Train Travel

[AndyinPA]

Patagoniagirl's great idea to start this thread!

We are train fans. Amtrak needs a lot of help, but it's still a great way to see the country in a way you can't by any other means. You need to have the luxury of time to take it across country. We have met business people, even an attorney, who will only travel on Amtrak, and their clients know not to schedule anything on short notice. We travel across country in first-class, which means a sleeping accommodation, but lots of people love being in coach. We travel in coach between Pittsburgh and New York City and places in between for day trips. A coach seat is much more comfortable than being on a plane, roomy, comfortable, lots of legroom.

I'm really hoping for a lot of positive changes for Amtrak with an Amtrak President!

[Fiascoist]

I, too, love trains. A preferred method of traveling for me anyplace I go. However, here in Costa Rica, there is absolutely no train service, just buses, lots and lots of buses. So, good public transportation, just no trains.

[Foggy]

Biden needs to create a new and very special branch of the military - TRAIN FORCE!

[Uninformed]

Star Track

[RTH10260]

Biden needs to create a new and very special branch of the military - TRAIN FORCE!

This will make the former guy look pale when Biden puts it back on its wheels

Schwerer Gustav: Largest Gun Mankind Has Ever Built
Let’s take a look at the largest cannons ever used in battle. Schwerer Gustav railway gun was developed by the Nazis in preparation for WW2.

By Christopher McFadden
Mar 25, 2017

Schwerer Gustav or Hitler's giant gun was a fearsome weapon of war. A distinctive feature of artillery of the Second World War were cannons of every increasing size and caliber. One other such weapon was the 914 mm Little David, constructed for the American army. It was intended to be used for attacking Japanese bunkers at the end of WWII. This mortar was the biggest in the world, but it was also never used in combat. The Japanese surrendered before its deployment.

Schwerer Gustav was conceived prior to the beginning of WWII when Hitler demanded its construction as a precursor to the invasion of France. It was to aid the German Army in penetrating the Maginot Line. Its construction missed the invasion of France but it did take part in some actions throughout the war. After years of development and construction, the weapon's impact on the war was very small in the greater scheme of things. As impressive as the weapon was its fate was far from honorable.

In the following article, we will explore its precursors, conception and birth, lackluster history and ultimate fate during it's brief, yet explosive life.

https://interestingengineering.com/schw ... uring-wwii

[Tiredretiredlawyer]

https://www.fodors.com/news/photos/thes ... n-journeys

These Are the World’s 10 Most Luxurious Train Journeys

Venice Simplon-Orient Express
WHERE: Europe
It was the height of luxury rail travel when the Orient Express—of Agatha Christie fame—ran from Paris to Istanbul. To bring back that charm and glamour, Belmond’s founder James B. Sherwood bought vintage carriages from the 1920s and 1930s and restored the restored cars, 17 in total, roll through some of Europe’s most fantastic destinations.

Dressed to the nines (really, there’s a dress code), passengers step into another century, where stewards in white gloves and blue-and-gold livery welcome them with champagne. The Art Deco interiors are a salute to the past. There are cabins and suites with plush furnishing and dining is focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced along the way.

The Venice Simplon-Orient Express rolls through idyllic sceneries of Europe: London, Paris, Venice, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague are some of its stops. You can also book a stay at Belmond’s dreamy stays across Europe and give yourself the full luxury experience. The iconic Paris to Istanbul itinerary is scheduled once a year and lasts five nights. It’s a bucket list experience whether or not you’re a fan of Murder on the Orient Express.

Belmond is adding more routes and three Grand Suites to the passenger train, it announced in January.

Price: Starts at $3,297 for one.

[raison de arizona]

B5678EE3-7FFC-4F40-BDE0-6BD9860F799F.jpeg (87.05 KiB) Viewed 3737 times

[AndyinPA]

I have friends who rode that train, many years ago. We've talked about it, but haven't ever gotten close to setting it up.

There's a series on Mighty Trains on the Smithsonian Channel. Love it. There are some journeys on there I would love to take. Trains through Switzerland are very high on our list.

