 50 years, and no laws have been changed since that time. You will need to do better that just stating "this is false"...provide real verifiable information, not just opinion.
Legally, Amtrak has to be given priority. In reality, the freight companies that own the tracks usually give priority to their own trains. It's a bit like parents telling a little kid that they have to share their favorite toy with their sibling.
And the company issued an apology letter for each passenger. The letter can be shown as a permit for the passenger's manager in their workplace, so the passenger won't get a pay cut.
Being Japanese, I can confirm this is true, for the exception of 2020/2021's strangely heavy amount of snow. Bullet trains are now having 2 hour delays while conventional lines are either closing down or having 5-hour delays from detours. (7 minutes delay is more or less normal on conventional lines) The true panic is when trains leave 3 minutes early.
Same. I live in India and was just looking up what trains in "dreamland" America are like. They look very plush (slightly better than trains here in India) but the basic idea behind it is horrible. A commode next to my seat in such an enclosed space? Whoever thought of that? I would take a sleeper class (the lowest amenity reserved ticket bogie class in Indian trains) any day over this thing. But I guess the only reason something like this would exist is due to a demand from American customers for this kind of thing. After all, America is the center of capitalism. The train station in DC look very nice though. And that door kick hack was also a good idea. My most favourite were the views of American countryside. Very similar to the views of Indian countryside. The enthusiasm and appreciation Mr. Brooks had for train journeys in general was nice to see.
@B J Seriously? Japan I can agree is a dreamland. But China? I would rather be born in India than in China. Either you are someone from China or your are one of those overprivileged Americans who hasn't really stepped outside of USA and hence has no understanding how awful authoritarian countries can be. Sure USA has some problems, but they aren't near as bad as problems in non-Democratic nations. So when you enjoy all the benefits of living in USA to the point that they seem normal to you, but at the slightest sign of adversity or inconvenience you start saying "look, this $hit don't happen in China", it just goes to show what a snowflake you really are. I have met quite a few of your kind. People who think India is the worst and that somehow Pakistan is better. My only reply to such B.S. is "go right ahead". GTFO to Pakistan or China. Walk the talk. So if you are American, I would say to you: GTFO to China if you really think its such a utopia.
In February 2019, I went across North America twice in 29 days . . . all by train. Amtrak Coast Starlight, Amtrak Cascades, Viarail Canadian, Viarail/Amtrak Maple Leaf, Amtrak Cardinal, Amtrak California Zephyr. Even though it was winter, I thought Virginia and West Virginia were absolutely beautiful - the best part of the Cardinal trip. When this COVID silliness is done, I hope to cross the Pacific again from Australia and go across the U.S. a couple of times more - the Empire Builder and the Southwest Chief are still on my bucket list. No one does long distance trains like Amtrak!
Well, it is now 2023 and I am just seeing this. My husband and I traveled on the Cardinal from Cincinnati, Ohio to Washington DC in 2018. We had a roomette (the only non coach seating that was available) which was cozy but worked for us. The food was great, we did get to eat in the dining car and were always seated with other passengers. Strangely enough there was an Amish couple who sat with us and we knew some of their relatives from a small local (to us) Amish community! Small world! We departed 2 hours late from Cincy, arrived in DC about 5 hours late but the scenery, especially in West Virginia, was amazing. The return trip was right on time so I guess we lucked out. Thanks for sharing your travels!
Jeb Brooks, a few comments: First, regarding Viewliner Roomette toilets: I pretty much hate them. They are awkward, cramped and are right next to the gap in the privacy curtain to the aisle of the train car; if the Velcro on the privacy curtains is worn, it can be difficult to keep them closed while maneuvering while seated on the toilet. But my biggest gripe with these toilets is that they are only a few inches from the upholstery and 'living surfaces' in the small Roomette, and it is an obvious fact that a lot of both fecal matter and urine 'overspray' have gotten onto those surfaces and upholstery over the years, and AMTRAK historically has not done much in the way of thorough cleaning between trips. In other words, pretty damn gross. This is why, when I travel in a Viewliner Roomette, I always bring a pack of disinfecting wipes for the hard surfaces, I always sit on the seat that is NOT next to the toilet, and I always sleep in the upper bunk so that my body is not just a few inches from gross body-waste impregnated surfaces. And to avoid making things worse, I don't stand when peeing into that toilet. When a 'public' toilet is available in the Viewliner Sleeper car, I mostly use that instead of the one in my Roomette. Second, taking the Cardinal eastbound is clearly more scenic than taking it westbound as you did, unless you prefer Indiana farmland to spectacular river valleys and gorges , e.g. the New River Gorge in West Virginia.
I think it's really convenient to have a toilet and sink in the steps to your upper bunk, hell, I'd love to have it in my room at home. Just shut up and embrace the space efficiency of the Viewliner Roomette
@@coastaku1954 , so, you disagree with my views on the Viewliner Roomette toilet, then you tell me to "shut up". That makes you a very rude person, and that is completely uncalled for.
@@ckildegaard Not sure what law that is, but as the video shows, it is often treated like the speed limit laws and many others! Truth is, the freight companies get paid by Amtrak for the trackage rights, and they do try to keep the passenger trains moving as best they can. But it's not at all like in the golden era, say around the 1920's and 1930's, where any employee would have been sacked on the spot had he (and they were mostly all men back then) gotten the Century or the Super Chief even a few minutes behind schedule.
Amtrak actually owns the Acela route, AKA the former Pennsylvania and New Haven main line. That is why they have fewer problems there - that and the 4 track (much of the way) main line. Interestingly, on that line the roles are reversed, and the freight companies pay Amtrak trackage fees to operate in the corridor, which they sometimes do...
Back in 2010 my husband and I took the Amtrak from San Francisco to New York in twelve legs over 6 weeks. We headed south through LA then Texas and Louisiana before heading north. We soon learned to upgrade to a sleeper whenever possible. It was the most amazing trip I have ever been on. You see so much more from the train and get to meet some of the most amazing people. There is something relaxing and soothing about taking your time on the train.
My husband was an exchange student in the US in 1984. He travelled from L.A to Chicago, then to Minneapolis on to New York by train. He still reminisce over the beauty of the pale moonlight in the desert as the train moved onwards, he stayed awake despite being quite tired just to enjoy the views.
I travelled several times by train between NYC and Boston. It was free seating so no need to worry about finding the right car. Travelling by train is such a nice way to see scenery that you would not see otherwise. Hi from Brussels, Belgium
There is something remarkably special about travelling in the US by rail, especially for a Brit like me. I love long distance trains in the US. I can't wait to get to your side of the pond again. Jeb, thank you for informing and entertaining. Much love to you from a locked down but festive Reading in the UK. Here's to many more travels in 2021.
@@darringraham2613 There are some spectacular rail vistas here in the UK, but we are a small island. The sheer distance of some American routes adds a certain romance to Amtrak.
@@simondavey7787 Train routes are very diverse, too. Mountains, prairie, desert, ocean, ... My favorite is in southern california where the rails are on the Pacific coatline. Have you taken a trip in Alaska/Canada?
@@AMD1 I haven't, but I'd love to. My favourite Amtrack journey so far was from Chicago to LA. I'm hoping that once international travel is possible again, that I can travel by train from San Diego to Alaska, via LA and Vancouver. One positive of the new President is that I think he will invest in the rails.
Ah. How to find your train car. Each Amtrak train car has two numbers, one number that stays on the car at all times. Then, there is a 4 digit number that WILL change when the train reaches its final destination. The only problem is that Amtrak attendants have to manually change this number, which they often forget to do. In my experience, you can normally, A- Ask for help. B- There is a small label that identifies this car's class. e.g. Sleeping Car, or Coachclass. On the Cardinal, there is only one sleeping car, s finding it isn't that hard. On most other trains, however, there are 2-4 Sleeping Cars, so once you find them, you may want to ask the nearest Attendant. C- Often times, Amtrak staff will direct you to your car.
I also appreciate the tip about bringing an extra pillow! My hubby likes his pillows flat, so he might not need an extra pillow, but I like mine fluffy & plump.
Re: toilet in roomette: Roomettes were origially for 1 person. Amtrak put in bunk beds in its superliners and viewliners to make them more affordable for couples vs limited number of bedrooms. With a couple, I'd assume you'd only use it when other person is out of roomette. Or if other person is in upper bunk and you need to pee at night. re: freight trains: technically, Amtrak has priority where possible. The last 2 words are important. If you are following slow freight, you can't overtake it if there is a oncoming train on the other tracks for instance so you have to wait. Gets worse on single track segments. Passenger trains are shorter so easier to fit in a siding to clear congestion. In pracrice Atrak has a lot of freight related delays. If you were only 1 hour late into Chicago, it is considered "ahead of time" :-). Chicago is notorious for huge delays due to freight congestion. They have projects to build overpasses so that one freight train crossing tracks doesn't block 6 other tracks.
