My dad had traveled a good bit by train overnight in the 50's and 60's. When I was taking my first overnight train trip in the 70's, he told me "insure a great trip by tipping the attendant when you board". I did not know until he explained it to me that was a standard routine on the Panama and had done wonders for him on the Broadway.
I followed his advice and have NEVER had a less than superior service. Sure, you take the risk of tipping someone who won't deserve it but I've never experienced that.
None of my sleeper trips have been more that two days and one night, but in recent times I slip the attendant a twenty when boarding ( telling them I want to make sure they get it in case I don't see them when getting off ) and ask them to come by after they have gotten everyone settled in for my meal times etc.
That $20 is the best money I ever spend. You would swear it's still the pullmen agency of the 50's.
I do everything possible to treat them with respect and express my love for trains. I even tell them not to worry about the bed and that I will do it myself. The more I say I will do, the more they TRY to do FOR me. They have always remembered that I like to eat late when they are not so rushed, I'm usually shown where extra supplies of everything is located etc. I've even found extra snacks and beverages in my room at night. And, as a smoker, they are great about knocking lightly and saying "smoke stop in 10 minutes" just loud enough so that if I'm awake I'll hear it but if sleeping it won't wake me up.
Some trips have been so wonderful that I tip them again when getting off the train and I slip the attendants in the diner a few bucks. when the cook used to be on the same level on the heritage equipment I've tipped the cook after a great meal and some good conversation about the old days and was treated the next morning to one of the best breakfasts I've ever had delivered to my room.
As a teacher, I'm by no means rich, but I can afford to tip more now than when I was in my 20's.
If someone doesn't want to tip the car attendant, thats a shame, but thanks for allowing them a reason to spend more time pampering me.........................
Last year on the Sunset my car cleared out at one stop and the older woman attendant was rushing to get a bunch of rooms ready for some boarding passengers. I helped her change sheets and reset a few rooms and take the trash out. She didn't want me to, but what the heck, I'm a train freak and enjoyed doing it. I may be a pompous, arrogant a$$ in normal life but on the train I'm like a 5 year old having a great time. I want to experience the BEST rail travel has to offer, not just statis quo.
< stepping off the soapbox>
Sorry for the rant :unsure: