Recent content by jeriwho

It was aboard the Capitol Limited, around Thanksgiving time, in either 2004 or 2005. I have no idea what stations would have been involved. I know it was around one of the mealtimes because I asked the girl if she needed help as I was on my way to the dining car. She said the conductor was...

The first time I traveled in BC, I had no idea that rule was in place. I also did not realize that Amtrak served drinks. I got a free coffee (BC) and very openly dug out a mini-bottle of Bailey's from my bag, offered one to my seat mate (she declined), and poured it into my coffee. Then when...

My list of tips for sleeper car riding: 1. Bring a lot of one dollar bills on an overnight trip. 2. Bring a laptop with wireless. (Don't forget portable headphones or earbuds!) As the train approaches towns, especially train stations, a good wireless system may pick up a connection and you can...

Thanks Alan! That was a great explanation. jeriwho

But wouldn't more weight make a car LESS likely to topple over? I was wondering if friction from a train distorts the rails (?) so thast over time the rails themselves become less stable. Anyway, I regret that the crash has become a political football (but I cannot see the flaw in suggesting...

What makes a train derail? I have noticed that passenger car derailments are rare, but over the last couple months here in the USA there have been several freight train derailments. What makes a train derail? And why do freight cars derail more often than passenger trains? Does anybody know...