Jean-Francois Mezei, you wrote that "Roomettes were originally for one person". This disagrees with all information I have read about them, so I wonder where your information comes from. If you can point to some corroborative information elsewhere, that would be helpful. As for Viewliner Roomette toilets: I pretty much hate them. They are awkward, cramped and are right next to the gap in the privacy curtain to the aisle of the train car; if the Velcro on the privacy curtains is worn, it can be difficult to keep them closed while maneuvering while seated on the toilet. But my biggest gripe with these toilets is that they are only a few inches from the upholstery and 'living surfaces' in the small Roomette, and it is an obvious fact that a lot of both fecal matter and urine 'overspray' have gotten onto those surfaces and upholstery over the years, and AMTRAK historically has not done much in the way of thorough cleaning between trips. In other words, pretty damn gross. This is why, when I travel in a Viewliner Roomette, I always bring a pack of disinfecting wipes for the hard surfaces, I always sit on the seat that is NOT next to the toilet, and I always sleep in the upper bunk so that my body is not just a few inches from gross body-waste impregnated surfaces. And to avoid making things worse, I don't stand when peeing into that toilet. When a 'public' toilet is available in the Viewliner Sleeper car, I mostly use that instead of the one in my Roomette.
@@youtuuba Romettes on pullman and later on Budd long distance trains (pre Amtrak) were one person. Amtrak legacy fleet were like that, so was CN and CP Rail in Canada (now Via Rail). The CP Rail roomettes were of 2 types, the Manor and the Chateau. Manor were slightly bigger. The Chateau are distinctive because windows alternate between high and low. One roomette's bed slid under the floor of the next roomette. For Manors are the upper roomettes, the wall rotated down with the back of the seat to make the bed. Both cases, the beds covered the toilet when brought down. There were roomettes on either side of the car. These cars are still in use in Canada, but with the introduction of Viewliners are no longer used in USA. (the last legacy cars were dining and baggage cars, widthdrawn with the Viewliner 2 order).
@@jfmezei , OK, that's more or less what I thought. You were mostly referring to pre-AMTRAK sleepers, or sleepers they inherited from the legacy carriers. Not so much the sleepers that AMTRAK ordered and have used since.
@@youtuuba The Viewliner roomettes inherited a lot of designs from the original pullman/budd roomettes, such as the sink and toilet. (though the original ones had toilets dump directly onto tracks but the renovated ones now have holding tanks).
Before covid I used to travel for my job working for a fashion designer. I’ve always said Jebs channel is the best way to experience traveling without leaving home.
Kansas City’s Union Station is an amazing building. It was redone about 20 years ago and is home to historical exhibits, a science center, a huge model railway, shops, and of course, the train terminal.
I live in Washington DC. Used to take the Union Station metro stop to school every day in middle school. Never appreciated how cool it really is thanks for the video.
3:30 Let me explain, so note this is my experience from traveling out of LA Union on superliners. On each car by the doors there is a screen which shows the car numbers shown on your ticket. In addition, there are usually signs on the platform showing where that car is set to stop on the platform. If you do research and know they consist, you should already know what part of the train your car will be on. And you can probably ask a lounge attendant prior to boarding. Edits: 12:40 Definitely! 16:06 Yea I've never travelled on a viewliner, and am very hesitant about that, I think that they should have just put in a communal toilet. 19:03: Attendants get, I believe 2-4 hours of sleep when on the rails. 20:34 Yep, every single long distance journey you take, you will probably be stopped at least once for a freight train. That's where many of the delays come from. And whenever Amtrak and a commuter rail line shares the rails, most likely the commuter train will take priority as they are the ones who usually own the rails. Loved your review and cannot wait for the review of the Southwest Chief! I live right along the SW Chief line, and it was my first train trip at the age of 3, and will love to hear your take on it. For future trips, I HIGHLY suggest you take the Coast Starlight and/or California Zephyr full routes. They are the most scenic rides, and some of the best of Amtrak's long distance services.
I live in the UK, and take the trains often around my country, Wales. There is something so heartwarming about seeing the countryside rolling past as the sun sets and covers the landscape in an amber glow, really makes me feel happy.
I’m also from the UK. I last visited the US in February 2010. I had hoped to go back again, but had no passport for several year#, then couldn’t afford it, and now there’s the virus. Maybe one day. I wanted to take the train from New York City to Chicago. Those electrical outlets on the train seem to be 20 A120V NEMA 5-20R ones which seems strange, surely it’s unlikely that a passenger would be unlikely to need to use anything which draws that much power. I would have expected the more normal NEMA 5-15 15 A ones.
@@srfurley Many passengers bring multiple devices with them and run them with a splitter, including hair dryers. It was also built in the 1980s, when most appliances drew more amperage.
One day I'll travel through the uk by rail. I loved traveling by train and bus through Sweden. The sun coming up over rivers and lakes, glinting off snow, small farms. So peaceful.
Omg, I can listen to you forever. Not only your videos are the best, I love your commentaries. Your voice is so relaxing and comforting.... I know that's weird.
THANk you. My Fernweh has been so strong. I love the railroad , I love traveling in Amtrak Roomette. I have been contemplating just taking a trip, back and forth, just to do what you are doing. No city chosen as the purpose for me would be the journey. When my daughter and I travel on Amtrak, we count the trip as 50% of our vacation to visit family.
Hey Jeb. A fan of your travel blogs and the change to rail after viewing your Empire Builder trip. This a nice new journey to enjoy as I anticipate my future plans to travel from Washington to San Francisco via Chicago to ride the California Zephyr. As a retired airline guy, I love train travel as an alternate to flying even if way more money is involved. I've had great trips from 35 thousand feet, but love the ground (or sea for cruises) so your new travels on trains are a new favorite for me. I laughed once you discovered the reason why you had a sink and discovered the toilet that doubles as a "console" to the seat arrangement. I traveled in one and did not think the toilet unit was gross or too close to the seat. "Aim to please gentlemen." It came in handy at 3am if you drank too much at or after dinner! These Viewliners are currently undergoing modification to eliminate the sink and toilet unit with a modified armrest and footstep for the upper bunk. SuperLiner roomettes will continue to be configured the same way, with restrooms and showers located on the lower level. That configuration operates on the Capitol Limited as it originates and terminates in Washington as tunnels north of Philadelphia into New York cannot permit the dual level SuperLiner. As always, your trip reports are through, informative and nicely presented. You do it very well. I'm a big fan#1. Safe travels.
Thanks for a fun video and great explanation of the appeal of train travel there at the beginning. When somebody asked me, "but doesn't it take forever to get somewhere?" my reply was, "Nope, you're ALWAYS somewhere on the train!"
RE watching your old videos and I love your love for my hometown in the Shenandoah Valley, Jeb. I still live here and seeing it in your POV from the train instead of my POV was awesome . Thanks so much for this video and the love. 😅
As the train began moving forward, I felt a familiar feeling. A sense of calm and relaxation overtook me. *IMMA* *TURN* *DOWN* *ALL* *THE* *BEDS* *BITCHES*
Dude I am taking my first train ride this January! NYC to ATL in a roomette. Your videos have been of great help and also pushed me over the edge on how to get back home. Thank you so much!
Watching this from England, as both the daughter of a railway man and someone who did her own few years working in the railway, this was interesting! I've never understood why Americans don't use trains as much as we do in Europe, it's definitely the best way to travel. Most surprising things for me were that the stations in the US have 3-letter codes too, and that your platforms are pretty much right on the rails, here they're level (or almost level) with the train door so there's about a 1m/3ft drop down from the platform to the rails. If you're ever over here, I highly recommend the stopping Hope Valley line between Manchester and Sheffield - only a couple of hours, but stunning scenery of the Peak District National Park and the picturesque little villages in it. And once a month, in non-pandemic times, they also have a folk train where there's a live band on the train, it's great fun.
@@fuckheinschitt239 For cross country, sure, but for medium distance intercity the train can be so quick and it's greener than driving, and quicker than plane once you add in security time.
Fantastic video Jeb... for those of us on the other side of the Atlantic who like me are missing out on their annual trips to USA... your video is part of how I have to take holidays now!
Jeb man i miss my Amtrak job. I work at union station but I’m on furlough so i won’t be back until the spring at least. On long distance trains the car number is luminated (9701 as an example). If i was working on the day of your travel i would’ve treated and escorted you. I have been on the 51 cardinal in 2017 coming from Kings Island park in Cincinnati and the train was about 2-3 hours late upon arrival and almost 5 hours behind getting to Chicago.
Some years back, I spent 2 months criss-crossing the USA with Amtrak rather than by plane. Seeing the country from 3 feet up, rather than 33,000 feet in the air, was fantastic. Some very fond (and, alas not so fond) memories of that trip and of Amtrak itself. Would I do it again if I was ever to visit the USA.....more than likely I would.
When I was a kid, my mother and I would make annual trips to Maine and/or Florida from Philadelphia, always in a roomette. Fond memories or cracking open the shade and watching the night go by from the pull-down bed. Dining car food was much, much better!
@@Cal90208 Traditional dining was already removed pre-COVID on the Viewliner routes, unfortunately. Mr. ex-Delta-CEO had been pushing for it as a cost-saving measure. Superliners still had proper cooked food until COVID hit.
I love the shenandoah valley, I was station in Virginia with the military and loved it there. From Cincinnati originally so this train hits every where, where I grew up, worked, lived!
Took the Crescent 19 from NYC to ATL this last week in a roomette. Amazing. So much fun and our car attendant Kevin is an absolute credit to the company. Will definitely be doing the Amtrak thing again. Love it.
Great video! I remember my first ride on the Cardinal. We went from 30th Street PH to Union Station Chicago (We stayed in Chicago for a few nights before switching over to the Empire Builder for the next leg to Montana). We stopped at the DC station on our way, to switch the engine on the train from electric the diesel. I was in Room 5 (Roomette). On electric, I think we had a top speed around 120 MPH. This was before the Delta CEO took over and changed a lot of the train. The meals were actually pretty good in the dining car. Overall, the trip had great views and ended with a lot of great memories. Its great to see something that I used in its current condition.
