Private car "Mount Vernon" is going on the rails in June for an East to Midwest adventure. Several short trips are available, in parlor car service, and there is a bedroom open for the entire trip. Full details here.
I can't wait!
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Does Amtrak's decision not affect this planned trip or have they not yet implemented it?
The issue that is affecting some PV trips is the new rule that there must be 30 minutes of dwell time at a station to add a PV or remove a PV from the consist. This trip has no stops with dwell times that short. So, it is not affected by the new rule.
The only location that even comes close is adding the car to #20 in Washington Union Station on the last day, and that should be no problem either since it is also a locomotive change. On all the other segments, the car is added at the start of the run, from the departing station.
Of course, everything in life is "barring unforeseen circumstances" so if anything different happens I'll post a follow up. As of now, I have my ticket for the whole trip!
Good news! The trip is ON! Mount Vernon will be on the rear of Train 79 of June 15, NYP-WUS, Capitol Limited leaving Washington the same day. After two days in Chicago, it is down to St. Louis on 301. Back to Chicago June 20 on 304. Leave Chicago June 22 on The Cardinal for Washington, DC. After overnight there, it is back to NYP on the Crescent, June 23. If you see the car, wave and get photos!
All bedrooms are sold.
I don't know if I'll have any internet access. If I do, will post some photos along the way. If not, will post some on return.
Good to see you are on the road again Bill. Bummer that it's the wrong Saint (Louis not Paul). The wife and I are going to be out your way the second week in October. I'll send you an email in a few weeks.
Look forward to hearing from you. Hopefully I can get a chance to show you my layout, although it is about 1% the size of yours!
We'll be in College Park October 7 thru 12, but I won't know exactly what times I'll be free until I get my dialysis times set on M-W-F. We'll be turning in our itinerary to them to set it up soon. They can't tell what openings they'll have too far in advance. Of course I'd see your layout. We'll figure it out.
In St. Louis: another interesting PV parked at the old St. Louis Union Station. Four tracks remain for private car parking, complete with support services, power, etc. Then, Amtrak 301 arrives from Chicago. It turned to become 304 and took us back to Chicago. Some trains and Joliet Station along the way. Back in Chicago, a rainy day awaited.
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BANDOB posted:In St. Louis: another interesting PV parked at the old St. Louis Union Station. Four tracks remain for private car parking, complete with support services, power, etc. Then, Amtrak 301 arrives from Chicago. It turned to become 303 and took us back to Chicago.
Please clarify that. I was always told the "even numbered" trains were eastbound, while "odd numbered" trains were westbound.
Some trains and Joliet Station along the way. Back in Chicago, a rainy day awaited.
Lots of nice photos too.
My mistake, Hot Water. It turned to 304. You are correct in odd Westbound, even Eastbound.
Meals on the Mount Vernon were a real treat. Chef Tom was indeed expert. Here's a breakfast example: Pancakes, sausage, bacon, all fresh cooked. No microAMwave here.
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Lastly, some photos Eastbound on #50, the Cardinal.
White Sulphur Springs Station, passing coal near Hinton, WV, C&O Historical Society equipment at Clifton Forge VA, and passing #51 on Afton Mountain VA.
Hope you all enjoyed the trip! PV rides can be the rail adventure of a lifetime.
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