I was a lead mechanic at CAF during this contract. I was involved in the final stage of the production line. I'm glad that people like these cars. A lot of hard work went into them.
Thank you!!! People trash the US Rail Network but don't know what it's actually like. Over here the freight networks control the majority of the rails, leaving Amtrak in the dust.
Hi Dylan, I am a retired Amtrak employee and have taken many long distance Amtrak trains out west and have always found the showers to be in good working order. And when it comes to a good nights SLEEP, one cannot beat a roomette or bedroom for the peace of mind. Have encountered many nice onboard service employees as well in my travels.
I am a dedicated railfan and love how all Amtrak employees take great pride in their jobs. Thank you for making my many short and cross country trips so memorable. The food and hot water for showers has always been great. The new changes limited dining service with real flowers,tablecloth, and cooked to order food is now gone.Those chefs were amazing! On one of my cross country trips the engineer blew the horn to scatter herds of animals for us to see,we were all ecstatic at the sights. I met a retired employee who wept because the service as he knew it had diminished. Who cries about a job they once had because they loved it so much? AMTRAK employees! Enjoy your retirement and continue to ride Amtrak.
A small tip! If you are getting a regular Amtrak train on the NE Regional line and you are in standard class, it’s often better to board in the old nasty MSG train hall instead of the new Moynihan hall. You can access the platforms from both and, annoyingly, most of the trains are parked up closer to the MSG Penn Station, so when the scrum to board starts, you will get on faster and have a better choice of seats of you get on at MSG Penn. sadly I see this hellhole of a station several times a week.! Great content on this channel!
For most of us every night sleeping on Amtrak is one LESS night sleeping at a hotel. One should factor hotel costs as well. Even if you are flying you will most likely spend more time sleeping at a hotel at your destination before having to return back home to work. With Amtrak sleeper accommodations the diner food is included in the fare, usually a hotel might provide only a continental breakfast.
If you’re taking a long trip on a train you are better off getting a room or roomette for sleeping. Sleeping in a coach seat will never work out well for a good rest. I also recommend you get a room in the center of a sleeping car as opposed to the ends of the the car over the Wheels. I remember getting a room at the end of the the sleeper and the wheels had a flat spot on them and the clatter was horrible. Take foam earplugs on any train trip!!!
Who needs an overnight hotel when the airport is free... But Amtrak sleeper cars are just as expensive as long-distance flight + hotel, but adds a lot of travel time that most people don't have.
@@AssBlasster Sleeping in an airport, train station or the like just sucks. It turns any trip into drudgery and walking around with sleep deprivation will ruin any trip.
@@michaelrief4424 When sharing a roomette or a bedroom on a sleeper train may not be cheaper, you will see the countryside you wouldn't flying over clouds...
One travels by Amtrak not only for the experience but also the comfort. Despite how slow it is, riding on Amtrak is far more comfy (and less hassle) than flying on US air carriers.
Just want to give a *slight* correction. What you see around 27:35 is actually the South Shore Line, operated by Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), which is *technically* not part of Metra. They do share a lot of track and stations, but they have separate ticketing systems and rolling stock, among other things.
Took the Lakeshore Limited from Boston some years ago. Being in January not much daylight viewing. After a couple of days in Chicago I then took the California Zephyr to San Francisco, and that WAS an experience. Great trip.
I am excited to go on my first Amtrak trip. When I was a little girl my mom used to takes us to see her mom from Veracruz to Juchitan Chiapas in Mexico, we enjoyed the trip through the rivers, mountains and small village along the way, the natives getting on the train for a quick ten mins to sell their food. Best memories ever 🥰
In the 1970s I traveled through Mexico on trains and I remember people coming on the train to sell food and snacks. I was quite saddened at the demise of most of Mexico's passenger rail system, which came about some time later.
Glad to see vents that work. When I travel in an Amtrak sleeper, I always carry a roll of gaffer's tape in case I need to cover vents. Or silence rattling doors.
Cheers for this video, Mate! My brother had to take an Amtrak after having an accident and didn't feel comfortable being on the road. Your video helped me informed him on what he had included in his ticket, including the fact that he got complimentary food which he didn't know about funny enough you got the breakfast he wanted. We were all worried he was going to suffer for the X amount of hours he was gonna be on the train but it was quite the opposite, he really enjoyed his roomette and found it to be quite an experience. Seeing your video put me at ease that he wasn't going to be quietly suffering the whole trip back to NYC and that he was actually gonna be fed which was one of our biggest concern since he had to used up all the money he had to buy the ticket. You got yourself a new subscriber, thanks again for putting a whole family at ease!🙏🏽💗💞
I remember taking the Lake Shore Ltd several years back and between NYC and Albany we were in a snow blizzard. When we arrived in Albany the Conductor came through our car and when he pushed the door open button at the vestibule when the door opened the entire vestibule was packed solid with snow. This poor young guy didn’t know what to do so he turned to me and asked me what I did to cause this. I felt sorry for him so I told him I was also put out about it since I couldn’t get up to the Lounge Car to get an Adult beverage. Him and I had a nice trip to Chicago that trip. We sat further back in the train and swapped stores into the late hours. We ran late on that train because at every stop he has to get Off the train and open up the car doors by walking outside and working his way back through the train. Just another example of the adventure of traveling.
My wife and I traveled in a Roomette from Santa Fe to Chicago and then in a Room from there to Pittsburgh. The Roomette was sufficient, but it did feel incredible to have not only your own bathroom (with shower!) but just a few feet to walk around in. We sprang for the Room on the second leg so that we could get dressed and roll straight into work on a Monday morning. Amtrak being Amtrak, we were 2.5 hours late anyways.
A brilliant review Dylan! American train journeys are such a unique experience - perfectly captured in the video. Brings back some great memories - thank you!
I took the Zepher from Salinas, CA to Portland, ORE and back. I got a roomette. It was fabulous! Cars were very clean and comfortable. Service and food were 5 star! Train is quiet and it rocks you to sleep. There were 4 showers in my car. Plenty of towels and soap, water was hot and area clean. I had hoped to go again the next year to Seattle, WA. Train was cancelled. There was a major blizzard and the tracks were blocked. People were stuck on the train for 3 days. They almost ran out of food. Next year Covid hit. So that was that. Roomette is perfect for one. One con, my train had no WiFi in either direction! Luckily I could use the one from my phone plan. Met many nice people on the train! Scenery was fantastic. You can't see this if you travel by automobile. Cost might have been slightly more than by plane. I don't fly. No one tells me what I can or can't take. I'll drive instead. In this case, because of the distance, train was a better option and I could rent a car.
Great video...might take a trip somewhere and try a roomette. I don't know why the doors aren't solid but for me it would be of some relief to pull back a curtain if I started to feel claustrophobic.
I really like the look of the roomettes. I really wish long distance trains in the UK offered something similar. Having something of this style on the Caledonian sleeper or even on Cross Country routes from Scotland/Northeast to the Southwest would be fantastic.
@@tonymcdonnly6492 More like bedroom has its own shower. So does Amtrak standard bedrooms similar in size to the Caledonian sleepers bedrooms. European couchettes are designed for 4 to 6 passengers whereas Amtrak bedrooms and roomettes are designed for 2.
@@ronclark9724 Oh wow. Good to know. Thanks for clarifying. I'll check these things out before I book. I want my own shower. I hate sharing with the public.
@@tonymcdonnly6492 I believe the Viewliners have 3 bedrooms, 2 of which have a door which can be unlocked for a suite for 4. The third bedroom is the accessible bedroom designed for wheelchairs. The Viewliner I and II models are slightly different with the roomettes. There are two more roomettes on the model I with a toile eacht, and 2 less roomettes on the model II to fit in 2 communal restrooms.Both the model I and II have a communal shower. The larger Superliners have 5 bedrooms, 4 of which can be converted into 2 suites for 4, but not the fifth. 14 roomettes, 10 upstairs and 4 downstairs as well as one accessible bedroom designed for wheelchairs and one family bedroom suitable for 2 six foot adults and 2 five foot children... Note all of the standard bedrooms on both fleets have ensuite shower/toilet. But the Superliner family bedroom and accessible bedroom are downstairs with the communal shower, there is one communal shower with the Superliners...
