Sunset Limited disruption

[had8ley]

There is very little that we can do beyond encouraging people not to post wild stories or unsubstantiated stories.

BINGO !!! You have been asked more than once via private e-mails to discuss this situation. To date, we have never received a reply. Your true colors now come out with the statement that our 'sky is falling" friend makes some good posts. In addition, you sure make a point of the time lapse in my reply~ I did not see the "stupid" post until recently. Is the administrator dictating that we have to respond immediately ???

And just for the record, after which I promise to disappear into cyberspace, the SP meltdown of '96 was so chaotic that there is nothing that comes close to today's failures by the UP. We had not switched a car for three days because the engines were out of date on the blue card. The dispatcher told a stack train to set out his two rear units for us to switch industries with. Over the groans of the stack train engineer they set out two Amtrak 200 series engines that were under lease to be used exclusively for through hot-shots. We used them for over two months on a daily basis on a local.

Good luck to you all; it's unfortunate that you can't, or don't want to, understand railroading as it REALLY is; not just a daydream of someone who wants to feel important and drag everyone down with him.

 

[Anthony]

BINGO !!! You have been asked more than once via private e-mails to discuss this situation. To date, we have never received a reply. Your true colors now come out with the statement that our 'sky is falling" friend makes some good posts. In addition, you sure make a point of the time lapse in my reply~ I did not see the "stupid" post until recently. Is the administrator dictating that we have to respond immediately ??? And just for the record, after which I promise to disappear into cyberspace, the SP meltdown of '96 was so chaotic that there is nothing that comes close to today's failures by the UP. We had not switched a car for three days because the engines were out of date on the blue card. The dispatcher told a stack train to set out his two rear units for us to switch industries with. Over the groans of the stack train engineer they set out two Amtrak 200 series engines that were under lease to be used exclusively for through hot-shots. We used them for over two months on a daily basis on a local.

Good luck to you all; it's unfortunate that you can't, or don't want to, understand railroading as it REALLY is; not just a daydream of someone who wants to feel important and drag everyone down with him.

I certainly haven't gotten any of your private correspondence. And who do you refer to by "we", in "we have never received a reply"?

 

[George Harris]

Anthony, Alan, et al,

I would say let this one fly right on by you. Some people enjoy stirring things up. had8ley appears to be one of them. I have heard it said that some people could start a fight in an empty room. Let's just leave this guy alone and see if he can manage that one.

George

 

[AmtrakFan]

I sincerely hope the administrator catches this one before the world replies to this nonsense. And you call yourself a "Director?"

On the other hand, there are many RR experts out there who have published stories about UP’s failures, especially with regard to anticipating the current demand for shipping. In particular is UP’s landing the hotshot contract with UPS and then having to turn around and pay UPS to fly the shipments because they couldn’t deliver as promised. I believe, although I’m not positive, that UP has actually backed out of that contract now. Hardly a wonderful management decision.

Alan,

Yes UP has bailed out of the Bullet Train/UPS Contract.

 

[AlanB]

BINGO !!! You have been asked more than once via private e-mails to discuss this situation. To date, we have never received a reply.

I too have never seen an email from you; something that I strongly suspect has to do with the fact that up until two weeks ago when this board’s software was updated, the email system was not working. I had posted on several occasions, including this recent occasion, that the boards email system was down. Had you sent me a PM however, I would have been more than happy to discuss this with you privately.

Your true colors now come out with the statement that our 'sky is falling" friend makes some good posts.

So you don't consider this post made by BNSF regarding a NARP Press Release to be a good post? Or how about this post where he warns people not to leave their cars in the parking lot at the Lafayette station? Personally I think that those are very useful posts and I could go on pointing out many posts where BNSF has posted good, accurate, and verifiable information. Information that has without a doubt; been helpful to people planning to travel on Amtrak. I'm also not trying to suggest that everything he's posted has been good, accurate, or verifiable, but there are plenty of "good" posts out there by BNSF.

In addition, you sure make a point of the time lapse in my reply~ I did not see the "stupid" post until recently. Is the administrator dictating that we have to respond immediately ???

No, I'm certainly not suggesting that one must respond to anything immediately, people have for years brought back topics that were dormant sometimes for months. I was merely pointing out that you had stated "that you hoped that I would delete it before the world saw it" and I was pointing out to you that the world had already seen it. And that your new post actually brought it back to the world’s attention once again.

