76 replies to this topic

[WhoozOn1st]

Took awhile, but after learning that the Third Annual Amtrak Unlimited Gathering would held at Boston, it occurred to me: Alice lives in California too. Why not travel together?

Wrote her with the idea, and she had one of her own: a full vacation.

Nobody has to twist my arm on that score, and quickly agreed.

We have planning ideas, and thought it might be fun (with Alice's consent) to open it up for general commentary from our AU friends. Doesn't mean we'll take the ideas, but hopefully fun to talk about.

One item on the agenda might be Coast Starlight to Empire Builder, Portland section.

Edited by WhoozOn1st, 06 October 2009 - 12:58 AM.

[Alice]

I have a particular question about Altoona. This is a mandatory trip section.

The idea is to go through Horseshoe Curve both directions, plus get off and spend some time at the overlook and museum. I also saw a post about The Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh that sounds good.

Train part options are Pittsburgh to Altoona RT, or Pittsburgh to a little east of Altoona. Harrisburg is still close enough to make the westbound connection. So how far do we need to go to cover the Horseshoe Curve? And is the rest of the route to Harrisburg scenic? (The last time I was in Harrisburg with spare time the capitol building was being restored and I got a small amount of gold leaf.)

The on-ground part could involve getting off at the Altoona station, or renting a car in Pittsburgh, or renting a car in Cleveland, or ...?

Here are the schedules so you guys don't have to go look it up. You can see that I've scheduled one night sleeping in stations, partly Pittsburgh and partly Cleveland. We have to sleep in order to be alert for the Lakeshore next day! Whooz might not know about this yet ...

Appreciate all comments, notes, ideas, etc regarding route, sleep-spots, and local highlights of all sorts.

Capitol Lmt #30 eastbound
Chicago 7:05pm
Pittsburgh 5:30am

Pennsylvanian #42 eastbound (#44 Sun)
Pittsburgh 7:20am M-Sat (6 hrs later Sunday)
Altoona 9:49am
Tyrone 10:05am
Huntingdon 10:32am
Lewistown 11:09am
Harrisburg 12:45pm

Pennsylvanian #43 westbound daily
Harrisburg 2:26pm
Lewistown 3:46pm
Huntingdon 4:22pm
Tyrone 4:48pm
Altoona 5:06pm
Pittsburgh 8:05pm

Capitol Lmt #29 westbound
Pittsburgh 11:43pm
Cleveland 2:41am

Lake Shore Lmt #48 eastbound
Cleveland 6:05am-6:20am
Albany-Ren 3:40pm

[the_traveler]

I have a particular question about Altoona. This is a mandatory trip section.

The idea is to go through Horseshoe Curve both directions, plus get off and spend some time at the overlook and museum. I also saw a post about The Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh that sounds good.

Train part options are Pittsburgh to Altoona RT, or Pittsburgh to a little east of Altoona. Harrisburg is still close enough to make the westbound connection. So how far do we need to go to cover the Horseshoe Curve? And is the rest of the route to Harrisburg scenic?

I've only been to Horseshoe Curve once, and that was aboard (Amtrak's) Broadway Limited so I don't know how far it is from the Altonna station. I do know that there is an overlook and museum at Horseshoe Curve. But if you want to see it on the train, eastbound is better. I think the route is scenic, but by the time you'll get to the Curve going westbound, it may be dark!

And don't forget - it's EXTREEEEMMMEEEE!

[WhoozOn1st]

Whooz might not know about this yet ...

Guess I'm aware of it NOW. HAHA!!

While I agree that the Horseshoe at Altoona is mandatory, I think it pales in comparison to the SP horseshoe just north of SLO, and can't hold a candle to the one on the Tehachapi route, not to mention the loop. Eastern bias rears its ugly head once again. Nothing beats western railroading.

[the_traveler]

While I agree that the Horseshoe at Altoona is mandatory, I think it pales in comparison to the SP horseshoe just north of SLO, and can't hold a candle to the one on the Tehachapi route, not to mention the loop. Eastern bias rears its ugly head once again. Nothing beats western railroading.

I have to agree with you!

[AlanB]

Whooz might not know about this yet ...

Guess I'm aware of it NOW. HAHA!!

While I agree that the Horseshoe at Altoona is mandatory, I think it pales in comparison to the SP horseshoe just north of SLO, and can't hold a candle to the one on the Tehachapi route, not to mention the loop. Eastern bias rears its ugly head once again. Nothing beats western railroading.