I love riding the Amtrak! I’ve taken the train a few times between Detroit to Chicago. Their seats are spacious and comfortable. I’m glad to see updates to the sleeping cars. Thanks for sharing!
It's cool to see you doing a trip I've done many times (albeit I have typically done Boston to Chicago)! As for Viewliner I showers, I've had great luck with hot water every time, in all seasons.
Especially in a roomette, it is a good idea to learn the dimensions of where you can put luggage and take things that will fit or can be squashed to fit (like a duffel bag for under a seat). A little planning means you can have plenty of space for you. You will notice that some, who didn't plan so carefully, seem to be living in an annoying pile of clutter. It doesn't have to be that way. For example, for a Superliner roomette, I found that a medium size roll-along type suit case sat vertically very nice on the broad step to the upper berth. And a sports duffel bag squashed nicely to fit under a seat after taking out a few things and hanging them up (only about 8 inches depth under the seats, but extremely deep). I could slide things like a computer and other objects under the other seat when not using them. NOTHING cluttering up the space. Of course, they have general storage down below for luggage, but not everyone will feel that approach is very secure.
To be honest I have never had issues with my luggage being in the downstairs common areas of a sleeper car. Access to the cars is pretty tightly restricted even in station, and if the outside door is open there's an attendant watching it. What I do is put my main luggage downstairs on the shelf, then carry a small backpack with laptop, valuables, and a change of clothes up to the roomette. Gives me plenty of space, and a very high degree of security.
I pack very lightly with two of the clothing I am wearing, plus a shoe and a coat I am wearing. Along with a money belt, smart phone, and tablet. Everything fits within my backpack. There is a luggage rack on all of the sleepers, the Viewliners have a chubby hole above the aisle for a bag, the Superliners don't have that gem, and there is room to slide a briefcase under the seats. I have seen many store a suitcase on the Viewliner I toilet or step on the Viewliner It that replaced it. Ditto with the Superliners...
About 5 years ago, I rode Memphis to Chicago and Chicago to Seattle. My daughter rode LA to Seattle. We then went on an Alaska cruise. I didn't have any problem with cold showers! I had elected to return from Seattle via Portland, just to compare the two routes. (they merge in Spokane) . While my daughter and I were waiting to board in Seattle, we were notified that the train was cancelled. No advice on other travel options--just 'the train is cancelled'. We really didn't know what to do, so decided to rent a car and drive to Portland. It worked out fine and my daughter caught her Portland to LA ; and I caught my Portland-Chicago-Memphis. (I live in Birmingham, AL. It would have been a crazy route from Birmingham to Seattle. Either BHM-NOLA-Chicago-Seattle or BHM-NYC-Chicago-Seattle; so driving 3 hours to Memphis made much more sense.). I enjoyed the train; but after 3 days to Seattle, a 7 day cruise, and 3 days back to Birmingham, I was very happy to be in a stationary bed!
27:30 The electrified line is actually the South Shore Line operated by Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, not Metra. It does use Metra tracks within Chicago.
It’s true that the ‘experience’ is worth the extra time. In my opinion the price is very fair for the convenience of boarding your transportation in midtown without the cost of the trip to an airport, the stress of dealing with the airport experience; the checking in, TSA, waiting to board, long lines, uncomfortable seats, and grumpy people. There is tremendous value in the convenience and comfort of the Roomette! I hope to ride some day!
I have to say Amtrak appears to have improved standards on the East Coast since my travels last century. The updated Metropolitan Lounge at Moynihan Train Hall is quite a revelation. Pity about the escalator down to the train failing though. You picked a great service for checking out the Viewliner 2 sleeper. Hope you managed a good connection with the California Zephyr. Hopefully any on going connection at San Francisco to where ever worked out. Looking forward to your Zephyr experience. Great to see Eli again and wish you both well on life's journey as well as your travels. Now I wonder what you will have for us to view this Friday as you obviously have some editing to do on the Zephyr trip going by your final comments. Have finally caught up with two weeks back log of viewing (comments posted on all back to the Class 745 experience). Now I must get onto DownieLive and see what he's been up to with his cross - Canada tour on Via Rail. Cheers for now.
You absolutely made my day. I am an avid fan of current American and British 1950s railways. One of my pleasures is spending hours on RUclipss Virtual Railfan and one of my favourite locations is indeed Elkhart...it is quite possible I actually saw the train you were on. That was a great trip but I think I would like to have seen it in the summer. For me now travel is a no go due to my health but I once had the option of a business trip to Palo Alto or Japan, and stupidly I rejected both opportunities. I don't think in honesty I regretted not going to the US but I have always regretted Japan in the Spring. Now I can't even get to the end of our road!!! Enjoy travel while you can as it broadens the mind and leaves wonderful memories. I remember a holiday we had in Bavaria vividly and that was 60 years ago. Thanks for the video Dylan. Nice to see and your young lady enjoying life. Cheers, Bob
I've taken this route many times, going back to the 1970's. The last time was in a Viewliner I in the mid-2000's, I think. The Viewliner I's have basically the same roomette and I find the size perfectly adequate for two *if* you are traveling with someone you actually like. I went with my wife last time and it was fine - but yeah, you are going to end up touching the other person sometimes. For a single person, it's way more than enough room. It's a shame what they've done with dining on this route (I thought they were bringing proper dining back), especially given how beautiful those Viewliner diners are. Anyway it's always refreshing to hear a European praise the US's long distance train services; I think it's one thing we generally do really well in terms of train travel, and even a lot of Americans don't realize it. We're always just so jealous of European and Asian high speed trains, but that's not the only kind of passenger train that exists. Outside of high-end "cruise train" type stuff, I haven't seen regular long-haul passenger service really anywhere that compares favorably to Amtrak overall.
The west overnight sleeper trains have returned to traditional dining, but not the east overnight trains yet. Hopefully soon. Amtrak did furlough many of their diner workers during the pandemic, many have moved on to other jobs. Especially in this era where almost every fast food joint has a HELP WANTED sign on their front door. Amtrak has to recruit and train many new employees. I don't like it any better than you do, but it is what it is...
The biggest drawback to the Viewliner II economy rooms, as well as those on the Superliners, is having to get up once or twice during the night, at least for us older guys, to use the toilet. Passengers can stay in their PJs and run to the toilet with the hope that no one sees them, assuming they care, or get at least semi-dressed in a very tight space to go to the toilet. I remember the 10&6 and 10&5 sleeper roomettes in pre-Amtrak days. There was just one bed in the compartment. The toilet was under the bed when it was down; if one had to use it during the night, it was a relatively simple process to raise the bed, use the toilet, lower the bed, and be back in it in a jiffy.
@@danielueblacker9118 The only way to get a private toilet and shower on Amtrak is to book a bedroom. And that can be very expensive. In many instances the price is double or triple the price of an economy room.
I found your story of the broken escolator to be very funny. 10 minutes to decide to walk down? reminded me of a time I was a a WalMart and one of the entrance doors wasn't working. People standing there trying to figure out how to get out. Right on the door it says "in case of emergency, push to open." So I just walked up to the door and pushed the doors sideways and walked out.
I have traveled dozens of nights in the Amtrak sleeping cars and love showering on the train. I feel like the hot water works about 80% of the time across all the different car types.
Thank you for your review! I remember riding trains in the '50s and '60s, an entirely different experience from the Amtrak era. Then the trains kept to schedule and the train companies took pride in so doing. In particular, I remember the Twentieth Century Limited, linen table clothes, the silver service, finger bowls, attentive waiters, etc. My favorite dishes were Lobster Rockefeller and prime roast rib of beef, comparable in quality to the best restaurants in Chicago. The men wore coats and ties and women wore dresses. If I remember correctly, it left Grand Central at about 4 p.m. and arrived at 9 a.m. at LaSalle Street station.
One other difference with the Viewliner IIs. The much improved table does lack the traditional chessboard/checkerboard that came standard on old Amtrak sleeper cars. =o I'm sure almost nobody used that feature, but I still liked the quirk.