And just for the record, after which I promise to disappear into cyberspace,

Well that would be unfortunate and it is certainly not my intention to drive you away. I’m a firm believer that “a forum is only as rich as its members.” Something that I’ve said to many of the other members on this board in my private communications with them. I personally would hate to loose you as a member here, as you too have made several valuable posts IMHO.

On the other hand I had explained publicly more than once why the various actions, or inactions depending on one’s point of view, were taken. It is unfortunate that perhaps you were stopped by the lack of email on the board, from contacting me privately and in that case I can probably understand your frustration. But you must also understand mine at having to once again repeat publicly something that I’ve said numerous times.

It’s particularly frustrating to me, as it detracts from the overall spirit and health of this board. This is supposed to be a place to discuss all things Amtrak, not a place to have public arguments. Now that email is working, if you so desire, I will be more than happy to discuss this privately with you or anyone else who would like to.

But there will be no further public discussion of this matter. This horse has been beaten, flogged, and tortured on this board and it’s now time to put it to sleep.

 

[Amtrak OBS Gone Freight]

But there will be no further public discussion of this matter. This horse has been beaten, flogged, and tortured on this board and it’s now time to put it to sleep.

AMEN........... OBS....... :blink:

 

[AlanB]

BINGO !!! You have been asked more than once via private e-mails to discuss this situation. To date, we have never received a reply.

I too have never seen an email from you; something that I strongly suspect has to do with the fact that up until two weeks ago when this board’s software was updated, the email system was not working. I had posted on several occasions, including this recent occasion, that the boards email system was down. Had you sent me a PM however, I would have been more than happy to discuss this with you privately.

I must correct my earlier statement and humbly apologize to you, along with frj1983, Bigval109, 1702 all of whom I see have sent me emails that I have never seen. In the light of day this morning, it occured to me to check the board's email log and I see that all of you have recently sent me emails since Anthony upgraded the board. Sadly, I never received any of those emails.

Once I saw that, I started testing things and I'm not quite sure why, but for some reason my primary email server seems to be blocking emails from this board. I'll have to have Anthony look into that, however I have temporarily change my email address on record to a secondary account, and tested that one to ensure that it does work.

I do note however that there is only one email from you on August 11th, so if you sent multiple emails, the others must have been done before the upgrade to the new software when the email system was completely down for everyone as I noted above.

Again, I do apologize that I never saw that email.

 

[Boxcar]

Well that would be unfortunate and it is certainly not my intention to drive you away. I’m a firm believer that “a forum is only as rich as its members.” Something that I’ve said to many of the other members on this board in my private communications with them. I personally would hate to loose you as a member here, as you too have made several valuable posts IMHO.

I would fully agree with you on this Alan. I would hate to lose had8ley, BNSF_ 1088 or any other member that contributes thoughts to this forum. We must remember that this forum is provided free of charge by our administrator for the exchange of ideas and information. It is his site and therefore his prerogative to set the standards and rules of membership and posting. The way the members conduct theirselves and show common courtesy to one another goes along way in setting the standards of a forum. However too often lately there have been numorous demands by some members and Guests to change this or that standard or rule.

Sorry ,but it just don't work that way. I can't speak for Anthony or Alan but I would bet that any good idea or suggestion that is submitted to them that would improve the forum would be taken in advisement.

If members or Guests want to set the standards or rules to allow the censorship of a members post because it is different than their own or the deletion of it if it is within the rules should IMHO form and pay for their own website. This is not a personal attack or directed at any one member or another.

We should all remember that there are good rail fan members on this forum that are from all walks of life, different occupations and political parties. A general blanket attack on any group, political party, occupation or members will be offensive to at least some members of this forum and should be avoided. Common Courtesy .

I am a moderate conserative Republican as well as a supporter of Amtrak. I also know that the Whitehouse and some GOP congress members are not supporters of Amtrak( as well as some Democrats). The only politics that should be posted on this forum is any action/non-action from either local,state, or federal government that affects Amtrak or rail service of any form. Too often lately I've had to bite my tongue or better yet, my typeing fingers over blanket attacks on all Conseratives as being stupid and worthless too being Imperalistic, socialistic and state sponsors of terror. As Rodney King once said, "Can't we all just get alone?"