Patrick,

I think that the reason that the Horseshoe gets all the glory is the fact that it's a three track main, whereas the other's you've mentioned are I believe single track mains or at best two.

Therefore the odds of catching two trains running in opposite directions go way up at Horsehoe.

[sky12065]

Whooz might not know about this yet ...

Guess I'm aware of it NOW. HAHA!!

While I agree that the Horseshoe at Altoona is mandatory, I think it pales in comparison to the SP horseshoe just north of SLO, and can't hold a candle to the one on the Tehachapi route, not to mention the loop. Eastern bias rears its ugly head once again. Nothing beats western railroading.

Patrick,

I think that the reason that the Horseshoe gets all the glory is the fact that it's a three track main, whereas the other's you've mentioned are I believe single track mains or at best two.

Therefore the odds of catching two trains running in opposite directions go way up at Horsehoe.

Gesundheit!

Aside from the horseshoe comparisons, I have to also agree with Patrick about western trains. I came to the opinion that western railroading is the best in my first trip west some 17 years ago. In all subsequent trips since then has not waivered for even a second and I'm looking forward to my three trip segments this summer on the SWC, CS & EB!

Edited by sky12065, 08 January 2009 - 09:47 PM.

[cpamtfan]

I have been to Horseshoe Curve once. Unfortunitly, I had a bad cold and it was a hot, hazy day so I didn't enjoy most of it . Also unfortunitly, the Altoona station is very far from the curve itself. But you can visit the museum though, it is located right across the tracks(I was also there, another missed opportunity for looking at my favorite railroad's (besides the LIRR and Amtrak) equipment. I have also been to Harrisburg, nothing much exept for the GG1 on display.

cpamtfan-Peter

[WhoozOn1st]

Gesundheit

Danke, sky. Alan is correct about the horseshoe deal. The SP (now UP) curve north of SLO is a single track main, but also much sharper than the famous one. On the Tehachapi route (a passenger rarity) northbound the horseshoe drop is insanely cool. Running downhill on both lines it's almost like coming in for a landing aboard a plane: winding back and forth as if on approach while losing altitude.

Uphill is very cool too, though I've only done that on the Starlight by SLO. You can feel the engines working hard on the grade.

[JAChooChoo]

I have a particular question about Altoona. This is a mandatory trip section.

The idea is to go through Horseshoe Curve both directions, plus get off and spend some time at the overlook and museum. I also saw a post about The Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh that sounds good.

Train part options are Pittsburgh to Altoona RT, or Pittsburgh to a little east of Altoona. Harrisburg is still close enough to make the westbound connection. So how far do we need to go to cover the Horseshoe Curve? And is the rest of the route to Harrisburg scenic?

I've only been to Horseshoe Curve once, and that was aboard (Amtrak's) Broadway Limited so I don't know how far it is from the Altonna station. I do know that there is an overlook and museum at Horseshoe Curve. But if you want to see it on the train, eastbound is better. I think the route is scenic, but by the time you'll get to the Curve going westbound, it may be dark!

And don't forget - it's EXTREEEEMMMEEEE!

Here is an alternate one day trip from Pittsburgh:
The Amtrak station and museum are in the heart of Altoona, Horseshoe Curve is less than 7 miles from downtown Altoona. The local cab company could take you out and return to pick you up later, all for less than a rental car. The local AMTRAN buses run on Saturday, but not out to the curve.

[Alice]

Here is an alternate one day trip from Pittsburgh:
The Amtrak station and museum are in the heart of Altoona, Horseshoe Curve is less than 7 miles from downtown Altoona. The local cab company could take you out and return to pick you up later, all for less than a rental car. The local AMTRAN buses run on Saturday, but not out to the curve.

Cab is a good idea and something I just don't think of. Thanks for that 7 mile info, too.

[WhoozOn1st]

I think Alice wouldn't object, and I certainly wouldn't, if as planning progresses people might like to ride with us for parts of the trip.

[WhoozOn1st]

I'd forgotten that -as noted elsewhere - Alice does the scanner thing. IIRC it was kinda useless on the post-Gathering ride, LAX-OXN, which will be covered soon. Quite a day!

[WhoozOn1st]

A little progress report.

Easiest planning of all time, cuz Alice did the heavy lifting. I only had to come in near the end (things not final yet) to exercise my prerogative as the superior being to render verdicts: Yes, No, Maybe So. HAHAHA!!