Very cool. I'm gonna ride Amtrak next week from New York to Chicago Lakeshore Limited, can't wait. This new station is beautiful. Thanks for a great overview now I know what to expect.👍
Good review from a "out of town travelers" perspective. The thing that really throws off any "timetable" in US train travel is, Amtrak leases-shares much of its route with freight train traffic, which has priority most times, and freight isn't on a tight "a to b" schedule, so, that can be a huge variable. Also, delays come from things like bomb threats" that get called in, as this actually happened to our Southwest Chief train on my return trip from California to Chicago in Feb 2020. Someone called in a bomb threat on the train, and when we reached Albuquerque NM, we had to de-board the train and wait about 2 hours while the local police searched the train for any explosive devices. Luckily, there was a good restaurant / bar within close walking distance and a few of us took advantage of a less expensive "adult beverage drink service" before we returned to the train. The train made up most of it's delay by the time we got to Chicago, but you need to keep in mind there are dozens of reasons you may experience a delay, and be flexible enough to not have one cripple the rest of your travel plans.
Great review. The new roomettes are nicely done. The added sockets for 110V is very welcome. The only complaint I have is that the lower berth mattress is smaller in width than in the old roomettes. The car attendant was unhappy by the fact that he has to use a roomette for the materials he needs for the trip such as sheets, towels and water bottles. Hopefully Amtrak is working on these ‘mistakes’, as the attendant said, and correct them in the next version.
i love how it took the staff 10 minutes to figure out people could walk down the escalators. problem solving at its best! kudoos to good 'ol American ingenuity
I remember reading something as child and it stuck with me through life. The line was, "Life is about the journey not the destination." While I haven't been able to practice that as much as I would like as a working adult I've never forgotten it. Train travel seems to epitomize that concept.
Many years ago, when I was somewhere around 10-13 years old, my grandparents bough the family train tickets out to Colorado for my aunt and uncle's wedding, and my family took the Lake Shore Limited from Boston to Chicago, then took what must have been the California Zephyr Chicago to Denver, and we were in sleeper cars on both legs. I really hope I get another chance to at least travel Boston or New York to Chicago again sometime, and relive that experience; my memories of that trip are so hazy now, and I sure as hell can't remember how on earth my family of four managed to sleep, given that it was the heyday of the original viewliners. Maybe we had two rooms?
Great video, I went on the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle in two stages, first to Oakland (for SF) in business class which was great, although a US$6pp voucher was all you get in way of food, although no complaints about the staff and comfort, the seats recline and are armchair size. On the longer section from Emeryville to Seattle I took a Superliner Double Roomette (showers and toilets at the end of the coach), I choose not to put the baggage in the Luggage van, that was a mistake. The included meal was good, sadly the old Budd observation car was no longer part of the rake. The roomette was good value but very very claustrophobic and not big enough to swing the literal cat! Having used the Maple Leaf several times, and the Coast Starlight on this occasion I find Amtrak okay and great for the scenery, although I found Via Rails the 'Canadian' better. .........Drew
This train has quite a history. Back in the 1960's there were 13 trains daily between New York City and Chicago. Penn Central's Twentieth Century Limited used to be five hours faster than today's Lakeshore Limited between NYC and Chicago with its own express track (the express track was removed just prior to Amtrak's establishment.)
@@edwardhogan1877 Unfortunately America is not a TINY nation like Germany or France one can drive across in a single day. For a single truck driver to drive across America legally from Los Angeles to Boston requires SIX days. Not half of one day. As for HIGH SPEED RAIL, even in Europe MOST everyone FLIES when the train journey is longer than THREE hours. Even if there was a HSR train from NYC to Chicago, the 900+ miles for a HSR train to double the average speed presently, up to 100 mph from the present 50 mph average speed, creates a NINE hour trip. SIX hours beyond the sweet spot of a THREE hour train trip to compete successfully against the airlines... Maybe why America's only HSR presently is Amtrak's northeast corridor... Its less than THREE hours for the DC to NYC journey, and less than FOUR hours for the NYC to Boston journey. Explains why less than FIVE percent ride Acela the entire nearly SEVEN hour journey DC to Boston. Europeans, please explain where that HSR train is from London to Istanbul? London to Moscow?
I rode the Lakeshore Limited back in October, one of three trains I took on my Amtrak journey from Connecticut to Palm Springs, California. I was in one of the older Viewliners. The roomette was pretty threadbare, but everything functioned. It did have a hot water shower, thankfully. I'm glad to learn Amtrak is obtaining new Viewliners.
The older Viewliners and Superliners are getting a refurbishment too... Frankly, considering their age, Amtrak has done a good job just keeping them running. Soon some of the Superliners will be 50 years old, some of the Viewliners will be 30 years old, and the Amfleet II coaches will be 40 years old.
Thanks for providing a pretty extensive look at Moynihan Hall; for me, the stations are almost as much fun as the trains themselves! I have a friend who lives in NYC who sent me phone camera photos, but this is the first video I've seen that really gives a nice look at the whole facility in some detail. All of my Amtrak travel to date has been on western US routes, but the Lakeshore, Cardinal, Crescent and Capital Limited, are all on my Amtrak bucket list. I agree that the roomette (Superliner is a little different but not that much) is plenty of room when travelling solo, the only way I've experienced it. I'm not small so I don't think I could share one. Overall, my feeling is as you say, the experience rather than the convenience is what I love about Amtrak travel. Regardless of laws, freight trains rarely if ever yield precedence to Amtrak trains, so you can count on being late, it's just a question of how late. There are also occasional mechanical problems and accidents that cause delays. In a nutshell, you NEVER want to assume Amtrak will arrive on time; allow, if possible, a day of flexibility for connections, appointments, meetings, etc. Thanks again, really enjoyed the video!
The trip up the Hudson is beautiful, in both directions. The Adirondack is a nice trip too, but it’s really slow as there’s a lot of single track running after Schenectady, (doesn’t require an overnight ride though). You never realize just how big New York State is until you try to cross it.
You have to consider that the platforms are whats left from the original station. Those Platforms were designated Landmark status to prevent them from being destroyed. They werent really designed for the crush of passengers. Service to Canada is presently suspended. Both trains were just rebranded as Empire Service trains. That train is notorious for being called "Late4shore Limited". 27:35 that line isnt Metra. its The South Shore Line, operated by the NICTD.
Its been my experience with the showers that they take a minute for the hot water to flow, and then they are too hot. Keep in mind the water comes from tanks onboard the train, there is no water hookup to a city's mains. The showers switch off water quickly to save water. If you are hunting for a 15 minute hot shower, you are out of luck... Splash, soap, wipe, rinse...
17:02 I like overnight trains, but here in Spain, the Renfe's overnight trains, the "Trenhotel" is now out of service, and it will be in service soon as the High Speed Line to Galicia (The destination of all left Trenhotel services) is open, as well as the soon opening of the Atocha to Chamartín High Speed Tunnel under Madrid 28:59 In fact, the ÖBB (Austria National Railway Company) Nightjet (Overnight train) service between Paris-Est and Vienna, a seat costs from €69.90 (2 months in advance) to €109.90 (This week's train price), a couchette costs a fixed €154.90 and a solo-compartment costs a fixed €194.90
All I can say dylan the past of trains of usa which you vlogged is quite different to now. I can see considerable amount of change in amtrak train. Thank you for the vlogs dylan. Memories bring back thanks to you. Keep up the good work. The train feeling is no less than a elite hotel.
You are incredibly fortunate that the train was more or less on time. It is vital to mental health to be relaxed about your arrival and subsequent activities. I remember a trip from Cleveland to NY when we had to change to a commuter train at Albany so that the crew would have time to muck out our train for the trip out again. The passengers waiting in NY had to use our commuter train to get to Albany. Astounding
Cramped if traveling with someone else. Recently returned from a roundtrip on the Lakeshore limited from Chicago to Albany, NY. On the return trip we couldn't check our luggage do to the fact that we were to continue to La Plata, MO from Chicago.
This is distinctly posh compared to a sleeper for 4 from Paris to Milan many years ago. It had yoga mats for padding on army green steel triple decker bunks. Thought I loved being rocked to sleep and wake up to breakfast in another city. I have a blood clotting syndrome so avoiding the cramped seating on flights is a lifesaver
Hi, thanks to other vloggers I think I can explain why they don't soften the windows on the door side... because some people like to see out windows on both sides of the train while still keeping their doors closed. That is the simple reason.