The Rocky Mountaineer, which does the trip from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies, is also really high on our list. So that you don't miss a moment of the scenery, you get off the train at night and stay in a hotel. Rocky Mountaineer is just now starting a US trip from Denver to Moab, Utah. We've done most of that route on Amtrak several times, so it doesn't hold as much appeal. It does take a different route somewhere in western Colorado as it goes south to Moab instead of north to Salt Lake City. Since there's no train station in Moab, I think it stops north of Moab, where there are lines, and buses into Moab. It's only two days and doesn't have Gold Leaf service, but it's probably not as practical. The overnight stop is in Glenwood Springs, CO. I looked at all of their options, and while they have lots of before and after options, the train part is only ever two days. I doubt we will ever do that.

There's a tour of day trains in Colorado, which has quite a few of them, that I'd like to set up. I don't normally do tours in the US, but the logistics of setting this trip would be really hard on your own, so it would be worth it. They used to do only one trip a year, which never worked out for us, but it looks like there are many more offerings now.

[Maybenaut]

I took my daughter and three of my granddaughters to DC for an overnight girls’ trip. We drove from here to Culpeper, VA (about an hour), and took Amtrak to Union Station in DC. We walked to the hotel in SW, checked in, and spent the rest of that day and the next morning walking around the city. Most things were closed, but that was OK. It was hot as Hades, but we stayed outside most of the time. Took the Amtrak back to Culpeper the next day.

Anyone considering a post-covid visit to Maybelot, keep this in mind… it’s easier for me to pick you up at the Amtrak in Culpeper than the nearest airport (Dulles).

[Notaperson]

Trains through Switzerland are very high on our list.

The Rocky Mountaineer, which does the trip from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies, is also really high on our list.

I watched a travel doc on Amazon Prime not long ago about trains one can take around Switzerland. And I ordered Rocky Mountaineer's booklet a couple of years ago. Both look spectacular. I'll probably do one or other someday.

[raison de arizona]

Has anyone ever taken the Durango/Silverton narrow gauge in Colorado? It has been on my list for decades. Finally got a chance to do it last summer, but it was closed for Covid. We did horseback riding in the Garden of the Gods instead, which was pretty awesome itself.

[AndyinPA]

Has anyone ever taken the Durango/Silverton narrow gauge in Colorado? It has been on my list for decades. Finally got a chance to do it last summer, but it was closed for Covid. We did horseback riding in the Garden of the Gods instead, which was pretty awesome itself.

We have driven the highway, but not done the train. That's one of the trains on the day-train tour in Colorado.

[raison de arizona]

Has anyone ever taken the Durango/Silverton narrow gauge in Colorado? It has been on my list for decades. Finally got a chance to do it last summer, but it was closed for Covid. We did horseback riding in the Garden of the Gods instead, which was pretty awesome itself.

We have driven the highway, but not done the train. That's one of the trains on the day-train tour in Colorado.

Yeah, it's a great drive too, if a little harrowing on the Ouray side.

[notorial dissent]

The D & S trip is gorgeous, but be advised it will probably be hot or even hotter, that part of the state and that part of the year. LOTS of sunscreen and drink carry lots of water, you'll be at elevation and in the hot and dry. Enjoy!!!!

[AndyinPA]

Just found this notice on the El Chepe in the Copper Canyon in Mexico. I was a bit shocked. We did this trip on the train in 2008.

Dear Passengers and Tour Operators:

As you are aware, in the last decade, the effects of climate change have manifested themselves significantly in various regions of the country, including the Copper Canyon region, where deforestation has also increased the effects of the rains, such as flooding and rock falls on the tracks where the Chepe runs.

Grupo México Transportes (GMXT) is carrying out a comprehensive study of the area to define different measures to avoid, as far as possible, interruptions to train traffic. The company carries out short, medium and long term preventive actions, tests, works and detailed and permanent revisions of the route, with the advice of national and international specialists, as well as the corresponding authorities.

GMXT's priority at all times is passenger safety, as well as efficiency and quality of service.

Therefore, until October 31, Chepe Express and Chepe Regional will continue operating on a consolidated basis at the following departure times:

https://chepe.mx/en/

This was a dangerous trip when we did it. When the train stops for any reason, the Mexican state police get off the train with their machine guns and walk the perimeter as long as the train is stopped. Nevertheless, it was one of our favorite train rides. Copper Canyon, which is actually a series of canyons, is beautiful. We were concerned about the robbers; never had to consider problems with the line itself because of climate change.

[Kendra]

Has anyone ever taken the Durango/Silverton narrow gauge in Colorado? It has been on my list for decades. Finally got a chance to do it last summer, but it was closed for Covid. We did horseback riding in the Garden of the Gods instead, which was pretty awesome itself.

