MrNews
Train Attendant
After reading the "Things To Bring" thread before my first overnight trip, and having taken 2 overnighters now, here's my spin on what I call my "Train Kit." Much of this stuff fits nicely in quart-size plastic zip-lock bags in a compartment in my back-pack. Most items I found useful, and have already been discussed, but here's my list and notes:
- Duct tape: wind a yard or two around an unsharpened pencil. Most useful item of all, especially for keeping your compartment door from sliding open when you go off to the dining car. (Duck tape is optional.)
- Medium-size binder clips: excellent for keeping curtains closed if the velcro is compromised.
- Rags: used to stop various squeaks and rattles (unless you love squeaks and rattles). Heavy duty material like denim or terrycloth works best.
- Paper products: some tissues, TP, and good paper towels are handy to have. I thought the Amtrak TP was fine though.
- String: could be useful, but haven't actually needed it yet.
- Rubber bands: same as string.
- Tiny flashlights: used the LED kind that clip onto your keychain. Handy if you wake up at 3am and need to find your glasses.
- Large garbage bag: various uses. I covered the toilet with it when I showered in our en-suite bathroom.
- Bungee cords: helpful for keeping our computer case from toppling over. Various other uses.
- Headphone splitter: great for 2 people watching a DVD on the computer together, or sharing music off one device. You'll need headphones to hear most movie soundtracks over the train noise.
- Surge protector: Used inexpensive Belkin F9H220-TVL to protect laptop from possible spikes in train's power supply.
- Pillows: completely optional, the train pillows are OK, but a nice one from home adds a pleasant touch. Better if it's a soft feathery one that squishes down very small, and can be crammed into a backpack.
- Sweat pants: I bought a kind that look more like pants and less like workout gear. Changed as soon as I boarded, and wore them the whole time. Super comfy, and looked fine.
- Change of clothes: fresh undies, shirt & socks in carry-on or backpack. A hot shower after breakfast and fresh clothes is one of the real joys of train travel.
- Snacks: not that you'll need more food than they give you, but it's nice to have some goodies. Nuts/raisin mix, beef jerky, dried fruit, anything that doesn't need refrigeration and can stand being squished.
- Booze: when all else fails. Having your own supply in your compartment is truly a major happiness.