I've seen several videos of the old lounge atnPenn Station, but WOW is right, first time seeing a good tour, thank you. The views along the Hudson are well worth the trip. Once out of NYC metro-area New York is stunning.
12:20 indeed that lounge car is very nice :) Disappointed they're still doing the precooked meals from the covid lockdown era (disappointed in Amtrak, not Dylan). But this is from April, maybe they switched back to onboard cooking by now. I read somewhere that all their east coast trains are like that though
A very relaxing way to travel. America's passenger trains are severely handicapped by the reluctance of freight railroads to co-operate in any way. There are rules and priority dispatching which most of them do not adhere to.There isn't any policing of these rules so again big money talks. That said I use Amtrak myself whenever I can as I hate driving in any of the big cities. I believe with the new equipment more people would use Amtrak if it was better publicized. Nice shot of the loco in Penn Station; the retro paint scheme from the 70's ! Thanks, Dylan, hope you and your squeeze enjoyed the trip.
You didn't know why the windows weren't opaque. Being claustrophobic, I immediately thought that if they were opaque, I would have a trapped in feeling, as opposed to a more open feeling that clear windows would afford.
Awesome video!! I'm sure to get my next train trip in this year! Though to correct one little thing in the description. The locomotive leading the Lakeshore Limited is a GE P32AC-DM
I met my wife in Elkhart when I worked there in the late 1980s. Her father frequently rode the Lakeshore Limited in coach to visit my brother-in-law in Manhattan, often the only passenger at the station, and boarding around or after midnight. His big complaint was being delayed when US Border Patrol would board the train in rural NY state to remove a passenger or two, which he said happened on nearly every trip!
Great job to my knowledge that was your first vocally narrated Amtrak Roomette video! Thank you for helping us escape the boredom of the everyday routine and taking us on the road with you
Love the trains....The system is so Americana. Some years ago I took the train from Central California To Austin Tx and it was an unforgettable experience!
The new viewliners seem to be a good update that was sorely needed. I've done the NE Regional from NY to both Boston and DC. Everytime the trip has been great, If people have more time to travel, going by rail can be wonderful. That said there are issues i'm not sure Amtrak will ever solve. One is Priority, as you mentioned Amtrak is supposed to have track priority. We all know that's a joke. Until Congress gets serious and puts teeth into penalizing the freight owners for this it will be an ongoing issue. The second is the bloody cost to travel. it's bad enough to have to suffer through delays. Then to realize you are getting soaked for it is a whole other ring of hell. I'm not going to naïve and say I can get from one coast to the other for under 300.00. That said over a Grand for this slow experience is outright highway robbery. That's a big reason why more people aren't taking the train too. Especially now in these times of rising costs. Until they can figure out the latter they will never be as efficient as they could be. Heck they might even make a buck or two.
Considering America's shipping delivering crisis presently, freight should have priority. Never-the-less the train dispatchers work for the freight railroads. They know who puts butter on their bread, and it isn't Amtrak...
Amatrak is supposed to have priority but freight trains cut in front of them and then Amtrak has to wait, and it happens over and over again, that is why Amtrak is allways late.
I took the silver meteor from New York to Florida. First time I’ve been on the train since 1963. It was a wonderful experience no stress like with air travel. Taking the same train in April back to Florida 👍🏻 My only complaint was the food wish they would bring back waiter service like that long distance trains west of Chicago
You are so lucky, the locomotive leading was 100, the super rare 50th Anniversary locomotive. You are EXTREMELY lucky to have seen that! Also, I live on this route, in Rochester NY. Didnt know you were there!
18 years since I traveled this route. I specifically wanted to take it due to the beautiful Hudson Valley and to follow in the footsteps of my travel hero Michael Palin. We ran 4 hours late due to thunderstorms but I still made my connection to the Empire Builder in Chicago and it meant I saw more of the rustbelt in daylight. I had a roomette on both sections. The viewliner roomette even had a small tv! Penn Station looks so much better. Last time I went I wished they still when from GCT.
Lots of memories with Amtrak's Lakeshore Limited. From visiting my grandparents as a kid to taking me to and from Sandusky, Ohio for work, I have quite a few stories. My son is also beginning to explore solo train travel, and this is our train.
I'm impressed with this train. Thanks for the tour. I live in Ontario Canada and I've often wanted to travel on the VIA rail service, but I heard that the Rocky Mountaineer train out west is spectacular with the domed car giving that panoramic view.
Taking this in a week - looking forward to it - have done this a few times now - my only tip is to bring your own pillow as sleeping in a train takes some use to it. The more you can make comfortable the better. Thanks for the video!
We are from Australia. My wife and I have used the Lake Shore Limited a number of times when travelling across the USA. When travelling overnight for just one night we use a roomette. Going further we swap to a bedroom. We once had my mother in law aged in her late 80s with us and she found the roomette claustrophobic, not a happy trip. I see the meals have not been restored post Covid. We got so we could recite the menu but they were very good then.
Traditional food at the diner has returned to the western trains, but not to the eastern trains as yet. In the era when during the pandemic there were so many furloughs, including Amtrak diner staff, many moved on to better jobs. Notice almost every restaurant and fast food joint in America has a HELP WANTED sign on their front door... Amtrak has to recruit and train new diner staff, which unfortunately takes time... It is what it is...
I love traveling via Amtrak - i have taken the Lake Shore Limited from Boston to Chicago and back several times and have always had one of the older roomettes....but i don't mind - i enjoy the trip just the same. I don't know what it is but its so relaxing to me. I enjoy the Texas Eagle train as well. Nice video !!
The electrified tracks heading into Chicago were more likely the South Shore Line, which is an electrified commuter train between South Bend and Chicago that also has the distinction of being one of the last of the original interurban systems in the US (the Norristown High-Speed Line in Philadelphia is the other one).
I was a lead mechanic at CAF during this contract. I was involved in the final stage of the production line. I'm glad that people like these cars. A lot of hard work went into them.
I work for CAF and was involved with the viewliner 2. It's nice to see this project completed and people enjoying our trains.
Make better streetcars.
The US has good trains. It just doesn’t have a good network. I really hope people realize this. I love Amtrak’s new trains.
Thank you!!! People trash the US Rail Network but don't know what it's actually like. Over here the freight networks control the majority of the rails, leaving Amtrak in the dust.
There are probably a select few good ones and then the rest... uh..
@@robertbalazslorincz8218 The trains are good. The network is not
@@transitcaptain The network is great for frigate train. It has one of the best transport rail system in the world.
Sub 140mph category trains? Sure.
Hi Dylan, I am a retired Amtrak employee and have taken many long distance Amtrak trains out west and have always found the showers to be in good working order. And when it comes to a good nights SLEEP, one cannot beat a roomette or bedroom for the peace of mind. Have encountered many nice onboard service employees as well in my travels.
I am a dedicated railfan and love how all Amtrak employees take great pride in their jobs. Thank you for making my many short and cross country trips so memorable. The food and hot water for showers has always been great. The new changes limited dining service with real flowers,tablecloth, and cooked to order food is now gone.Those chefs were amazing!
On one of my cross country trips the engineer blew the horn to scatter herds of animals for us to see,we were all ecstatic at the sights. I met a retired employee who wept because the service as he knew it had diminished. Who cries about a job they once had because they loved it so much?
AMTRAK employees!
Enjoy your retirement and continue to ride Amtrak.
A small tip! If you are getting a regular Amtrak train on the NE Regional line and you are in standard class, it’s often better to board in the old nasty MSG train hall instead of the new Moynihan hall. You can access the platforms from both and, annoyingly, most of the trains are parked up closer to the MSG Penn Station, so when the scrum to board starts, you will get on faster and have a better choice of seats of you get on at MSG Penn. sadly I see this hellhole of a station several times a week.!
Great content on this channel!
Thanks for the tip.
I don't know why, but When I'm not Traveling for work, I love watching other people on the move.
For most of us every night sleeping on Amtrak is one LESS night sleeping at a hotel. One should factor hotel costs as well. Even if you are flying you will most likely spend more time sleeping at a hotel at your destination before having to return back home to work. With Amtrak sleeper accommodations the diner food is included in the fare, usually a hotel might provide only a continental breakfast.