Making of reservations will commence shortly, and may result in changes, but the rough outline at this point:

Coast Starlight, L.A. to Portland, layover. Empire Builder to Chicago, layover and activities. Capitol Limited to Pittsburgh, layover and activities. Pennsylvanian to Altoona, layover and activities. Altoona to Boston for the Gathering. No reservations for this segment; decide on the fly.

Post Gathering: Boston to New York, layover and activities. Adirondack up from NY, layover, Adirondack back to NY, layover. Crescent to Atlanta, layover and activities. Resume Crescent to New Orleans, layover and activities. Sunset Limited to L.A.

Once the Amtrak reservations are in place my work kicks in: Lodging arrangements for the layovers. We're working together on activities.

The entire sojourn as penciled out is almost a month.

And that's the story up to now. All in all, a nice loop trip variant.

Edit: CHOWDAH!!

Edited by WhoozOn1st, 28 February 2009 - 10:42 AM.

[Everydaymatters]

What? No Lake Shore Limited? Was hoping to ride with you part of the way.

Overall it sounds like a lot of fun and a very busy time.

[WhoozOn1st]

What? No Lake Shore Limited? Was hoping to ride with you part of the way.

As options have been winnowed in and out, taking into account factors of time, activity preferences, cost, etc., inevitably some intial ideas (that cup runneth over) had to be cast aside. Given the current absence of reservations it remains the case that nothing is yet off the table.

That said, Betty, regardless of the LSL situation I think it fair to predict that we'll have a good amount of riding together at the Gathering. HINT: Look for the fez.

[WhoozOn1st]

MEMO

To: General Distribution

From: Corporate

Date: 18 March 2009

Subject: Amtrak Unlimited Third Annual Gathering

Secret Password: CHOWDAH!!


This is to communicate to all Associates that, at Board direction, the Marketing Department has been performing research, doing studies, conducting focus groups, and exceeding its beer budget, in an effort to produce a suitable "brand" for the travel plans of WhoozOn1st and Alice prior to, during, and following the Amtrak Unlimited Third Annual Gathering, to be held at Boston, MA.

Marketing's tiresome efforts have resulted in a brand of which the entire organization need not be too embarrassed, though it is frankly the opinion of a Board majority that they could have come up with something just as good by themselves for much less time and expense.

Thus, with a mixture of muted pride and unbridled trepidation, we announce that the loop tour by rail of the United States, to and from the Amtrak Unlimited Third Annual Gathering, to be undertaken by WhoozOn1st and Alice, shall henceforth be branded as...

The Patrick & Alice RailRiot 2009

The Board is pleased to further announce the immediate elimination of the Marketing Department.

Elrod J. Bent VIII, Chairman
Left Field Productions

[Long Train Runnin']

MEMO

To: General Distribution

From: Corporate

Date: 18 March 2009

Subject: Amtrak Unlimited Third Annual Gathering

Secret Password: CHOWDAH!!


This is to communicate to all Associates that, at Board direction, the Marketing Department has been performing research, doing studies, conducting focus groups, and exceeding its beer budget, in an effort to produce a suitable "brand" for the travel plans of WhoozOn1st and Alice prior to, during, and following the Amtrak Unlimited Third Annual Gathering, to be held at Boston, MA.

Marketing's tiresome efforts have resulted in a brand of which the entire organization need not be too embarrassed, though it is frankly the opinion of a Board majority that they could have come up with something just as good by themselves for much less time and expense.

Thus, with a mixture of muted pride and unbridled trepidation, we announce that the loop tour by rail of the United States, to and from the Amtrak Unlimited Third Annual Gathering, to be undertaken by WhoozOn1st and Alice, shall henceforth be branded as...

The Patrick & Alice RailRiot 2009

The Board is pleased to further announce the immediate elimination of the Marketing Department.

Elrod J. Bent VIII, Chairman
Left Field Productions

The Rail Riot?

I liked through the looking glass

[Alice]

I liked through the looking glass

I think the Marketing Department is planning on rioting because the multiple location-altering substances available on the other side of the looking glass are only available to a few elite explorers, and their beer evidently ran out.

So LTR, do you think I should console them (him) with some of the best beer in the world, that is, brewed in the old train station here in Oroville? At least after they start bottling (right now you have to drink it there although there are local rumors they'll fill your own bottles)?

[the_traveler]

I think the Marketing Department is planning on "upgrading" beyond beer!