My wife and i took this train last spring to Seattle. It was a great trip. The steak was fantastic. Views were so so for the second day as north Dakota and Montana looked like the ice planet hoth. I would love to take it again to glacier. Also we spoiled ourselves and stayed in the room. Well worth the extra money for a private bathroom/ shower
There is talk about getting federal funds to bring back the Empire Builder's so called sister train which was called the "North Coast Hiawatha" which used to run almost adjacent to the Empire Builder but about 150 south of the Empire Builder route between Chicago and Seattle. The North Coast Hiawatha is a more scenic route than the Empire Builder. The North Coast Hiawatha was discontinued during the 1979 Amtrak Bloodbath in which several long distance trains were discontinued leaving several cities and towns without any passenger rail at all.
And add to that fantasy the restoration of the Sunset to Florida (maybe to Miami, but to JAX will do), an ElPaso - Dallas - Meridian connection to the Sunset and CONO, and - dare I dream so? - Dallas to Houston? We all have our dreams...
Took this from Sacramento ca to the twin cities during covid. Was one of the most incredible journeys I have ever been on. Would do it again in a heartbeat
I really appreciate your trip reports and especially enjoy your commentary and music choices. Really makes me feel like I've been along for the ride. Thank you for your efforts. Happy traveling.
I'm doing the Empire Builder in the other direction, Chicago to Seattle, this summer and this video has only heightened my sense of anticipation. The views look stunning. I hope to get similar glorious weather (minus the smoke haze) and will avoid the Rigatoni Bolognaise! Nice one sir, you've earned yourself a subscription.
That flat wheel is signing to me - absolutely the most soothing sound ever! Hypnotic! One of my absolute favorite things about traveling on Amtrak! Man, what a treat! Sorry it annoyed but if it were me I'd be out like a light!
Absolutely horrific for me. I can’t sleep with ear plugs due to tinnitus. I’d go insane from the insufferable ringing. So I sleep with a white noise machine year round. I’m not sure I’d be allowed to bring it on, but even if I did, I’m not sure it’d drown out the noise of the flat wheel. I’d have to insist on a new sleeping car.
Took the Empire builder all the way from PDX to Chicago last summer with my 13 year old son in coach. It was an amazing and wonderful experience for both of us. We took snacks and drinks and supplemented with food from the café car. The images you share here are on-point with just how amazing the journey is. The roomettes and sleeper rooms are a tad expensive for us, but even in coach, totally worth it!
Coach is still a fantastic way to travel. I've done coach on a couple longer rides in the past (though nothing overnight... yet...), and it's very comfortable. It's super affordable, and if you bring your own snacks, it's an awesome way to see the country.
This is on my "Spring '24 Meshugeneh Tesla - AMTRAK trip" plan. Drive from Dallas to LaPlata, leave my car at The Depot Inn, then the Chief to Galesburg, the Zephyr to Emeryville, the remaining part of the Coast Starlight I haven't ridden to Seattle, then the EB to Chicago, and the Chief back to my car in LaPlata. Then a drive to Illinois Railway Museum, Beech Grove and back home. And it will mark my finally being in my 50th state, Montana! And only the CONO and Lakeshore Limited as the two LD trains I haven't ridden. That will be the Summer Trip.
Excellent video. My husband and I are taking this trip in a couple months. It’s actually the first of three trains, followed by the Capitol Limited and the Silver Star to Fort Lauderdale. We’ve ridden Amtrak several times now but it’s always been the Coast Starlight so the change in scenery will be nice. That dinner on your first night is inexcusable. I’m sure you could have requested another meal in its place. After all, the food isn’t “free”. You pay dearly for it. I have not had a meal on Amtrak yet that wasn’t excellent. Thank you for the high quality video. I can’t watch enough videos of our upcoming trip.
I never thought to ask for another meal. Not sure why, but just never did, though I'll have to keep it in mind next time I'm on board. Depending on when your trip is, I may have a video out on the Silver Star before you leave. I took the Southwest Chief, Cardinal, and Star in December, all of which were incredible, though I'm not sure when they'll be uploaded just yet.