Totally agree. However, 19h for 950 miles is quite long, but given the max speed of 110 mph is really slow
If you’re taking a long trip on a train you are better off getting a room or roomette for sleeping. Sleeping in a coach seat will never work out well for a good rest.
I also recommend you get a room in the center of a sleeping car as opposed to the ends of the the car over the Wheels.
I remember getting a room at the end of the the sleeper and the wheels had a flat spot on them and the clatter was horrible. Take foam earplugs on any train trip!!!
Who needs an overnight hotel when the airport is free... But Amtrak sleeper cars are just as expensive as long-distance flight + hotel, but adds a lot of travel time that most people don't have.
@@AssBlasster
Sleeping in an airport, train station or the like just sucks. It turns any trip into drudgery and walking around with sleep deprivation will ruin any trip.
@@michaelrief4424 When sharing a roomette or a bedroom on a sleeper train may not be cheaper, you will see the countryside you wouldn't flying over clouds...
I tell people that when you fly, your vacation starts when you get your baggage. On AMTRAK it begins when you get on the train!
I couldn't agree more!
Yes, I totally agree!
I have been in many sleepers on Amtrak and have always had plenty of hot water.
never a problem.
One travels by Amtrak not only for the experience but also the comfort. Despite how slow it is, riding on Amtrak is far more comfy (and less hassle) than flying on US air carriers.
Also they allow more baggage than airlines and even some airlines even charge for baggage now.
And it's MUCH quieter than a plane. You can actually carry on a quiet conversation.
Just want to give a *slight* correction. What you see around 27:35 is actually the South Shore Line, operated by Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD), which is *technically* not part of Metra. They do share a lot of track and stations, but they have separate ticketing systems and rolling stock, among other things.
And unless something has changed in recent years, is far less likely to be running on time versus the Metra Electric Line from the south suburbs!
@@stephenjarzombek2903 NICTD (South Shore)is always on time for me. Haven’t rode it since last August but it is definitely a good reliable rail line.
@@courtneyhart8362 hello
I just added a similar comment and noted that the South Shore is one of the last of the original interurban railroads
Was about to comment the same..
Took the Lakeshore Limited from Boston some years ago. Being in January not much daylight viewing. After a couple of days in Chicago I then took the California Zephyr to San Francisco, and that WAS an experience. Great trip.
How are you doing today.. handsome
@@wendyhanderson6781 he has a gf.....show respect!
@@tonymcdonnly6492 I greeted him ....You just behaving abnormal
@@wendyhanderson6781 No....you're disrespecting his gf. Show a little respect.
@@tonymcdonnly6492 she is a scammer mate. New profile , pretty picture. Honestly. Hope you’re just teasing her and not that naive.
I am excited to go on my first Amtrak trip. When I was a little girl my mom used to takes us to see her mom from Veracruz to Juchitan Chiapas in Mexico, we enjoyed the trip through the rivers, mountains and small village along the way, the natives getting on the train for a quick ten mins to sell their food. Best memories ever 🥰
In the 1970s I traveled through Mexico on trains and I remember people coming on the train to sell food and snacks. I was quite saddened at the demise of most of Mexico's passenger rail system, which came about some time later.
Glad to see vents that work. When I travel in an Amtrak sleeper, I always carry a roll of gaffer's tape in case I need to cover vents. Or silence rattling doors.
Thank you. This video contained lots of useful history about Amtrac and the new Penn Station.
Cheers for this video, Mate! My brother had to take an Amtrak after having an accident and didn't feel comfortable being on the road. Your video helped me informed him on what he had included in his ticket, including the fact that he got complimentary food which he didn't know about funny enough you got the breakfast he wanted. We were all worried he was going to suffer for the X amount of hours he was gonna be on the train but it was quite the opposite, he really enjoyed his roomette and found it to be quite an experience.
Seeing your video put me at ease that he wasn't going to be quietly suffering the whole trip back to NYC and that he was actually gonna be fed which was one of our biggest concern since he had to used up all the money he had to buy the ticket.
You got yourself a new subscriber, thanks again for putting a whole family at ease!🙏🏽💗💞
I remember taking the Lake Shore Ltd several years back and between NYC and Albany we were in a snow blizzard. When we arrived in Albany the Conductor came through our car and when he pushed the door open button at the vestibule when the door opened the entire vestibule was packed solid with snow.
This poor young guy didn’t know what to do so he turned to me and asked me what I did to cause this.
I felt sorry for him so I told him I was also put out about it since I couldn’t get up to the Lounge Car to get an Adult beverage. Him and I had a nice trip to Chicago that trip. We sat further back in the train and swapped stores into the late hours.
We ran late on that train because at every stop he has to get Off the train and open up the car doors by walking outside and working his way back through the train.
Just another example of the adventure of traveling.
My wife and I traveled in a Roomette from Santa Fe to Chicago and then in a Room from there to Pittsburgh. The Roomette was sufficient, but it did feel incredible to have not only your own bathroom (with shower!) but just a few feet to walk around in.
We sprang for the Room on the second leg so that we could get dressed and roll straight into work on a Monday morning. Amtrak being Amtrak, we were 2.5 hours late anyways.
The amount of improvement between the old and new lounge is phenomenal.
I used to travel the Elcapatan from California to Chicago a great trip…
A brilliant review Dylan! American train journeys are such a unique experience - perfectly captured in the video. Brings back some great memories - thank you!
Thanks!
I took the Zepher from Salinas, CA to Portland, ORE and back. I got a roomette. It was fabulous! Cars were very clean and comfortable. Service and food were 5 star! Train is quiet and it rocks you to sleep. There were 4 showers in my car. Plenty of towels and soap, water was hot and area clean. I had hoped to go again the next year to Seattle, WA. Train was cancelled. There was a major blizzard and the tracks were blocked. People were stuck on the train for 3 days. They almost ran out of food. Next year Covid hit. So that was that.
Roomette is perfect for one. One con, my train had no WiFi in either direction! Luckily I could use the one from my phone plan. Met many nice people on the train! Scenery was fantastic. You can't see this if you travel by automobile. Cost might have been slightly more than by plane. I don't fly. No one tells me what I can or can't take. I'll drive instead. In this case, because of the distance, train was a better option and I could rent a car.
Great video...might take a trip somewhere and try a roomette. I don't know why the doors aren't solid but for me it would be of some relief to pull back a curtain if I started to feel claustrophobic.
I really like the look of the roomettes. I really wish long distance trains in the UK offered something similar. Having something of this style on the Caledonian sleeper or even on Cross Country routes from Scotland/Northeast to the Southwest would be fantastic.
You find the Caledonian sleepers are very comfortable and fun to sleep in. Eavh roommette has its own shower.
@@tonymcdonnly6492 More like bedroom has its own shower. So does Amtrak standard bedrooms similar in size to the Caledonian sleepers bedrooms. European couchettes are designed for 4 to 6 passengers whereas Amtrak bedrooms and roomettes are designed for 2.
@@ronclark9724 Oh wow. Good to know. Thanks for clarifying. I'll check these things out before I book. I want my own shower. I hate sharing with the public.
@@tonymcdonnly6492 I believe the Viewliners have 3 bedrooms, 2 of which have a door which can be unlocked for a suite for 4. The third bedroom is the accessible bedroom designed for wheelchairs. The Viewliner I and II models are slightly different with the roomettes. There are two more roomettes on the model I with a toile eacht, and 2 less roomettes on the model II to fit in 2 communal restrooms.Both the model I and II have a communal shower. The larger Superliners have 5 bedrooms, 4 of which can be converted into 2 suites for 4, but not the fifth. 14 roomettes, 10 upstairs and 4 downstairs as well as one accessible bedroom designed for wheelchairs and one family bedroom suitable for 2 six foot adults and 2 five foot children... Note all of the standard bedrooms on both fleets have ensuite shower/toilet. But the Superliner family bedroom and accessible bedroom are downstairs with the communal shower, there is one communal shower with the Superliners...
The Zephyr was one of the best experiences I've ever had, particularly from Denver to Emeryville.
I love riding the Amtrak! I’ve taken the train a few times between Detroit to Chicago. Their seats are spacious and comfortable. I’m glad to see updates to the sleeping cars. Thanks for sharing!