 

[underdog]

So getting back on topic here... I was interested in taking the SL from LA - is there a way to get from New Orleans to Florida now? Sounds like Amtrak doesn't provide thruway bus service to replace the last leg of the trip?

I guess it'd be Greyhound or rent a car? (or take a train north then east?)

 

[AlanB]

I guess it'd be Greyhound or rent a car? (or take a train north then east?)

Sadly, you are correct.

 

[Guest]

I guess it'd be Greyhound or rent a car? (or take a train north then east?)

Sadly, you are correct.

Sigh. Thanks.

I guess I'll just fly but I hate flying and thought this would be a fun opp. to explore the south. Think the SL is still worth it? Maybe I should still consider the bus/car option for the last part to Florida.

 

[AmtrakWPK]

Well, you could always take Sunset to NOL and then the Crescent.

I went ahead and looked, and Greyhound takes about four hours to go from ATL to SAV. Unfortunately, the Crescent gets in just a little too late to connect that day. Four or five hours later (just after midnite) a bus leaves to Savannah, getting in there in plenty of time to meet southbound 97, and possibly for 91 if it is running a bit late. This would overall probably be the least expensive way.

If you took the Crescent all the way to Greensboro NC (about 3:30 a.m.) you could get greyhound Greensboro to Raleigh:

Departs Arrives Duration

09:05am 11:05am 2h, 0m 0 CCP 0574

05:25pm 07:20pm 1h, 55m 0 CCP 0522

d=day h=hour m=minute CCP: CAROLINA TRAILWAYS POOLED

Then catch 91 southbound in Raleigh (RGH) at 9:13 pm (approx). That would mean a hotel in Greensboro. I didn't look to see where the stations are for Amtrak and where the stations are for greyhound to see how far the gaps would be between train stations and bus stations. But it would be possible to do it this way, I guess. Bonus is a lot more train travel.

Seems like Crescent to ATL and bus to SAV and then train 97 South to Florida makes the most sense if you really want to avoid air travel.

 

[George Harris]

How about Crescent to either Charlotte or Greensboro, then Carolinian from there to Raleigh? Then it is all train. Check the schedules on Amtrak web or the NC DOT train web site, www.bytrain.org

 

[AmtrakWPK]

I looked at that. You get in to Greensboro at 3:38 am, sit there until 9:21 am, then get into RGH at 10:58 am and sit in RGH until 9:13 pm. Basically takes you 24 hours longer than if you go nol-atl on the crescent and then bus to sav, then 97 south to florida...

 

[Amtrak OBS Gone Freight]

How about Crescent to either Charlotte or Greensboro, then Carolinian from there to Raleigh? Then it is all train. Check the schedules on Amtrak web or the NC DOT train web site, www.bytrain.org

For the time that would be required to do this, it actually would be better to just stay on the "Crescent" all the way to WAS, and then board the SB "Star or Meteor" there. Being there is plenty to do in WAS Union Station should make this a better choice if one wants to devote the time. Train #20 arrives in WAS around 10:00:00 with #91 departing around 15:00:00 and the #97 departing around 19:30:00 (which #97 could act as the safety net in case of late trains or one wanting a longer layover in WAS). Otherwise one has all those overnight or early AM arrivals and departures to contend with. If time is of concern, then the ATL-SAV bus situation would be best. One could also take the "Crescent" to CLT, layover there and depart on the "Carolinian" and go to RVR, and catch either #91 and #97 there, too. But late trains may make the #91 kinda close. I would do either of those two "all train" choices just because of the main terminal points and decent departure times. Just some thoughts. OBS...

 

[George Harris]

I suggested the Carolina train connection as an alternate to the carolina bus connection meentioned in the previous post. If you have the time and money, or the money is the same, then to make the change in Washington is better. In case of a late Crescent, there is always the possibility of making the change at Alexandria VA, if the connection in DC would be missed by less than about 40 minutes.

George

 

[underdog]

Wouldn't a bus from NO to Florida be more direct than all that though? Albeit probably less pleasant. Also seems like it would have to wait til next morning to do that. But also much more direct than going all the way up to DC. Obviously time isn't completely of the essence or I wouldn't even be thinking about this but at that point might be better to get to FLA and then reverse it back to take SL back west.

 

[George Harris]

If you want to do bus, in New Orleans the bus operates out of the train station. If sleeping in a bus seat is do-able for you, it does not have to wait until morning either. There are people that prefer to do their bus rides at night.