@@Cal90208 Likely not, although it will go back to on-demand café car dining. The savings are too much to ignore. I wish they’d still offer real meals for purchase though.
@@Cal90208 What do you think “traditional” factually means? Here, they mean sit down service. The dining cars are going away and the concept of dining with strangers is also going away. There will be more basic, “a la carte options” and no full meals like there used to be.
@@afcgeo882 Traditional dining as in the service prior to COVID. It says that traditional dining was never suspended on the auto train, and a review shows the same full dining service after COVID was in effect. So I am assuming the Amtrak website means that dining service
I loved seeing the Shenandoah Valley Jeb, and it is so cool this is where you grew up. I went JMU and I have and I have fond memories of this region. What a place.
Hey Jeb! I'm a former conductor on a freight railroad!! Amtrak does have priority in some areas!!! But when freight is backed up, EVERYTHING backs up and waits!!! Might have been a terminal issue or just trains stacked up
Very informative for those who've never travelled overnight by train. Viewliners had high marks with riders during its inception in the 80's-90's. They offer total privacy, but over time the thought of having to live in a space for 20+ hours near a toilet and a roommate allows the imagination to wonder. During the Streamliner train era of the 40's-60's, sleeper cars had the same basic floor plans as Superliners and Viewliners with a few modifications. A Viewliner Roomette sleeps 2, a Streamliner (Heritage Sleeper) roomette sits/sleeps 1 with an oversized seat and a Murphy Bed when in sleep mode rests on top of the toilet-a hideaway sink was also provided. Pretty inconvenient at night to get up, lift the bed into the wall to take care of your needs. Amtrak no longer uses Heritage Sleepers, but they can be found on Canada's Via Rail train lines Vancouver-Toronto. Amtrak's Viewliner Sleeper cars will probably eliminate the toilet & sink in their new & improved roomettes.
I think now that CV19 restrictions are easing, Amtrak has gone back to their old, better menu. Maybe you can revisit these routes? Great video! I love this rail series!
I took the California Zephyr from San Francisco to Chicago. I liked it so much, I am repeating it on my way home from Alaska. Instead of flying home, I am flying Anchorage to San Francisco then taking the train the rest of the way to Chicago. The Cardinal is on my bucket list !
I highly recommend taking the Canadian from Vancouver to Toronto. The accommodations and food are a giant step up from Amtrak! Microwaved meat balls??? How about Rack of Lamb!
I've traveled in Viewliner roomettes, both alone and with my husband. He is slender and courteous, both of which are desirable in a roommate in these tiny rooms. Unless sleeping, we each would vacate the room when the other needed to use the toilet. Simple. I always bring all my own food and treat myself to some great takeout in New York. That ride back home after visiting the family is the *best* way to decompress! I figured out how to do the beds myself, so I take an afternoon nap in the top bunk. Complete privacy the whole trip.
My wife and I have travelled across the country by train. If you can afford it, get the sleeper. If you want to se what’s on the other side of the train, open your door and kneel in the passageway. The bathroom is a bit tight. If you want to shower, the best time was when the train was stopped for a bit. Like at a smoke break. Try not to get the car next to the locomotives. In the center of the country, they seem to blow the horn for every driveway! Before the pandemic, the food in the dining car was great. They would put you with a couple you didn’t know. Now it’s a box lunch, brought to our room by the porter. Traveling by rail was great. Nobody blowing the horn at you, giving you the finger( which is the way 4 wheelers say good morning to a truck driver), cutting you off, then stopping to make a turn, no DOT AND I could watch out the window and see the scenery. Driving, I would only take glances. The only bad part was I wondered what we missed during the night. If you want to know where you are, go to Google maps, it pin points where you are. Taking pictures on a digital camera was hard and we missed a lot of pictures, because when you turned on the camera, it went to photo album instead of camera! Traveling at 50+mph, the shot would be gone before the camera was ready. The windows were not always cleaned, so if you were going to take a picture when the sun was getting low, the camera would focus on the dirt or droplets on the window. Using the camera and our phones, each trip, we took over 1,000 pictures. If you have an I-phone, it tells you where and when you took the picture. It would be great if they had a camera in the locomotive, that you could tap into, to watch. Had to stay overnight in hotels in Seattle, San Francisco and New Orleans.Didn’t line that part for I hate cities. The whole purpose of the train was to avoid traffic, walking and hotels!
Great video! Many years ago, I took the train from Boston to Miami, and I stayed in a roomette similar to yours. I had a layover for a few hours in DC, changing from the Northeast Corridor to the Silver Star. I ate something that really didn't agree with me during the stopover, and I was *so glad* I had the toilet in my compartment. The staff was incredibly friendly, the attendant knew I wasn't feeling well and was able to get me a late breakfast since I'd slept through their normal serving time. I'm doing a trip on the Coast Starlight next year, and can't wait to get on board again.
Great report, I have been considering a trip on AMTRAK'S "City of New Orleans" which runs from Chicago to New Orleans. I can pick it up in southern Illinois about 2 hours from my home. Many of the western routes would certainly provide better views.
3:50 The car number provided on your ticket is different than that painted on the car. The car number printed on the ticket is usually the train number, with the last two numbers designating which car is which. The number painted on the side is just used by Amtrak for identification and maintenance purposes. The full car number that is printed on passenger tickets is usually displayed as a sign outside each sleeper car, since those are the only cars where the car number matters. As a general rule, sleeper cars are located at the front of the train, and coach at the back. The exception to this is the Empire Builder portion that goes to Portland, and the Cardinal, where this is reversed
In my experience this is incorrect. On every long distance train I have been on, the number on the ticket is completely different than the car number. The number on the ticket is displayed on the train via an electronic screen (on superliners), and signs are on the platform showing where that car is going to stop. I have been on the Texas Eagle/Sunset Limited, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder (Portland section), and Southwest Chief. Some of them multiple times.
@@Cal90208 That’s exactly what I said. I edited my comment for clarity, but I said the exact same thing you’re claiming I didn’t. Please clarify what was wrong with my prior comment
Are you talking about a sign/placard on the side of each train car? I have watched a lot of Amtrak videos, and have never really seen a viable car number readily visible on the side of the cars. I have seen the typically five-digit inventory registration number painted on the side, but the train/sequence ID would never be painted on the side. So I'm confused with Jeb on this one. Maybe someone can post a photo with the "ticket-matching" train car ID circled in red? @CalRailFan: I do not know where to look up the consist of my train in advance, and Google is not cooperating. Do you have a consistent and reliable source for this information?
@@richardeshom4985 There is an electronic sign that the crew can change whenever they need close to the door on every car. I can't post images here or else I would. Also about the numbering, the first digit or two is the train number. So the Southwest Chief train 4, the first number on your ticket is 4. THis is followed by two numbers that are used on that route regularly. So on the Southwest Chief train 4, a regular sleeping car is 430. On the Cardinal train 51, one is 5100. On the Silver Meteor, one is 9813.
The story of how the soviets would have won if that bunker ever had to have been used: "Our apologies folks we're currently being delayed by another train ahead of us so please hold tight and we'll make sure to keep you updated! Thanks for traveling with Amtrak!"
Thanks for this. I cancelled my booking because of the bathroom I know the history, but I can’t get over having a toilet next to a seat. Nice to see that it was a fantastic trip. I love the Amtrak staff and I taken to the rails on a regular basis since the pandemic.
@@canadianaviator That is exactly the point. Amtrak does NOT sell sharing a roomette with a total stranger like the Europeans do with their couchettes...
You need to travel on a sleeper in Europe. Now that is how train travel is meant to be done. Especially in eastern Europe. A bit rustic but it is an amazing experience. In western Europe nightjet are great too. They also have some night trains in italy but I do not know about them. Come to the uk and do the night Rivera or Caledonian sleeper! Both are great and you will not regret it
@@alph5230 Slaves were less than 15 percent of the population. They provided extremely inefficient and usually unskilled physical labor. So no. They didn't.
Jeb, my wife and I have done that trip 3 times. Once on the Cardinal and twice using the Capitol Limited. The Southwest Chief is a great journey and the Cardinal, while longer than the Capital Limited, is so much more scenic. I envy your trip and hope to do it again soon.
How would you compare the Capitol Limited and its competitor, the Cardinal? With regards to everything? Scenery? Ride quality? EVERYTHING, and in infesimisimal detail? Please?
@@claytonrowe8103 Hi Clayton. The Limited is the fastest route from DC to Chicago, leaving around 4 pm and arriving around 9 am though trains are notoriously late. Anyway it's the double deck cars and if you're handicapped then you are relegated to the lower level and meals delivered. Scenery is great as you follow the Potomac River through Maryland, crossing into West Virginia at Harpers Ferry and then back to Maryland and into Pennsylvania. Overnight brings you to western Ohio and then Illinois and Chicago. The Cardinal uses the single deck rail cars and goes south towards Richmond VA and then into Charlottsville and into the the New River gorge. That into itself is a magnificent ride. Overnight then takes you into West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana, passing through Indianapolis, then on into Illinois and Chicago. It is a much longer ride. Hope this helps. Both are nice but one is longer than the other.