You definitely got the good side for going up the Hudson. 💜
You misspelled Tappan Zee Bridge, lol. Great video and I live in one of the towns you passed through. The Hudson line.
It's cool to see you doing a trip I've done many times (albeit I have typically done Boston to Chicago)! As for Viewliner I showers, I've had great luck with hot water every time, in all seasons.
what i really like about the trains in the US is that the connections are named, in Germany they only have boring numbers
Great. Now you can go from one hellhole to another in style.
NY to Albany has great scenery, I've taken Amtrak from Rochester to NYC a few times
I will travel to Chicago from NY in December, without a doubt, this is very helpful 👏🏾
America needs more trains like that
Especially in a roomette, it is a good idea to learn the dimensions of where you can put luggage and take things that will fit or can be squashed to fit (like a duffel bag for under a seat). A little planning means you can have plenty of space for you. You will notice that some, who didn't plan so carefully, seem to be living in an annoying pile of clutter. It doesn't have to be that way. For example, for a Superliner roomette, I found that a medium size roll-along type suit case sat vertically very nice on the broad step to the upper berth. And a sports duffel bag squashed nicely to fit under a seat after taking out a few things and hanging them up (only about 8 inches depth under the seats, but extremely deep). I could slide things like a computer and other objects under the other seat when not using them. NOTHING cluttering up the space. Of course, they have general storage down below for luggage, but not everyone will feel that approach is very secure.
To be honest I have never had issues with my luggage being in the downstairs common areas of a sleeper car. Access to the cars is pretty tightly restricted even in station, and if the outside door is open there's an attendant watching it.
What I do is put my main luggage downstairs on the shelf, then carry a small backpack with laptop, valuables, and a change of clothes up to the roomette. Gives me plenty of space, and a very high degree of security.
I pack very lightly with two of the clothing I am wearing, plus a shoe and a coat I am wearing. Along with a money belt, smart phone, and tablet. Everything fits within my backpack. There is a luggage rack on all of the sleepers, the Viewliners have a chubby hole above the aisle for a bag, the Superliners don't have that gem, and there is room to slide a briefcase under the seats. I have seen many store a suitcase on the Viewliner I toilet or step on the Viewliner It that replaced it. Ditto with the Superliners...
Nice video, Amtrak is doing great things to upgrade it's rolling stock and stations .
My dad works for amtrak and I just want people to know that they haev such good trains!
About 5 years ago, I rode Memphis to Chicago and Chicago to Seattle. My daughter rode LA to Seattle. We then went on an Alaska cruise. I didn't have any problem with cold showers! I had elected to return from Seattle via Portland, just to compare the two routes. (they merge in Spokane) . While my daughter and I were waiting to board in Seattle, we were notified that the train was cancelled. No advice on other travel options--just 'the train is cancelled'. We really didn't know what to do, so decided to rent a car and drive to Portland. It worked out fine and my daughter caught her Portland to LA ; and I caught my Portland-Chicago-Memphis. (I live in Birmingham, AL. It would have been a crazy route from Birmingham to Seattle. Either BHM-NOLA-Chicago-Seattle or BHM-NYC-Chicago-Seattle; so driving 3 hours to Memphis made much more sense.). I enjoyed the train; but after 3 days to Seattle, a 7 day cruise, and 3 days back to Birmingham, I was very happy to be in a stationary bed!
27:30 The electrified line is actually the South Shore Line operated by Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, not Metra. It does use Metra tracks within Chicago.
It’s true that the ‘experience’ is worth the extra time. In my opinion the price is very fair for the convenience of boarding your transportation in midtown without the cost of the trip to an airport, the stress of dealing with the airport experience; the checking in, TSA, waiting to board, long lines, uncomfortable seats, and grumpy people. There is tremendous value in the convenience and comfort of the Roomette! I hope to ride some day!
I have to say Amtrak appears to have improved standards on the East Coast since my travels last century. The updated Metropolitan Lounge at Moynihan Train Hall is quite a revelation. Pity about the escalator down to the train failing though. You picked a great service for checking out the Viewliner 2 sleeper. Hope you managed a good connection with the California Zephyr. Hopefully any on going connection at San Francisco to where ever worked out. Looking forward to your Zephyr experience. Great to see Eli again and wish you both well on life's journey as well as your travels. Now I wonder what you will have for us to view this Friday as you obviously have some editing to do on the Zephyr trip going by your final comments. Have finally caught up with two weeks back log of viewing (comments posted on all back to the Class 745 experience). Now I must get onto DownieLive and see what he's been up to with his cross - Canada tour on Via Rail. Cheers for now.
I have seen escalators out of order in malls and office buildings before usually undergoing maintenance.
You absolutely made my day. I am an avid fan of current American and British 1950s railways. One of my pleasures is spending hours on RUclipss Virtual Railfan and one of my favourite locations is indeed Elkhart...it is quite possible I actually saw the train you were on. That was a great trip but I think I would like to have seen it in the summer. For me now travel is a no go due to my health but I once had the option of a business trip to Palo Alto or Japan, and stupidly I rejected both opportunities. I don't think in honesty I regretted not going to the US but I have always regretted Japan in the Spring. Now I can't even get to the end of our road!!!
Enjoy travel while you can as it broadens the mind and leaves wonderful memories. I remember a holiday we had in Bavaria vividly and that was 60 years ago.
Thanks for the video Dylan. Nice to see and your young lady enjoying life.
Cheers, Bob
Thanks, Bob!
Lovely trip, and the new Viewliner roomettes look great! Fun fact, there's a rail cam in Elkhart, IN where you can watch Amtrak make it's stops
How are you doing today.. handsome how is your whether over
Opaque windows would make the room feel even “closed-in”. That one big plus of being in Coach - the open feel during the entire trip.
I've taken this route many times, going back to the 1970's. The last time was in a Viewliner I in the mid-2000's, I think. The Viewliner I's have basically the same roomette and I find the size perfectly adequate for two *if* you are traveling with someone you actually like. I went with my wife last time and it was fine - but yeah, you are going to end up touching the other person sometimes. For a single person, it's way more than enough room. It's a shame what they've done with dining on this route (I thought they were bringing proper dining back), especially given how beautiful those Viewliner diners are. Anyway it's always refreshing to hear a European praise the US's long distance train services; I think it's one thing we generally do really well in terms of train travel, and even a lot of Americans don't realize it. We're always just so jealous of European and Asian high speed trains, but that's not the only kind of passenger train that exists. Outside of high-end "cruise train" type stuff, I haven't seen regular long-haul passenger service really anywhere that compares favorably to Amtrak overall.
The west overnight sleeper trains have returned to traditional dining, but not the east overnight trains yet. Hopefully soon. Amtrak did furlough many of their diner workers during the pandemic, many have moved on to other jobs. Especially in this era where almost every fast food joint has a HELP WANTED sign on their front door. Amtrak has to recruit and train many new employees. I don't like it any better than you do, but it is what it is...
A very interesting look at a system that needs our full, support for those who no longer want to fly longer distance,
The biggest drawback to the Viewliner II economy rooms, as well as those on the Superliners, is having to get up once or twice during the night, at least for us older guys, to use the toilet.
Passengers can stay in their PJs and run to the toilet with the hope that no one sees them, assuming they care, or get at least semi-dressed in a very tight space to go to the toilet.
I remember the 10&6 and 10&5 sleeper roomettes in pre-Amtrak days. There was just one bed in the compartment. The toilet was under the bed when it was down; if one had to use it during the night, it was a relatively simple process to raise the bed, use the toilet, lower the bed, and be back in it in a jiffy.
I travel solo so want the bathroom and shower in my room...
@@danielueblacker9118 The only way to get a private toilet and shower on Amtrak is to book a bedroom. And that can be very expensive. In many instances the price is double or triple the price of an economy room.
I found your story of the broken escolator to be very funny. 10 minutes to decide to walk down? reminded me of a time I was a a WalMart and one of the entrance doors wasn't working. People standing there trying to figure out how to get out. Right on the door it says "in case of emergency, push to open." So I just walked up to the door and pushed the doors sideways and walked out.
