Recent content by drakejings

Well, after slamming Amtrak [justifiably] for weeks, I must admit the time keeping for the Texas Eagle has improved markedly. I'm curious; does anyone know what has caused this improvement ? Is it an attitude adjustment by U.P. or lower freight traffic, or something else altogether ?

West Point, couldn't agree with you more concerning the Crescent. The Texas Eagle and the Crescent are the two worst time performers in the entire system. In fact, the Crescent is actually worse because it's virtually NEVER on time. You might get lucky on the Eagle. The clog up west of...

I don't think most passengers give a hoot about the Eagle's "handicap" of a longer run. Amtrak prints the schedules. Amtrak works with the freight railroads. I hear comments, and people find these delays [unless weather related] inexcusable. Then there is the hardship on a crew. If you get...

I've taken the Eagle several times each year for several years. The time keeping has never been worse. St. Louis to Little Rock is frequently log jammed with freights; single track with [not always long] passing sidings. On a recent trip on train 21 we were put behind a Sperry Rail Service...

I read the article and was very pleased.  I had breakfast this past spring with two contributors to Trains' articles and featured stories.  Like Mystic, I expressed the point of view that the magazine was less than aggressive in its' judgements on Anderson.  I was told that Trains was stepping...

I've talked to dining car crews and SCAs. They all seem demoralized. Some are somewhat outspoken, but most seem resigned to the fact there is little they can do. Many have said in so many words that they can't let this situation dictate the quality of their work; that their first obligation...

Well said Thirdrail 7. And yet there are still people who will post; "give him some time and he may turn things around." A lot of negativity as a result of Mr. Anderson's various moves. It's a tough choice, but this may be the worst.

The Crescent, train 20 has these median delays into NYP for July and August through the years. 2016 median delay 38 minutes, 2017 median delay 1 hour and 52 minutes, 2018 median delay 2 hours 13 minutes. GaSteve, that's why I said it was to early in the morning to look, I knew it would be...

For June and July in 2017 the median delay for the Silver Meteor into NYP was 43 min. For July and August 2018 the median delay is 1 hour and 23 minutes. It's too early in the morning to look at the numbers for the Crescent. We can only hope that legislation allowing Amtrak to set on time...

On a recent long distance train I had a long conversation with an Amtrak cop; one with many years on the force. He was far from complimentary regarding Mr. Anderson. He viewed the situation as close to hopeless. Mr. Anderson won't be replaced, the board is afraid of him. He views Mr...

Frequent Flyer, under the "Great Mr. Claytor" AutoTrain was started. Diners, in terms of food and service were better. Amtrak was more of a national system [The Pioneer and The Desert Wind]. The Twilight Shoreliner ran with a sleeper. Claytor was a railroad man AND a politician. Far from a...

The timekeeping of the Crescent, both trains 19 and 20 is abysmal. This situation has gone on for over half a year. The Silver Meteor and Silver Star are a bit better, but not much, and getting worse. Yes, customer relations have been helpful to me; travel vouchers to compensate for...

Palmland, I've stayed at the Station Inn and the Tunnel Inn. Both have their pluses, but I prefer the Tunnel Inn. It's more money, but it has AC,, T.V., and in my opinion, a better location. Tom [at the Station Inn] and Mike [at the Tunnel Inn] are great hosts; personable and professional...

My wife and I have planned the trip of a lifetime; a cross country journey by rail. The largest segment will be westbound on the Empire Builder out of Chicago, leaving around mid August. We're doing a two day stop over at the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex, before continuing west to Seattle. My...