I’ve taken 3 round trips LA to Boston with a long layover in each direction in Chicago. I’ve found that the sleeping car attendant is the same person for the duration of each leg. So I tip $50 for the Chicago/Boston leg and $75-$100 for the Chicago/LA leg. I take 75% of my meals in my room and although I’m perfectly capable of making up my bed or unmaking it in a roomette or a full size room I’ll usually get the attendant to do that task. If I could get them up on a ladder at every 5th stop to clean my window from the outside I’d jack that tip amount up significantly.
Jeb, did you take the train again just because of how good the meatballs were? 😂
Guilty! 🤣
@@GreenerGrass it is true freight trains receive priority wish Amtrak would just add a second track to solve all of our problems especially on some of the bigger midwest routes i.e. Chicago to STL, etc.. Great videos as always!
@@GreenerGrass Busted
@@vanofmemes haha!!!!!
Did you break the fork because you tried to use your fork to break the meatball apart? There’s a thing called a “knife” and it’s designed to cut food apart. Just sayin... (Maybe you didn’t get one?)
Jeb - I'm a train attendant & avgeek based in LAX. Thank you for including rail travel in your reviews. You beam with delight & reverence on your videos. Let me respond to your questions regarding train car numbers & freight train priority. The train attendant working that car should have verified/changed the car number during their pre-departure duties. At the station on the platform there should have been station services personnel directing passengers to the appropriate sleeping car & coach boarding locations. At the door to the individual sleeping car the attendant should say something to the effect of "This is the 5110 car" or whatever car number it is of the train consist. Yes, freight trains have running priority over Amtrak as those freight railroads own & operate the tracks which Amtrak long-haul travel on. Something that caught my attention was the announcement made by the attendant on PA seemed a little gruff, not hospitality industry welcoming. It's a pet peeve of mine when initial PA announcement doesn't mention the safety card & emergency exit information. I prefer to speak individually person to person at the door of their room explaining the meal & bed turn down. I would also ask if you, the passenger, are familiar with & have previously traveled abroad Viewliner equipment & explain specifically the features & workings, i.e. toilet, bag rack, ect. I didn't see the paper headrest covers on the sleeping car seats or in coach, that bothers me. I often wish we at Amtrak had the same level of product presentation finesse as the airlines. Very grateful for your support & enthusiasm for Amtrak.
Thankl you for your service on trains!
"I often wish we at Amtrak had the same level of product presentation finesse as the airlines".
Nice. Especially because your transportation service is SO MUCH BETTER than the airlines . . . especially these days. Thanks for caring about your job / customers!
I suspect there was a lot of pressure on the entire system at that time, trying to adapt to covid just generally such a moving target - everything from supply chain disruption for anything and everything on the train, to short-staffed due to coworkers getting sick so juniors are suddenly on the door/on the PA and the conductor is freaking out how we gonna get this DONE, to trying to actualize the latest rules that came in 3 hours ago oh mah lawdy... Amtrak's a total blast no matter what, and Jeb had a heck of a good time, so all is well in the end :)
What kind of genius designed that in-room toilet next to where you sit, eat, and sleep, and basically one curtain away from exposed yourself to the hallway. Not to mention if you ever have a roommate since this is called roomette.
It's inspired by the contemporary correctional facility.
Actually, ***I*** feel that it's MUCH BETTER to have one's 1st Class Personal Accomodations totally self-contained!!! Others may disagree, and a couple of you do above do so. ME? I want ALL of mine contained inside my 1st Class, rather than going out into the PUBLIC AREAS to take a shower, etc. Those who want to do so...are free to do THAT, also, so, something for everyone! :-) as a PRIVACY GUY, the options above for myself, as well. See, a WIN-WIN situation! :-)
If you're traveling with a younger child this could be a very ideal arrangement. Since privacy is not a concern when you're assisting your own child. As for the one curtain being your only barrier for privacy, it's not as if the corridor are packed with potential observers. I agree it's a bit weird but you're not forced to use it.
It's honestly not as bad as you think it is. If you're in a roomette, odds are you're probably pretty comfortable (or hopefully at least unconcerned) about this arrangement. If you're in a suite then you do have a separate wet bath, but only one queen size bed instead of two single bunks.
@@BalooUriza I'm pretty sure the full room on Amtrak has a 3rd bunk above the queen.
I've watched a lot of train stories, and they don't really treat Amtrak with the care that you are doing. Thanks for showing how great train travel really is.
You'll find 70% or higher I bet, of train fans of all types hate amtrak with a passion me included so your comment don't surprise me to much. Train travel is great amtrak not so much back in the 40s it was way more classier cooked meals and drinks you name it. Now you got amtraks premade box lunches and microwaved meals gross..... when it gets set up I'm looking at a trip on the rocky mountaineer on their new Colorado to Utah route if it works out for them.
If you really want to have great train travel spend two or three weeks in Europe,You can book passage for London to France to Amsterdam to Germany, And if you want to travel first class The accommodations are Great, trains and accommodations are clean and the dining car is first class all the way. This is what first class train travel is in most of Europe, with exception for train travel in the Balkans.I recommend to anyone who loves train travel
spend two weeks or so in Europe. In my opinion Switzerland has the best first class train travel in the world.
Jeb, I love watching your videos on train travel. In response to your question about whether or not freight trains get priority over Amtrak passenger trains:
1. When Amtrak was originally created May 1, 1970 congress wrote it into law that the Amtrak passenger trains would ALWAYS be given preference over the freight trains that also operated on the same tracks.
2. As the years went by, the Freight railroads who owned 97% of the tracks used by Amtrak became more and more inclined to give their own freight trains preference, as freight loads by rail increased and the freight railroads were not willing to give up their profits to keep the Amtrak trains running on time.
3. In 2008 the problem had gotten so bad that congress passed a new law stating that the freight railroads had to let Amtrak trains have priority.
4. The freight railroads hated this decision by congress, because it cut into their profits, so the freight railroad trade group, the Association of American Railroads (AAR), filed suit in 2011. The case made it to the U.S. Supreme Court, which sent it back to the D.C. appeals court who overturned the law in 2016, stating that the law gave Amtrak an unfair advantage as a regulator when they saw that Amtrak should be playing the part of a "Competitor" competing for use of the train tracks in a balanced way. This is exactly why in the original creation of Amtrak by congress in 1970 that they wrote it into law that Amtrak would always have preference over freights, because they knew the freight railroads would never give them preference unless they were forced to. They were not supposed to be a "Competitor" they were a government created national passenger rail systems that was supposed to have priority no matter what.
5. So now the freight railroads are "supposed" to act in a fair and balanced way to get Amtrak trains through in a timely manner, but we all know what without any repercussion for giving their profit-making freight trains priority, even if it makes Amtrak trains late, they are always going to chose their profit-making freights to go first.
Sitting beside an open toilet bowl that hundreds of strangers have used and probably not cleaned very well before your arrival, gives the ride that extra touch of class and comfort. Truly a ride you wont forget
How do you know it’s not cleaned regularly?
No, not for a long time to come, with your gift of a yeast infection!
Really? Sitting beside an "open" toilet bowl that "hundreds of strangers have used" since it was cleaned?
I am sorry, but in the Amtrak Viewliner roomette review videos I have seen, the toilet bowl was neither "open" nor "dirty" in any sense. The cover was closed, and it looked absolutely spic and span inside when the cover was lifted.
If you experienced an issue, did you report it to your sleeper car attendant? If so, did they not fix the problem promptly?
Just walk with wipes or other type of cleaner to wipe the toilet area down.
@@ontnette Even with the public rest room and toilet at the end of the car... I use handy wipes everywhere, even at five star hotels...
Do freight trains get priority over Amtrak?
Short answer: Yes
Long answer:
Most of the track in the US is owned by freight companies who fix, monitor, and maintain their track therefore, the freight trains get priority over Amtrak who “borrows” the track. There is a fee which the government pays the freight companies to let Amtrak trains use their rails. However, Amtrak does own and has full priority on some track in the Northeast corridor up by the New York, Washington area where you departed from.👍
I have read (in many places) that while the freight companies own their track, they obtained the 'right of way' from the government with certain conditions, one of which includes now that the government's passenger rail company AMTRAK is supposed to get priority where practical. I don't know for certain whether this is still true, and if so, to what degree and with what conditions.
@@youtuuba This is false. The freight railroads built the tracks, the government has NEVER owned or operated passenger trains until Amtrak was created in the 1970s. Basically Amtrak has a window to fit in, but too much can go wrong to mess up that window...
@@ronclark9724 , WHAT is false? There is such a thing as railroad right of way, and at least historically the government granted those rights of way to railroads with certain condition attached. It has nothing to do with whether the government owned or operated passenger trains before AMTRAK. I do not know the current rules in this regard, but I know enough historically to ask the question now if somebody simply asserts that AMTRAK has no rights because the freight railroads own (most of) the tracks.
Also, "right of way" can mean 'who goes first' OR it can mean the route that railroad track is laid on, and that has historically been granted to railroads by the federal government, in the interest of encouraging railroads to be built and thus provide economic boost and benefit to industry and other commerce. In my comment, I was using the second definition.
If you are going to convincingly argue that AMTRAK has no rights vis-a-vis freight carriers, it would be good to back that up with some corroborative information.