I have traveled dozens of nights in the Amtrak sleeping cars and love showering on the train. I feel like the hot water works about 80% of the time across all the different car types.
Thank you for your review!
I remember riding trains in the '50s and '60s, an entirely different experience from the Amtrak era. Then the trains kept to schedule and the train companies took pride in so doing.
In particular, I remember the Twentieth Century Limited, linen table clothes, the silver service, finger bowls, attentive waiters, etc. My favorite dishes were Lobster Rockefeller and prime roast rib of beef, comparable in quality to the best restaurants in Chicago. The men wore coats and ties and women wore dresses. If I remember correctly, it left Grand Central at about 4 p.m. and arrived at 9 a.m. at LaSalle Street station.
One other difference with the Viewliner IIs. The much improved table does lack the traditional chessboard/checkerboard that came standard on old Amtrak sleeper cars. =o I'm sure almost nobody used that feature, but I still liked the quirk.
Very cool. I'm gonna ride Amtrak next week from New York to Chicago Lakeshore Limited, can't wait. This new station is beautiful. Thanks for a great overview now I know what to expect.👍
Good review from a "out of town travelers" perspective. The thing that really throws off any "timetable" in US train travel is, Amtrak leases-shares much of its route with freight train traffic, which has priority most times, and freight isn't on a tight "a to b" schedule, so, that can be a huge variable. Also, delays come from things like bomb threats" that get called in, as this actually happened to our Southwest Chief train on my return trip from California to Chicago in Feb 2020. Someone called in a bomb threat on the train, and when we reached Albuquerque NM, we had to de-board the train and wait about 2 hours while the local police searched the train for any explosive devices. Luckily, there was a good restaurant / bar within close walking distance and a few of us took advantage of a less expensive "adult beverage drink service" before we returned to the train. The train made up most of it's delay by the time we got to Chicago, but you need to keep in mind there are dozens of reasons you may experience a delay, and be flexible enough to not have one cripple the rest of your travel plans.
Great review. The new roomettes are nicely done. The added sockets for 110V is very welcome. The only complaint I have is that the lower berth mattress is smaller in width than in the old roomettes. The car attendant was unhappy by the fact that he has to use a roomette for the materials he needs for the trip such as sheets, towels and water bottles. Hopefully Amtrak is working on these ‘mistakes’, as the attendant said, and correct them in the next version.
i love how it took the staff 10 minutes to figure out people could walk down the escalators. problem solving at its best! kudoos to good 'ol American ingenuity
I remember reading something as child and it stuck with me through life. The line was, "Life is about the journey not the destination." While I haven't been able to practice that as much as I would like as a working adult I've never forgotten it. Train travel seems to epitomize that concept.
The Hudson is so underated, definately one of the coolest river's in the U.S
Many years ago, when I was somewhere around 10-13 years old, my grandparents bough the family train tickets out to Colorado for my aunt and uncle's wedding, and my family took the Lake Shore Limited from Boston to Chicago, then took what must have been the California Zephyr Chicago to Denver, and we were in sleeper cars on both legs. I really hope I get another chance to at least travel Boston or New York to Chicago again sometime, and relive that experience; my memories of that trip are so hazy now, and I sure as hell can't remember how on earth my family of four managed to sleep, given that it was the heyday of the original viewliners. Maybe we had two rooms?
Awesome video thank you for sharing your trip!
I will be taking this route in October 2022 - looking forward to the experience. Then it's the Texas Eagle to Dallas.
Great video, I went on the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle in two stages, first to Oakland (for SF) in business class which was great, although a US$6pp voucher was all you get in way of food, although no complaints about the staff and comfort, the seats recline and are armchair size. On the longer section from Emeryville to Seattle I took a Superliner Double Roomette (showers and toilets at the end of the coach), I choose not to put the baggage in the Luggage van, that was a mistake. The included meal was good, sadly the old Budd observation car was no longer part of the rake. The roomette was good value but very very claustrophobic and not big enough to swing the literal cat! Having used the Maple Leaf several times, and the Coast Starlight on this occasion I find Amtrak okay and great for the scenery, although I found Via Rails the 'Canadian' better. .........Drew
This train has quite a history. Back in the 1960's there were 13 trains daily between New York City and Chicago. Penn Central's Twentieth Century Limited used to be five hours faster than today's Lakeshore Limited between NYC and Chicago with its own express track (the express track was removed just prior to Amtrak's establishment.)
Extraordinary! Losing 5 hours .it should. be 12 hours maxis you wouldn't need a sleeper reservation.
@@edwardhogan1877 Unfortunately America is not a TINY nation like Germany or France one can drive across in a single day. For a single truck driver to drive across America legally from Los Angeles to Boston requires SIX days. Not half of one day. As for HIGH SPEED RAIL, even in Europe MOST everyone FLIES when the train journey is longer than THREE hours. Even if there was a HSR train from NYC to Chicago, the 900+ miles for a HSR train to double the average speed presently, up to 100 mph from the present 50 mph average speed, creates a NINE hour trip. SIX hours beyond the sweet spot of a THREE hour train trip to compete successfully against the airlines... Maybe why America's only HSR presently is Amtrak's northeast corridor... Its less than THREE hours for the DC to NYC journey, and less than FOUR hours for the NYC to Boston journey. Explains why less than FIVE percent ride Acela the entire nearly SEVEN hour journey DC to Boston. Europeans, please explain where that HSR train is from London to Istanbul? London to Moscow?
I rode the Lakeshore Limited back in October, one of three trains I took on my Amtrak journey from Connecticut to Palm Springs, California. I was in one of the older Viewliners. The roomette was pretty threadbare, but everything functioned. It did have a hot water shower, thankfully. I'm glad to learn Amtrak is obtaining new Viewliners.
The older Viewliners and Superliners are getting a refurbishment too... Frankly, considering their age, Amtrak has done a good job just keeping them running. Soon some of the Superliners will be 50 years old, some of the Viewliners will be 30 years old, and the Amfleet II coaches will be 40 years old.
Thanks for the info; nice video. It’s good you enjoyed the trip. We have traveled Amtrak and look forward to traveling with them again.
The hot water in shower worked every time I have traveled in a Viewliner sleeper in the past.
I have only taken the City of New Orleans from Chicago to Champaign. I do love trains, though.
Thanks for providing a pretty extensive look at Moynihan Hall; for me, the stations are almost as much fun as the trains themselves! I have a friend who lives in NYC who sent me phone camera photos, but this is the first video I've seen that really gives a nice look at the whole facility in some detail. All of my Amtrak travel to date has been on western US routes, but the Lakeshore, Cardinal, Crescent and Capital Limited, are all on my Amtrak bucket list. I agree that the roomette (Superliner is a little different but not that much) is plenty of room when travelling solo, the only way I've experienced it. I'm not small so I don't think I could share one. Overall, my feeling is as you say, the experience rather than the convenience is what I love about Amtrak travel. Regardless of laws, freight trains rarely if ever yield precedence to Amtrak trains, so you can count on being late, it's just a question of how late. There are also occasional mechanical problems and accidents that cause delays. In a nutshell, you NEVER want to assume Amtrak will arrive on time; allow, if possible, a day of flexibility for connections, appointments, meetings, etc. Thanks again, really enjoyed the video!
The trip up the Hudson is beautiful, in both directions. The Adirondack is a nice trip too, but it’s really slow as there’s a lot of single track running after Schenectady, (doesn’t require an overnight ride though). You never realize just how big New York State is until you try to cross it.
or if you're in a traffic jam on the LIE
You have to consider that the platforms are whats left from the original station. Those Platforms were designated Landmark status to prevent them from being destroyed. They werent really designed for the crush of passengers. Service to Canada is presently suspended. Both trains were just rebranded as Empire Service trains. That train is notorious for being called "Late4shore Limited". 27:35 that line isnt Metra. its The South Shore Line, operated by the NICTD.
Glad the doors are plain glass, its nice to see whats on view both sides.
Its been my experience with the showers that they take a minute for the hot water to flow, and then they are too hot. Keep in mind the water comes from tanks onboard the train, there is no water hookup to a city's mains. The showers switch off water quickly to save water. If you are hunting for a 15 minute hot shower, you are out of luck... Splash, soap, wipe, rinse...