I did some years ago. Absolutely the best, but there's also the Cumbres Toltec Scenic Railroad that straddles NM/Colorado IIRC. https://cumbrestoltec.com/

Very cool, a lot of the track parallels the highway. Motorists were always stopping to wave and honk.

[AndyinPA]

Has anyone ever taken the Durango/Silverton narrow gauge in Colorado? It has been on my list for decades. Finally got a chance to do it last summer, but it was closed for Covid. We did horseback riding in the Garden of the Gods instead, which was pretty awesome itself.

I did some years ago. Absolutely the best, but there's also the Cumbres Toltec Scenic Railroad that straddles NM/Colorado IIRC. https://cumbrestoltec.com/

Very cool, a lot of the track parallels the highway. Motorists were always stopping to wave and honk.

That's also one of the day trains on the tour.

[Kendra]

Yeah, I took the day trip and they bussed us back. I forget the CO town at the North end, but cute town to stay in NM on the other side. Great trip, awesome experience.

I believe it's been shut down since they can't maintain it, but the Cog Railway from Manitoba Springs to top of Pikes Peak was the bomb.

[AndyinPA]

Yeah, I took the day trip and they bussed us back. I forget the CO town at the North end, but cute town to stay in NM on the other side. Great trip, awesome experience.

I believe it's been shut down since they can't maintain it, but the Cog Railway from Manitoba Springs to top of Pikes Peak was the bomb.

After hauling thousands of visitors up Pikes Peak for more than a century, the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Cog Railway decided to take a much needed, well-deserved vacation for a little rest and rejuvenation back in 2018. Fans of the beloved 9-mile journey to the summit of Pikes Peak were understandably bummed, but they also knew that the temporary closure would mean big things when the Cog Railway reopened. That day has finally arrived! After nearly four years of upgrades and renovations with a price tag of $100 million, the Cog Railway opens May 27 and tickets are already on sale! An official ribbon-cutting ceremony will follow on June 30, the Cog’s 130th anniversary.

Yes, the Cog Railway is back on track and ready to continue its legacy as the highest, longest and just-plain-coolest cog railroad in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned Cog rider or a new visitor to Colorado and the Pikes Peak region, the new additions are sure to create an unforgettable experience. Take a look at what’s in store for you during your next Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway Adventure!

https://www.pikes-peak.com/pikes-peak-cog-railway/

That's also on the day tour.

[Kendra]

Wow, great news, I was under the impression it was c!owed for good. A must do, it was so cool.
. even with the technical issues at the top, leaving us too long and too light headed with the altitude. Mantou Springs is pretty cool too.

[pipistrelle]

Effective November 1, 2021, Amtrak is mandating vaccinations for employees.

[AndyinPA]

[Tiredretiredlawyer]

AARP’s Top Picks: Scenic Train Trips in the U.S.

Amtrak offers some spectacular long-distance train journeys, but here's a little railroad-lover's secret: Many of America's most scenic routes are also the shortest. These seven trips offer stunning vistas, classic cars and relaxing rides — and they're all less than 115 miles long (one way). Note that most trains now have a mandatory mask requirement, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic
Cape Cod Excursion Train
Cass Scenic Railroad
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad
Grand Canyon Railway
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Foggyland
Napa Valley Wine Train

https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips ... zjwU53DeQ=

[zekeb]

What about the Nebraska Zepher through flatland Nebraska?

[AndyinPA]

Nice secret. We have traveled probably over 40,000 miles on Amtrak regular routes, but we love the small ones, too. I know of most of the routes you listed. There's a tour we want to take in Colorado of about six routes just within that state. It starts in Denver, buses you all around the state from one day trip to another. I don't usually pay for tours in this country, but that's one I am trying to find the chance to do. It would be a planning nightmare to do it myself, as the coordination is really tough because it can be hard to get reservations on specific days on many of these day trips that are spread all around Colorado.

Many of the day trips exist because they are spectacularly scenic. We have done several others, and it's always a treat. It often pays big dividends to buy the highest price tickets. They also frequently offer special event trips--mystery, Christmas, Easter, etc.

We were going to do the Grand Canyon RR in June, but the drive is actually more scenic (from Flagstaff, not Williams), and it's not possible to rent a car near the Grand Canyon, so we would have had to go back to Williams to rent a car to get back to the Grand Canyon South Rim.