For my part, I have done some online investigating, and there are LOTS of places detailing how freight carriers are supposed to give a certain amount of priority to AMTRAK trains running on those carriers tracks. Just one example is this brief statement on the AMTRAK website: "By law, Amtrak is supposed to receive priority over freight trains even when operating on freight railroad tracks." Other sources state that such priority has been in effect for over 50 years, and no laws have been changed since that time. You will need to do better that just stating "this is false"...provide real verifiable information, not just opinion.
Washington to Boston is the Amtrak owned segment and is all electric powered locomotives in that corridor
Legally, Amtrak has to be given priority. In reality, the freight companies that own the tracks usually give priority to their own trains. It's a bit like parents telling a little kid that they have to share their favorite toy with their sibling.
im an amtrak acela railroad enginner there are numbers in the car like 29553 and you look at the last two numbers 53 thats the car number
Thanks for providing that information, which I doubt most of us knew.
I'm enjoying this diversity in your channel during these pandemic times.
7 minutes late in Japan: The company's boss apologises on national tv.
And the company issued an apology letter for each passenger.
The letter can be shown as a permit for the passenger's manager in their workplace, so the passenger won't get a pay cut.
7 minutes later in Italy: anybody was at the station because they thought the train was on in usually 30 minutes late.
I swear they are so honest and polite😂
Being Japanese, I can confirm this is true, for the exception of 2020/2021's strangely heavy amount of snow. Bullet trains are now having 2 hour delays while conventional lines are either closing down or having 5-hour delays from detours. (7 minutes delay is more or less normal on conventional lines) The true panic is when trains leave 3 minutes early.
lol in malaysia if a train got delay mostly the boss just let you in or "get a vehicle like a car or motorcycle".
That toilet right next to a seat seems very unsanitary I would hate to see what a blue light in that area looks like
I would be disgusted 😅
I’d be really worried about the curtains next to the toilet......can’t imagine them being properly cleaned that often 🤢🤮
Same. I live in India and was just looking up what trains in "dreamland" America are like. They look very plush (slightly better than trains here in India) but the basic idea behind it is horrible. A commode next to my seat in such an enclosed space? Whoever thought of that? I would take a sleeper class (the lowest amenity reserved ticket bogie class in Indian trains) any day over this thing.
But I guess the only reason something like this would exist is due to a demand from American customers for this kind of thing. After all, America is the center of capitalism.
The train station in DC look very nice though. And that door kick hack was also a good idea. My most favourite were the views of American countryside. Very similar to the views of Indian countryside. The enthusiasm and appreciation Mr. Brooks had for train journeys in general was nice to see.
I would be on the can 🚽 all 24 hours of that train ride
@B J Seriously? Japan I can agree is a dreamland. But China? I would rather be born in India than in China. Either you are someone from China or your are one of those overprivileged Americans who hasn't really stepped outside of USA and hence has no understanding how awful authoritarian countries can be. Sure USA has some problems, but they aren't near as bad as problems in non-Democratic nations. So when you enjoy all the benefits of living in USA to the point that they seem normal to you, but at the slightest sign of adversity or inconvenience you start saying "look, this $hit don't happen in China", it just goes to show what a snowflake you really are.
I have met quite a few of your kind. People who think India is the worst and that somehow Pakistan is better. My only reply to such B.S. is "go right ahead". GTFO to Pakistan or China. Walk the talk.
So if you are American, I would say to you: GTFO to China if you really think its such a utopia.
In February 2019, I went across North America twice in 29 days . . . all by train. Amtrak Coast Starlight, Amtrak Cascades, Viarail Canadian, Viarail/Amtrak Maple Leaf, Amtrak Cardinal, Amtrak California Zephyr. Even though it was winter, I thought Virginia and West Virginia were absolutely beautiful - the best part of the Cardinal trip. When this COVID silliness is done, I hope to cross the Pacific again from Australia and go across the U.S. a couple of times more - the Empire Builder and the Southwest Chief are still on my bucket list. No one does long distance trains like Amtrak!
Try the Trans Siberian railway, the privately owned one not the one seen in the movies or travel promos.
@@davidkamen I have been tempted more than once, but I think my complete lack of language skills might be an impediment. :-(
Well, it is now 2023 and I am just seeing this. My husband and I traveled on the Cardinal from Cincinnati, Ohio to Washington DC in 2018. We had a roomette (the only non coach seating that was available) which was cozy but worked for us. The food was great, we did get to eat in the dining car and were always seated with other passengers. Strangely enough there was an Amish couple who sat with us and we knew some of their relatives from a small local (to us) Amish community! Small world! We departed 2 hours late from Cincy, arrived in DC about 5 hours late but the scenery, especially in West Virginia, was amazing. The return trip was right on time so I guess we lucked out. Thanks for sharing your travels!
Jeb Brooks, a few comments:
First, regarding Viewliner Roomette toilets: I pretty much hate them. They are awkward, cramped and are right next to the gap in the privacy curtain to the aisle of the train car; if the Velcro on the privacy curtains is worn, it can be difficult to keep them closed while maneuvering while seated on the toilet. But my biggest gripe with these toilets is that they are only a few inches from the upholstery and 'living surfaces' in the small Roomette, and it is an obvious fact that a lot of both fecal matter and urine 'overspray' have gotten onto those surfaces and upholstery over the years, and AMTRAK historically has not done much in the way of thorough cleaning between trips. In other words, pretty damn gross. This is why, when I travel in a Viewliner Roomette, I always bring a pack of disinfecting wipes for the hard surfaces, I always sit on the seat that is NOT next to the toilet, and I always sleep in the upper bunk so that my body is not just a few inches from gross body-waste impregnated surfaces. And to avoid making things worse, I don't stand when peeing into that toilet. When a 'public' toilet is available in the Viewliner Sleeper car, I mostly use that instead of the one in my Roomette.
Second, taking the Cardinal eastbound is clearly more scenic than taking it westbound as you did, unless you prefer Indiana farmland to spectacular river valleys and gorges , e.g. the New River Gorge in West Virginia.
I use that Viewliner Roomette toilet as a step ladder to reach the top bunk. PERIOD. Like you I use the public toilet at one end of the car.
I think it's really convenient to have a toilet and sink in the steps to your upper bunk, hell, I'd love to have it in my room at home. Just shut up and embrace the space efficiency of the Viewliner Roomette
My one trip on the Cardinal was eastbound. The views are spectacular.
@@coastaku1954 , so, you disagree with my views on the Viewliner Roomette toilet, then you tell me to "shut up". That makes you a very rude person, and that is completely uncalled for.
Eww. Guess I won't try Amtrak after all, unless I can book an ensuite room.
Most tracks are owned by freight companies so Amtrak doesn’t get priority. Except for the Acela route.
They are indeed owned by freight companies, but by law passenger trains are supposed to have priority regardless of track ownership :)
@@ckildegaard Not sure what law that is, but as the video shows, it is often treated like the speed limit laws and many others! Truth is, the freight companies get paid by Amtrak for the trackage rights, and they do try to keep the passenger trains moving as best they can. But it's not at all like in the golden era, say around the 1920's and 1930's, where any employee would have been sacked on the spot had he (and they were mostly all men back then) gotten the Century or the Super Chief even a few minutes behind schedule.
Amtrak actually owns the Acela route, AKA the former Pennsylvania and New Haven main line. That is why they have fewer problems there - that and the 4 track (much of the way) main line. Interestingly, on that line the roles are reversed, and the freight companies pay Amtrak trackage fees to operate in the corridor, which they sometimes do...
@@ckildegaard There is no law claiming Amtrak priority. Only Amtrak usage ...
@@ronclark9724 there is a law stating passenger trains are to have right of way, but it is next to impossible to enforce.
I would have thought that i would be less than enamored with a trip like this. In fact, it was quite the opposite. It's a wonderful journey.
Well if you are in a hurry fly. If you wish to see the countryside without a tiring two or three day drive, ride Amtrak...
Back in 2010 my husband and I took the Amtrak from San Francisco to New York in twelve legs over 6 weeks. We headed south through LA then Texas and Louisiana before heading north. We soon learned to upgrade to a sleeper whenever possible. It was the most amazing trip I have ever been on. You see so much more from the train and get to meet some of the most amazing people. There is something relaxing and soothing about taking your time on the train.
Great video! I definitely think Amtrak is an underrated experience for getting around the U.S on holiday. Some of the west coast routes are stunning!
Definitely love the quality that you put into these Amtrak travel videos. Great work!
Thanks! They take a long time to edit. I appreciate you noticing!!
You captured exactly how I feel when the train starts rolling....calm.
There’s a lot to fall in love with in this, our beautiful country. Sweet Grand Seiko too!
My husband was an exchange student in the US in 1984. He travelled from L.A to Chicago, then to Minneapolis on to New York by train. He still reminisce over the beauty of the pale moonlight in the desert as the train moved onwards, he stayed awake despite being quite tired just to enjoy the views.
I travelled several times by train between NYC and Boston. It was free seating so no need to worry about finding the right car. Travelling by train is such a nice way to see scenery that you would not see otherwise.
Hi from Brussels, Belgium
There is something remarkably special about travelling in the US by rail, especially for a Brit like me. I love long distance trains in the US. I can't wait to get to your side of the pond again. Jeb, thank you for informing and entertaining. Much love to you from a locked down but festive Reading in the UK. Here's to many more travels in 2021.
No disrespect but I would think the view in the UK would be better
@@darringraham2613 There are some spectacular rail vistas here in the UK, but we are a small island. The sheer distance of some American routes adds a certain romance to Amtrak.