17:02 I like overnight trains, but here in Spain, the Renfe's overnight trains, the "Trenhotel" is now out of service, and it will be in service soon as the High Speed Line to Galicia (The destination of all left Trenhotel services) is open, as well as the soon opening of the Atocha to Chamartín High Speed Tunnel under Madrid
28:59 In fact, the ÖBB (Austria National Railway Company) Nightjet (Overnight train) service between Paris-Est and Vienna, a seat costs from €69.90 (2 months in advance) to €109.90 (This week's train price), a couchette costs a fixed €154.90 and a solo-compartment costs a fixed €194.90
Hello Pedro how are you doing..nice meeting you..am new here
All I can say dylan the past of trains of usa which you vlogged is quite different to now. I can see considerable amount of change in amtrak train. Thank you for the vlogs dylan. Memories bring back thanks to you. Keep up the good work. The train feeling is no less than a elite hotel.
You are incredibly fortunate that the train was more or less on time. It is vital to mental health to be relaxed about your arrival and subsequent activities. I remember a trip from Cleveland to NY when we had to change to a commuter train at Albany so that the crew would have time to muck out our train for the trip out again. The passengers waiting in NY had to use our commuter train to get to Albany. Astounding
Cramped if traveling with someone else. Recently returned from a roundtrip on the Lakeshore limited from Chicago to Albany, NY. On the return trip we couldn't check our luggage do to the fact that we were to continue to La Plata, MO from Chicago.
This is distinctly posh compared to a sleeper for 4 from Paris to Milan many years ago. It had yoga mats for padding on army green steel triple decker bunks. Thought I loved being rocked to sleep and wake up to breakfast in another city. I have a blood clotting syndrome so avoiding the cramped seating on flights is a lifesaver
Hi, thanks to other vloggers I think I can explain why they don't soften the windows on the door side... because some people like to see out windows on both sides of the train while still keeping their doors closed. That is the simple reason.
Plus, I think it helps those w claustrophobic tendencies...an "illusion" of more space (i.e., not a solid wall on the side of the door).
I've seen several videos of the old lounge atnPenn Station, but WOW is right, first time seeing a good tour, thank you. The views along the Hudson are well worth the trip. Once out of NYC metro-area New York is stunning.
12:20 indeed that lounge car is very nice :)
Disappointed they're still doing the precooked meals from the covid lockdown era (disappointed in Amtrak, not Dylan). But this is from April, maybe they switched back to onboard cooking by now. I read somewhere that all their east coast trains are like that though
A very relaxing way to travel. America's passenger trains are severely handicapped by the reluctance of freight railroads to co-operate in any way. There are rules and priority dispatching which most of them do not adhere to.There isn't any policing of these rules so again big money talks. That said I use Amtrak myself whenever I can as I hate driving in any of the big cities. I believe with the new equipment more people would use Amtrak if it was better publicized. Nice shot of the loco in Penn Station; the retro paint scheme from the 70's ! Thanks, Dylan, hope you and your squeeze enjoyed the trip.
You didn't know why the windows weren't opaque. Being claustrophobic, I immediately thought that if they were opaque, I would have a trapped in feeling, as opposed to a more open feeling that clear windows would afford.
Awesome video!! I'm sure to get my next train trip in this year! Though to correct one little thing in the description. The locomotive leading the Lakeshore Limited is a GE P32AC-DM
I met my wife in Elkhart when I worked there in the late 1980s. Her father frequently rode the Lakeshore Limited in coach to visit my brother-in-law in Manhattan, often the only passenger at the station, and boarding around or after midnight. His big complaint was being delayed when US Border Patrol would board the train in rural NY state to remove a passenger or two, which he said happened on nearly every trip!
Great job to my knowledge that was your first vocally narrated Amtrak Roomette video! Thank you for helping us escape the boredom of the everyday routine and taking us on the road with you
Love the trains....The system is so Americana. Some years ago I took the train from Central California To Austin Tx and it was an unforgettable experience!
The new viewliners seem to be a good update that was sorely needed. I've done the NE Regional from NY to both Boston and DC. Everytime the trip has been great, If people have more time to travel, going by rail can be wonderful.
That said there are issues i'm not sure Amtrak will ever solve. One is Priority, as you mentioned Amtrak is supposed to have track priority. We all know that's a joke. Until Congress gets serious and puts teeth into penalizing the freight owners for this it will be an ongoing issue. The second is the bloody cost to travel. it's bad enough to have to suffer through delays. Then to realize you are getting soaked for it is a whole other ring of hell. I'm not going to naïve and say I can get from one coast to the other for under 300.00. That said over a Grand for this slow experience is outright highway robbery. That's a big reason why more people aren't taking the train too. Especially now in these times of rising costs.
Until they can figure out the latter they will never be as efficient as they could be. Heck they might even make a buck or two.
Considering America's shipping delivering crisis presently, freight should have priority. Never-the-less the train dispatchers work for the freight railroads. They know who puts butter on their bread, and it isn't Amtrak...
Amatrak is supposed to have priority but freight trains cut in front of them and then Amtrak has to wait, and it happens over and over again, that is why Amtrak is allways late.
I took the silver meteor from New York to Florida. First time I’ve been on the train since 1963. It was a wonderful experience no stress like with air travel. Taking the same train in April back to Florida 👍🏻 My only complaint was the food wish they would bring back waiter service like that long distance trains west of Chicago
You are so lucky, the locomotive leading was 100, the super rare 50th Anniversary locomotive. You are EXTREMELY lucky to have seen that! Also, I live on this route, in Rochester NY. Didnt know you were there!
Lovely video. Thanks for sharing 👍 😁
18 years since I traveled this route. I specifically wanted to take it due to the beautiful Hudson Valley and to follow in the footsteps of my travel hero Michael Palin. We ran 4 hours late due to thunderstorms but I still made my connection to the Empire Builder in Chicago and it meant I saw more of the rustbelt in daylight. I had a roomette on both sections. The viewliner roomette even had a small tv! Penn Station looks so much better. Last time I went I wished they still when from GCT.
That roomette looks great even compared to the superliner version. The aesthetic, the functional features. Nice.
Lots of memories with Amtrak's Lakeshore Limited. From visiting my grandparents as a kid to taking me to and from Sandusky, Ohio for work, I have quite a few stories. My son is also beginning to explore solo train travel, and this is our train.
I prefer traveling by train - passengers are usually a lot more friendly than those who fly 😊
I too had a fantastic time as a viewer on this excellent presentation. thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm impressed with this train. Thanks for the tour. I live in Ontario Canada and I've often wanted to travel on the VIA rail service, but I heard that the Rocky Mountaineer train out west is spectacular with the domed car giving that panoramic view.
Taking this in a week - looking forward to it - have done this a few times now - my only tip is to bring your own pillow as sleeping in a train takes some use to it. The more you can make comfortable the better. Thanks for the video!
I used the Lakeshore Limited to get home from college, back in the late Nineties. It was a great experience for a college student and it was CHEAP.
We are from Australia. My wife and I have used the Lake Shore Limited a number of times when travelling across the USA. When travelling overnight for just one night we use a roomette. Going further we swap to a bedroom. We once had my mother in law aged in her late 80s with us and she found the roomette claustrophobic, not a happy trip.
I see the meals have not been restored post Covid. We got so we could recite the menu but they were very good then.
Traditional food at the diner has returned to the western trains, but not to the eastern trains as yet. In the era when during the pandemic there were so many furloughs, including Amtrak diner staff, many moved on to better jobs. Notice almost every restaurant and fast food joint in America has a HELP WANTED sign on their front door... Amtrak has to recruit and train new diner staff, which unfortunately takes time... It is what it is...
I love traveling via Amtrak - i have taken the Lake Shore Limited from Boston to Chicago and back several times and have always had one of the older roomettes....but i don't mind - i enjoy the trip just the same. I don't know what it is but its so relaxing to me. I enjoy the Texas Eagle train as well. Nice video !!
The electrified tracks heading into Chicago were more likely the South Shore Line, which is an electrified commuter train between South Bend and Chicago that also has the distinction of being one of the last of the original interurban systems in the US (the Norristown High-Speed Line in Philadelphia is the other one).