Thank you, everyone, for your replies. I tried today to contact Osceola's chamber of commerce to no avail, so finding these responses tonight was extremely helpful!
Guest_Coachseats.....I have met Pat twice. We have boarded from Osceola twice, the last time being 2001. I thought they were official Amtrak employees, so I couldn't understand the "unmanned" station as Amtrak described.
I also remember boarding on the wb CZ we had to cross the tracks to wait for the train. I couldn't believe that there would be no one there anymore because that would be downright dangerous without someone knowing what was going on. (Of course Amtrak could come in on the other track, but...)
It is really nice to know that Pat and her husband look after things. I remember Pat and J.R. had a little gift shop and sold Amtrak blankets: I still have mine. I will definitely look forward to visiting with them when I arrive.
Thanks to everyone again, and especially Guest_Coachseats....you have relieved me of great worry and my spouse from getting up in the wee hours to come get me when I return. lol
Chris -- I'll pick up a copy of the national time table during my excursion. (Or have one of my many UP-employed relatives find one for me.)
bmlock -- thanks for the great advice. My car has nothing in it, plus the one I'm taking isn't very new...so hopefully it will be left alone. Great tip on the fuse and ignition module! I wouldn't have thought of doing that.
Now -- to focus on the fun of the trip! My dad was a UP engineer for over 40 years, and when I was a kid we had free Amtrak passes on the UP lines. I rode frequently, alone, visiting my sisters who lived in Wyoming. Long time ago that Amtrak regularly went through Wyoming! (And I think it's a beautiful trip through Wyo, for what it's worth -- never borning.) Dad always knew the conductor and when he put me on the train, he'd make me go meet him and told him to keep an eye on me -- so I couldn't get into any trouble! Happy memories.
Jo