@@simondavey7787 Train routes are very diverse, too. Mountains, prairie, desert, ocean, ... My favorite is in southern california where the rails are on the Pacific coatline. Have you taken a trip in Alaska/Canada?
@@AMD1 I haven't, but I'd love to. My favourite Amtrack journey so far was from Chicago to LA. I'm hoping that once international travel is possible again, that I can travel by train from San Diego to Alaska, via LA and Vancouver. One positive of the new President is that I think he will invest in the rails.
Ah. How to find your train car. Each Amtrak train car has two numbers, one number that stays on the car at all times. Then, there is a 4 digit number that WILL change when the train reaches its final destination. The only problem is that Amtrak attendants have to manually change this number, which they often forget to do. In my experience, you can normally,
A- Ask for help.
B- There is a small label that identifies this car's class. e.g. Sleeping Car, or Coachclass. On the Cardinal, there is only one sleeping car, s finding it isn't that hard. On most other trains, however, there are 2-4 Sleeping Cars, so once you find them, you may want to ask the nearest Attendant.
C- Often times, Amtrak staff will direct you to your car.
I'm very happy that you're adding train videos to your plane ones. You're starting to get a balance.
I also appreciate the tip about bringing an extra pillow! My hubby likes his pillows flat, so he might not need an extra pillow, but I like mine fluffy & plump.
Re: toilet in roomette: Roomettes were origially for 1 person. Amtrak put in bunk beds in its superliners and viewliners to make them more affordable for couples vs limited number of bedrooms. With a couple, I'd assume you'd only use it when other person is out of roomette. Or if other person is in upper bunk and you need to pee at night.
re: freight trains: technically, Amtrak has priority where possible. The last 2 words are important. If you are following slow freight, you can't overtake it if there is a oncoming train on the other tracks for instance so you have to wait. Gets worse on single track segments. Passenger trains are shorter so easier to fit in a siding to clear congestion.
In pracrice Atrak has a lot of freight related delays. If you were only 1 hour late into Chicago, it is considered "ahead of time" :-). Chicago is notorious for huge delays due to freight congestion. They have projects to build overpasses so that one freight train crossing tracks doesn't block 6 other tracks.
Jean-Francois Mezei, you wrote that "Roomettes were originally for one person". This disagrees with all information I have read about them, so I wonder where your information comes from. If you can point to some corroborative information elsewhere, that would be helpful.
As for Viewliner Roomette toilets: I pretty much hate them. They are awkward, cramped and are right next to the gap in the privacy curtain to the aisle of the train car; if the Velcro on the privacy curtains is worn, it can be difficult to keep them closed while maneuvering while seated on the toilet. But my biggest gripe with these toilets is that they are only a few inches from the upholstery and 'living surfaces' in the small Roomette, and it is an obvious fact that a lot of both fecal matter and urine 'overspray' have gotten onto those surfaces and upholstery over the years, and AMTRAK historically has not done much in the way of thorough cleaning between trips. In other words, pretty damn gross. This is why, when I travel in a Viewliner Roomette, I always bring a pack of disinfecting wipes for the hard surfaces, I always sit on the seat that is NOT next to the toilet, and I always sleep in the upper bunk so that my body is not just a few inches from gross body-waste impregnated surfaces. And to avoid making things worse, I don't stand when peeing into that toilet. When a 'public' toilet is available in the Viewliner Sleeper car, I mostly use that instead of the one in my Roomette.
@@youtuuba Romettes on pullman and later on Budd long distance trains (pre Amtrak) were one person. Amtrak legacy fleet were like that, so was CN and CP Rail in Canada (now Via Rail). The CP Rail roomettes were of 2 types, the Manor and the Chateau. Manor were slightly bigger. The Chateau are distinctive because windows alternate between high and low. One roomette's bed slid under the floor of the next roomette.
For Manors are the upper roomettes, the wall rotated down with the back of the seat to make the bed. Both cases, the beds covered the toilet when brought down. There were roomettes on either side of the car. These cars are still in use in Canada, but with the introduction of Viewliners are no longer used in USA. (the last legacy cars were dining and baggage cars, widthdrawn with the Viewliner 2 order).
@@jfmezei , OK, that's more or less what I thought. You were mostly referring to pre-AMTRAK sleepers, or sleepers they inherited from the legacy carriers. Not so much the sleepers that AMTRAK ordered and have used since.
@@youtuuba The Viewliner roomettes inherited a lot of designs from the original pullman/budd roomettes, such as the sink and toilet. (though the original ones had toilets dump directly onto tracks but the renovated ones now have holding tanks).
@@jfmezei Do not flush in station.
Before covid I used to travel for my job working for a fashion designer. I’ve always said Jebs channel is the best way to experience traveling without leaving home.
Kansas City’s Union Station is an amazing building. It was redone about 20 years ago and is home to historical exhibits, a science center, a huge model railway, shops, and of course, the train terminal.
I live in Washington DC. Used to take the Union Station metro stop to school every day in middle school. Never appreciated how cool it really is thanks for the video.
That squirrel was doing more work than any politician ever will.
The first time I saw Washington Union Station in the '70's, it was deserted and VERY sad looking. Wonderful to see it so marvelously restored!
Nothing like riding on Amtrak! Great company!
3:30 Let me explain, so note this is my experience from traveling out of LA Union on superliners.
On each car by the doors there is a screen which shows the car numbers shown on your ticket. In addition, there are usually signs on the platform showing where that car is set to stop on the platform. If you do research and know they consist, you should already know what part of the train your car will be on. And you can probably ask a lounge attendant prior to boarding.
Edits:
12:40 Definitely!
16:06 Yea I've never travelled on a viewliner, and am very hesitant about that, I think that they should have just put in a communal toilet.
19:03: Attendants get, I believe 2-4 hours of sleep when on the rails.
20:34 Yep, every single long distance journey you take, you will probably be stopped at least once for a freight train. That's where many of the delays come from. And whenever Amtrak and a commuter rail line shares the rails, most likely the commuter train will take priority as they are the ones who usually own the rails.
Loved your review and cannot wait for the review of the Southwest Chief! I live right along the SW Chief line, and it was my first train trip at the age of 3, and will love to hear your take on it. For future trips, I HIGHLY suggest you take the Coast Starlight and/or California Zephyr full routes. They are the most scenic rides, and some of the best of Amtrak's long distance services.
The newly-built Viewliners that are just going into service now ditch the in-roomette toilet in favor of a communal one.
That is a beautiful Grand Seiko, what an impressive collection you've got Jeb!
i knew it! it seems familiar and already suspect it as a GS lol
You have no idea how wonderful this is to those of us stuck at home! Thanks Jeb!
I live in the UK, and take the trains often around my country, Wales. There is something so heartwarming about seeing the countryside rolling past as the sun sets and covers the landscape in an amber glow, really makes me feel happy.
I’m also from the UK. I last visited the US in February 2010. I had hoped to go back again, but had no passport for several year#, then couldn’t afford it, and now there’s the virus. Maybe one day. I wanted to take the train from New York City to Chicago.
Those electrical outlets on the train seem to be 20 A120V NEMA 5-20R ones which seems strange, surely it’s unlikely that a passenger would be unlikely to need to use anything which draws that much power. I would have expected the more normal NEMA 5-15 15 A ones.
@@srfurley Many passengers bring multiple devices with them and run them with a splitter, including hair dryers. It was also built in the 1980s, when most appliances drew more amperage.
One day I'll travel through the uk by rail.
I loved traveling by train and bus through Sweden. The sun coming up over rivers and lakes, glinting off snow, small farms. So peaceful.
@@LadyMinaMasters UK train travel isn’t as peaceful or comfortable, unfortunately. I honestly prefer to drive.
@@afcgeo882 Caledonian Sleeper is pretty comfy.
When my personal day to day gets a little bit hectic, I'm thankful I can "jump on" and RELAX. Thank you.
I really enjoyed watching this video. Loved your expression when eating the meatball! Thank you for uploading. 💥🌟😎👍
Omg, I can listen to you forever. Not only your videos are the best, I love your commentaries. Your voice is so relaxing and comforting.... I know that's weird.
I would love to do this! Especially seeing that station in LAF Lafayette, IN! Brings back some really great memories!
THANk you. My Fernweh has been so strong. I love the railroad , I love traveling in Amtrak Roomette. I have been contemplating just taking a trip, back and forth, just to do what you are doing. No city chosen as the purpose for me would be the journey. When my daughter and I travel on Amtrak, we count the trip as 50% of our vacation to visit family.
Hey Jeb. A fan of your travel blogs and the change to rail after viewing your Empire Builder trip. This a nice new journey to enjoy as I anticipate my future plans to travel from Washington to San Francisco via Chicago to ride the California Zephyr. As a retired airline guy, I love train travel as an alternate to flying even if way more money is involved. I've had great trips from 35 thousand feet, but love the ground (or sea for cruises) so your new travels on trains are a new favorite for me.
I laughed once you discovered the reason why you had a sink and discovered the toilet that doubles as a "console" to the seat arrangement. I traveled in one and did not think the toilet unit was gross or too close to the seat. "Aim to please gentlemen."
It came in handy at 3am if you drank too much at or after dinner!
