From: grr@cbmvax.commodore.com (George Robbins)
Newsgroups: rec.railroad
Subject: Re: Amtrak travel info request
Date: 30 Jul 92 00:07:02 GMT
Reply-To: grr@cbmvax.commodore.com (George Robbins)
Organization: Commodore, West Chester, PA

In article <92210.145403LANDERSO@NDSUVM1.BITNET> LANDERSO@NDSUVM1.BITNET writes:
> Hi Folks!   I *JUST* discovered rec.railroad and thought I'd repost this
> inquiry that I did on rec.travel and rec.travel.air.
> 
> Howdy folks.  I would appeciate any info, stories (good or bad), and ideas of
> what to expect on my upcoming vacation.  I will be traveling on Amtrak to
> Little Rock, Omaha, and Indianapolis.  A few questions in paticular:
> 
> 1. How easy is it to sleep with the rail noise and frequent stops without being
>    in a sleeper car?

This is kind of a personal thing.  Some people will have no trouble and others
may not be able to "sleep at all".  This may or may not correspond to being a
"light sleeper" or "heavy sleeper".  I've found I sort of reach a stage of
misery at trying to sleep in a chair, then the body finally gives in and relaxes
and I fall asleep.  The swaying and sound really don't bother me, but might wake
you up earlier than your pleasure.  If you are having back problems, consider a
sleeper or you may go nuts trying to find a flat place to lie for a while.

> 2. What are meal prices like?  How good is the food?

Meal prices are high, but the food is can be quite a bit better than "airline".
In the diner, you may be asked to sit with others or at certain times, due to
the small staff.  Snacks are high priced and short of sodas and nuts, not very
good and the snack bar is the smokers lounge for the whole train, which you may
find unpleasant.

> 3. On each leg of the trip, I switch trains in Chicago, and have layovers of
>    varying lengths.  For the longer than 2 hr layovers, is the station close to
>    someplace that I shouldn't miss seeing while I have the opportunity?

Plan on getting off and walking around to blow off some energy, hit the newstands
and so on.  You need a break from sitting and watching scenery.

> Do I need to tip any attendants other than waiters/bartenders?  How much are
> drinks?  (Beer/Liquor/Soda)  Ditto snack costs.

Tips only for diner waiters and sleeping car attendents, though the snack bar
guy may have can or tip bowl on his counter.  Everything is priced high, same
as in an airport, on a boat or other captive situations.  Bring extra cash for
snacks or newstand purchases.

> On the *VERY* remote chance that I find a female who is attracted to me as
> much as I am to her, is there anyplace to go (without having a sleeper)
> for a romantic interlude???  ;-)   (Hey, a guy can fantasize, can't he???) <g>

Dream on.  Hope for a nice chat or some innocent snuggling, otherwise your
chances are about the same as on an airplane.

> Are the reclining coach chairs as comfortable as they would have us believe?

Yes, no, maybe.  They aren't too bad and you have much more space and legroom
than on a plane.  On the other hand, you will spend many more hours so it works
out about the same.  Bring along a small pillow if you can manage it.

> Any additional tips that you can give me for my trip would be greatly
> appreciated, and if 'all want, I'll post a trip report upon my return.

The other tip is to take a small towel or wash cloth.  Even sponging down in
tepid water in the restroom can make a big difference between a tried and
grungy day and starting out clean and chipper.  Might improve your social
chances too!

> Once again, thanks in advance....

Have fun, it's mostly a matter of attitude...

-- 
George Robbins - now working for,     uucp:   {uunet|pyramid|rutgers}!cbmvax!grr
but no way officially representing:   domain: grr@cbmvax.commodore.com
Commodore, Engineering Department     phone:  215-431-9349 (only by moonlite)