These Viewliners are currently undergoing modification to eliminate the sink and toilet unit with a modified armrest and footstep for the upper bunk. SuperLiner roomettes will continue to be configured the same way, with restrooms and showers located on the lower level. That configuration operates on the Capitol Limited as it originates and terminates in Washington as tunnels north of Philadelphia into New York cannot permit the dual level SuperLiner.
As always, your trip reports are through, informative and nicely presented. You do it very well. I'm a big fan#1.
Safe travels.
Thanks for a fun video and great explanation of the appeal of train travel there at the beginning. When somebody asked me, "but doesn't it take forever to get somewhere?" my reply was, "Nope, you're ALWAYS somewhere on the train!"
I grew up and currently live in the Shenandoah Valley! Glad you enjoyed your ride through it! Come to VA anytime
RE watching your old videos and I love your love for my hometown in the Shenandoah Valley, Jeb. I still live here and seeing it in your POV from the train instead of my POV was awesome . Thanks so much for this video and the love. 😅
As the train began moving forward, I felt a familiar feeling. A sense of calm and relaxation overtook me.
*IMMA* *TURN* *DOWN* *ALL* *THE* *BEDS* *BITCHES*
Lmao
Dude I am taking my first train ride this January! NYC to ATL in a roomette. Your videos have been of great help and also pushed me over the edge on how to get back home. Thank you so much!
Watching this from England, as both the daughter of a railway man and someone who did her own few years working in the railway, this was interesting! I've never understood why Americans don't use trains as much as we do in Europe, it's definitely the best way to travel.
Most surprising things for me were that the stations in the US have 3-letter codes too, and that your platforms are pretty much right on the rails, here they're level (or almost level) with the train door so there's about a 1m/3ft drop down from the platform to the rails.
If you're ever over here, I highly recommend the stopping Hope Valley line between Manchester and Sheffield - only a couple of hours, but stunning scenery of the Peak District National Park and the picturesque little villages in it. And once a month, in non-pandemic times, they also have a folk train where there's a live band on the train, it's great fun.
Because plane is much faster than train.
@@fuckheinschitt239 For cross country, sure, but for medium distance intercity the train can be so quick and it's greener than driving, and quicker than plane once you add in security time.
@@cllw325 yes but they say they prefer cars than train
Fantastic video Jeb... for those of us on the other side of the Atlantic who like me are missing out on their annual trips to USA... your video is part of how I have to take holidays now!
Jeb man i miss my Amtrak job. I work at union station but I’m on furlough so i won’t be back until the spring at least. On long distance trains the car number is luminated (9701 as an example). If i was working on the day of your travel i would’ve treated and escorted you.
I have been on the 51 cardinal in 2017 coming from Kings Island park in Cincinnati and the train was about 2-3 hours late upon arrival and almost 5 hours behind getting to Chicago.
@Piplup James I wish for you, a great 2021 & that you get back to work, sooner than later 🙏🏼🥰
Ah yes a train!
And a 20 minute long video... YESSSSS!!!!
Some years back, I spent 2 months criss-crossing the USA with Amtrak rather than by plane. Seeing the country from 3 feet up, rather than 33,000 feet in the air, was fantastic. Some very fond (and, alas not so fond) memories of that trip and of Amtrak itself. Would I do it again if I was ever to visit the USA.....more than likely I would.
When I was a kid, my mother and I would make annual trips to Maine and/or Florida from Philadelphia, always in a roomette. Fond memories or cracking open the shade and watching the night go by from the pull-down bed. Dining car food was much, much better!
Traditional dining, with much better food was taken off in early-mid 2020 due to COVID and budget cuts. It may return, unsure.,
@@Cal90208 Traditional dining was already removed pre-COVID on the Viewliner routes, unfortunately. Mr. ex-Delta-CEO had been pushing for it as a cost-saving measure. Superliners still had proper cooked food until COVID hit.
@@NozomuYume yea
A train vlog.....Santa Claus got my letter....and made it happen through you.....Happy Christmas to you and yours.
I love the shenandoah valley, I was station in Virginia with the military and loved it there. From Cincinnati originally so this train hits every where, where I grew up, worked, lived!
Went n this route a while ago. Loved the trip!
Great video. I love watching freight trains, but now I will consider riding on Amtrak.
A toilet with a view, i mean come on, who wouldnt want to sit on the toilet and watch the world go by
😁lol your comment made me spit my drink out
A M E R I C A
😂😂😂😂😂
While having a nice chat with your roommate sitting right across from you watching you taking a dump 🥰
Yes, it would certainly make one flush with pride!
Did not think I would enjoy this as much as I did, Many Thanks!!!
You literally stood on the exact same spots I stood on when I went. Even the same platform!
Took the Crescent 19 from NYC to ATL this last week in a roomette. Amazing. So much fun and our car attendant Kevin is an absolute credit to the company. Will definitely be doing the Amtrak thing again. Love it.
Great video! I remember my first ride on the Cardinal. We went from 30th Street PH to Union Station Chicago (We stayed in Chicago for a few nights before switching over to the Empire Builder for the next leg to Montana). We stopped at the DC station on our way, to switch the engine on the train from electric the diesel. I was in Room 5 (Roomette). On electric, I think we had a top speed around 120 MPH. This was before the Delta CEO took over and changed a lot of the train. The meals were actually pretty good in the dining car. Overall, the trip had great views and ended with a lot of great memories. Its great to see something that I used in its current condition.
Yeah, these meals are on board due to COVID and budget cuts. Idk if traditional dining is coming back
@@Cal90208 Likely not, although it will go back to on-demand café car dining. The savings are too much to ignore. I wish they’d still offer real meals for purchase though.
@@afcgeo882 Yeah. However on amtraks website it states that traditional dining is only “suspended” on routes through May 21, 2021
@@Cal90208 What do you think “traditional” factually means? Here, they mean sit down service. The dining cars are going away and the concept of dining with strangers is also going away. There will be more basic, “a la carte options” and no full meals like there used to be.
@@afcgeo882 Traditional dining as in the service prior to COVID. It says that traditional dining was never suspended on the auto train, and a review shows the same full dining service after COVID was in effect. So I am assuming the Amtrak website means that dining service
I loved seeing the Shenandoah Valley Jeb, and it is so cool this is where you grew up. I went JMU and I have and I have fond memories of this region. What a place.
Hey Jeb! I'm a former conductor on a freight railroad!!
Amtrak does have priority in some areas!!! But when freight is backed up, EVERYTHING backs up and waits!!! Might have been a terminal issue or just trains stacked up
Key here is "In SOME areas" - Out here in Oregon they get the opposite, where Freight always has priority.
Most of the rails Amtrak operates is owned by freight rail companies, so the give priority to their trains first
@@Pilot.ChuckK Of course. But that also sucks.
@@Pilot.ChuckK Not sure where you got your information from, but it's not true. Passengers have always had priority.
By law passenger trains are supposed to have priority but it doesn't always happen...
Very informative for those who've never travelled overnight by train. Viewliners had high marks with riders during its inception in the 80's-90's. They offer total privacy, but over time the thought of having to live in a space for 20+ hours near a toilet and a roommate allows the imagination to wonder. During the Streamliner train era of the 40's-60's, sleeper cars had the same basic floor plans as Superliners and Viewliners with a few modifications. A Viewliner Roomette sleeps 2, a Streamliner (Heritage Sleeper) roomette sits/sleeps 1 with an oversized seat and a Murphy Bed when in sleep mode rests on top of the toilet-a hideaway sink was also provided. Pretty inconvenient at night to get up, lift the bed into the wall to take care of your needs. Amtrak no longer uses Heritage Sleepers, but they can be found on Canada's Via Rail train lines Vancouver-Toronto. Amtrak's Viewliner Sleeper cars will probably eliminate the toilet & sink in their new & improved roomettes.
This trip is definitely going on my bucket list lol
-Fellow Greensboro Native
I'm so excited that you are passing through the shanendoah valley. that's where I live.
I think now that CV19 restrictions are easing, Amtrak has gone back to their old, better menu. Maybe you can revisit these routes? Great video! I love this rail series!
I LOVE Amtrak. It is so nice to slow down and relax. No rush and angry people.
Because it's absolutely beautiful😍😍😍. Jeb Brooks, thank you.
I'm a new subscriber (recommended by Camo Dave).....looks like I'm hooked, can't wait to dig in deeper to all of your videos. Thanks for doing these !
I took the California Zephyr from San Francisco to Chicago. I liked it so much, I am repeating it on my way home from Alaska. Instead of flying home, I am flying Anchorage to San Francisco then taking the train the rest of the way to Chicago. The Cardinal is on my bucket list !
I highly recommend taking the Canadian from Vancouver to Toronto. The accommodations and food are a giant step up from Amtrak! Microwaved meat balls??? How about Rack of Lamb!
I've traveled in Viewliner roomettes, both alone and with my husband. He is slender and courteous, both of which are desirable in a roommate in these tiny rooms. Unless sleeping, we each would vacate the room when the other needed to use the toilet. Simple. I always bring all my own food and treat myself to some great takeout in New York. That ride back home after visiting the family is the *best* way to decompress! I figured out how to do the beds myself, so I take an afternoon nap in the top bunk. Complete privacy the whole trip.
You eat you food in the same room where somebody just took a dump? That must be lovely.
My wife and I have travelled across the country by train. If you can afford it, get the sleeper. If you want to se what’s on the other side of the train, open your door and kneel in the passageway. The bathroom is a bit tight. If you want to shower, the best time was when the train was stopped for a bit. Like at a smoke break. Try not to get the car next to the locomotives. In the center of the country, they seem to blow the horn for every driveway! Before the pandemic, the food in the dining car was great. They would put you with a couple you didn’t know. Now it’s a box lunch, brought to our room by the porter.
Traveling by rail was great. Nobody blowing the horn at you, giving you the finger( which is the way 4 wheelers say good morning to a truck driver), cutting you off, then stopping to make a turn, no DOT AND I could watch out the window and see the scenery. Driving, I would only take glances. The only bad part was I wondered what we missed during the night. If you want to know where you are, go to Google maps, it pin points where you are. Taking pictures on a digital camera was hard and we missed a lot of pictures, because when you turned on the camera, it went to photo album instead of camera! Traveling at 50+mph, the shot would be gone before the camera was ready. The windows were not always cleaned, so if you were going to take a picture when the sun was getting low, the camera would focus on the dirt or droplets on the window. Using the camera and our phones, each trip, we took over 1,000 pictures. If you have an I-phone, it tells you where and when you took the picture. It would be great if they had a camera in the locomotive, that you could tap into, to watch. Had to stay overnight in hotels in Seattle, San Francisco and New Orleans.Didn’t line that part for I hate cities. The whole purpose of the train was to avoid traffic, walking and hotels!
Great video! Many years ago, I took the train from Boston to Miami, and I stayed in a roomette similar to yours. I had a layover for a few hours in DC, changing from the Northeast Corridor to the Silver Star. I ate something that really didn't agree with me during the stopover, and I was *so glad* I had the toilet in my compartment. The staff was incredibly friendly, the attendant knew I wasn't feeling well and was able to get me a late breakfast since I'd slept through their normal serving time. I'm doing a trip on the Coast Starlight next year, and can't wait to get on board again.
Ive been to union station it’s such a beautiful terminal I love the rail videos too!
Clarifying which union station helps lol
In dc
Happy you got to experience America by rail. A lot different then flying so high in the air where the world looks so much different. Stay safe
Great report, I have been considering a trip on AMTRAK'S "City of New Orleans" which runs from Chicago to New Orleans. I can pick it up in southern Illinois about 2 hours from my home. Many of the western routes would certainly provide better views.
If you’re going for the best views, the California Zephyr is also a route worth considering
Do the California Zephyr or Coast Starlight, the best views on Amtrak are on there.
Loved watching this ....thank you Jeb
20:41 - Yes freight trains take priority. CSX owns all the tracks, so their trains take priority!
Neat video. I grew up near Waynesboro Virginia, and we used to see the Cardinal go past the baseball field I used to play on in Fisheresville.
3:50
The car number provided on your ticket is different than that painted on the car. The car number printed on the ticket is usually the train number, with the last two numbers designating which car is which. The number painted on the side is just used by Amtrak for identification and maintenance purposes. The full car number that is printed on passenger tickets is usually displayed as a sign outside each sleeper car, since those are the only cars where the car number matters. As a general rule, sleeper cars are located at the front of the train, and coach at the back. The exception to this is the Empire Builder portion that goes to Portland, and the Cardinal, where this is reversed
In my experience this is incorrect. On every long distance train I have been on, the number on the ticket is completely different than the car number. The number on the ticket is displayed on the train via an electronic screen (on superliners), and signs are on the platform showing where that car is going to stop.
I have been on the Texas Eagle/Sunset Limited, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder (Portland section), and Southwest Chief. Some of them multiple times.
@@Cal90208 That’s exactly what I said. I edited my comment for clarity, but I said the exact same thing you’re claiming I didn’t. Please clarify what was wrong with my prior comment
@@JoshDoesTravel I interpreted it as the car number on the ticket were the last two/front two digits of the actual car number.
Are you talking about a sign/placard on the side of each train car? I have watched a lot of Amtrak videos, and have never really seen a viable car number readily visible on the side of the cars. I have seen the typically five-digit inventory registration number painted on the side, but the train/sequence ID would never be painted on the side. So I'm confused with Jeb on this one. Maybe someone can post a photo with the "ticket-matching" train car ID circled in red?
@CalRailFan: I do not know where to look up the consist of my train in advance, and Google is not cooperating. Do you have a consistent and reliable source for this information?
@@richardeshom4985 There is an electronic sign that the crew can change whenever they need close to the door on every car. I can't post images here or else I would.
Also about the numbering, the first digit or two is the train number. So the Southwest Chief train 4, the first number on your ticket is 4. THis is followed by two numbers that are used on that route regularly. So on the Southwest Chief train 4, a regular sleeping car is 430. On the Cardinal train 51, one is 5100. On the Silver Meteor, one is 9813.
Very nicely done video about Amtrak. Liked the starting map and the video along the way. More please.
How clean was your roomette? I was on A different train the lake shore limited and it was filthy! The antibacterial wipe was Black!
Thanks Jeff for this video. Planning a fall colors trip on Cardinal Chicago-NY & return. Hope dinning car has been restored by now.
The story of how the soviets would have won if that bunker ever had to have been used:
"Our apologies folks we're currently being delayed by another train ahead of us so please hold tight and we'll make sure to keep you updated! Thanks for traveling with Amtrak!"
Thanks for this. I cancelled my booking because of the bathroom I know the history, but I can’t get over having a toilet next to a seat. Nice to see that it was a fantastic trip. I love the Amtrak staff and I taken to the rails on a regular basis since the pandemic.
I could not do it either. I would get on an airplane before I put up with that.
Can’t imagine 2 people in that room, especially when one is sitting on the toilet.
Especially if it’s a stranger
Can't imagine sharing a sleeper in a European couchette, I prefer sleeping in my own roomette in total privacy...
@@canadianaviator That is exactly the point. Amtrak does NOT sell sharing a roomette with a total stranger like the Europeans do with their couchettes...
@@ronclark9724 That sucks
“Could you step out for a sec, I need to pee,” is a pretty easy solution to half of the problem.
16:04 the moment I was waiting for in every video reviewing a Viewliner Roomette
You need to travel on a sleeper in Europe. Now that is how train travel is meant to be done. Especially in eastern Europe. A bit rustic but it is an amazing experience.
In western Europe nightjet are great too.
They also have some night trains in italy but I do not know about them.
Come to the uk and do the night Rivera or Caledonian sleeper! Both are great and you will not regret it
Italian sleepers are like nightjet and there are real nightjets too
@@burgerpommes2001 They have very good high speed rail service. We took the "Red Arrow" from Rome to Turin. It was a real pleasure.
Thanks again for a great Vid. Cardinal is now on my bucket list, when things get back to normal.
Amtrak is hinting at the Viewliner II sleeper cars being released next year, hopefully you get to ride in one!
Great work, as always. Can't wait to travel and create again.
“Actual footage of politician at work”
You could say they’re NUTS to not care about trains, what built this country 😂
Well, some care, just not enough of them to make a large difference
Slaves built this country, and I don’t think anyone is very keen to keep slavery going...
@@alph5230 Um yea but other things built the country as well.
What about the constanooga wagon? The prairie schooner? They built the country, too. Outdated tech doesn't need to be subsidized because of nostalgia.
@@alph5230 Slaves were less than 15 percent of the population. They provided extremely inefficient and usually unskilled physical labor. So no. They didn't.
Jeb, my wife and I have done that trip 3 times. Once on the Cardinal and twice using the Capitol Limited. The Southwest Chief is a great journey and the Cardinal, while longer than the Capital Limited, is so much more scenic. I envy your trip and hope to do it again soon.
How would you compare the Capitol Limited and its competitor, the Cardinal? With regards to everything? Scenery? Ride quality? EVERYTHING, and in infesimisimal detail? Please?
@@claytonrowe8103 Hi Clayton. The Limited is the fastest route from DC to Chicago, leaving around 4 pm and arriving around 9 am though trains are notoriously late. Anyway it's the double deck cars and if you're handicapped then you are relegated to the lower level and meals delivered. Scenery is great as you follow the Potomac River through Maryland, crossing into West Virginia at Harpers Ferry and then back to Maryland and into Pennsylvania. Overnight brings you to western Ohio and then Illinois and Chicago.
The Cardinal uses the single deck rail cars and goes south towards Richmond VA and then into Charlottsville and into the the New River gorge. That into itself is a magnificent ride. Overnight then takes you into West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana, passing through Indianapolis, then on into Illinois and Chicago. It is a much longer ride.
Hope this helps. Both are nice but one is longer than the other.
Jeb, help! We need a video, teach us when, how much and how often to tip on Amtrak. Crews come and go, I’m confused
Tipping on Amtrak ? They are union members and unless providing some very special service, they shouldn't be tipped !
Why tip? They get payed to do their job. The Great Depression was over 60 years ago.
I’ve taken 3 round trips LA to Boston with a long layover in each direction in Chicago. I’ve found that the sleeping car attendant is the same person for the duration of each leg. So I tip $50 for the Chicago/Boston leg and $75-$100 for the Chicago/LA leg. I take 75% of my meals in my room and although I’m perfectly capable of making up my bed or unmaking it in a roomette or a full size room I’ll usually get the attendant to do that task. If I could get them up on a ladder at every 5th stop to clean my window from the outside I’d jack that tip amount up significantly.
You are branching out by going rail. I am glad you did, you do such a fine job as a videographer it's great to see you add rail.
Love trains!!!! Nothing better!!!! Nothing!!!!