This one was alarming, frankly. Very bad flat spot. Should have been bad ordered, I presume Seattle has a wheel swap ability. If not, Chicago certainly does. The flat spots beat up the rails and can fail suddenly.
Another excellent video. My wife and I took the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle in May, 2022. Watching your video allowed me to re-live many of the sights we saw back then. I paid attention to every shot that included an Amtrak employee to see if I recognized any of them. But, alas, you had a different crew than we did. One constructive comment I'd like to add: in your notes you included the departure time and arrival time. It would add context if you included the timezone. In other words, you left Seattle at 4:55 PM PST (assuming you took this trip after daylight saving time ended) and you arrived in Chicago at 4:45 PM CST. I think it would also be great if your notes included the date you started and ended your trip. Thanks again for the great content!
Gorgeous sunset in Wenatchee there. I frequently see the Empire Builder coming down from Stevens Pass and at Mukilteo - a super iconic train that runs through some of the best scenery in the US. Glad it's still around.
Yeah, I agree, up to a certain volume. We don't get the clickety clacks, and few of the dingdingdings of crossing bells any more, nor steam whistles. Sigh.
I rode this train eastbound last May. Unfortunately it was delayed out of Seattle about an hour, so much of the ride through the Cascades was in darkness, so I'm glad for this video.
On some long distance trains, the National Park Services Volunteers hold informative talks in the observation car. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more while traveling.
I travelled over 1 year ago Empire Builder Chi-Whitefish Mt. You will enjoy the Glacier Nat Park during daylight time vs darkness in Oct as my trip. N Dakota& East Montana will amaze you though it is pretty flat. Didn't see balance of your trip since i exited at Whitefish. Verygood dining both in room as well as the dining car. Go for the SightSee lounge car before it splits at Spokane for Portland section of train. A good staff plus food and scenery will make this Empire Builder a fun trip.
It’s certainly a bucket list worth train. The route is beautiful, the people are nice, and the food is great, so definitely worth taking the time to ride the rails!
@@ghighlandchieftain4462 I had a great time. The scenery through Glacier is absolutely stunning. What I showed in the video is only a fraction of what you’ll actually see on board, and really it’s worth it for that section alone.
The southwest chief is an amazing route! My current schedule has the video of the Chief going out on April 13th, so a great way to introduce you to what's to come!
Awesome ride on Amtrak Empire Builder #8 I did a roundtrip on the Amtrak Empire Builder route between Chicago & Seattle/Portland. I had an outstanding time during my round trip but if you were to ask me which section of the Amtrak Empire Builder route has the better scenery the Portland Section wins the views going alongside the Columbia River are breathtaking.
We have done the Empire Builder twice in 22 and 23 Chicago to Seattle got 2 roometes one for me and one for my wife and niece simply loved it .This year we plan on the California Zephyr Emeryville to Chicago.
Sounds like a great time! The Cali Zephyr is still one I need to ride. I've heard it's one of, if not the most scenic Amtrak route, so I'm waiting until spring/summer when there's more daylight to book my ticket. Enjoy your time onboard, and safe travels!
Next time check out the Family Bedroom. Plenty of room, windows on both sides of the train, cheaper than the bedrooms. Yes, the potties are 20 feet down the hall, but much much cleaner than in the coaches. Try it, you'll like it!
You mention about the Metra north line route, well there is a resturant long that route that I highly recommend you should try and that is the Moretti's Ristorante and Pizzeria in Morton Grove. I am son of two Chicagoan parents and I love that resturant.
Me and my GF took a trip up the Northeast Corridor from Richmond, VA to Providence, RI and it was amazing! We were coach class and the dinner was amazing imo. I got a Cheese burger and she got Chedar Macaroni and cheese i recommend Amtrak travel to everyone!!
I was supposed to take this trip on Wednesday 1/17 Chicago to Seattle. Was very excited then the weather caused the whole trip to get cancelled. I will have to try again in the summer/fall
Another great trip video! I'm hoping to take my first long distance trip soon either on the Coast Starlight or California Zephyr, and this makes me even more excited for it. :D
Nice video, as always. I'm quite certain Havre was named after the French port city of Le Havre, though the origin story you heard is certainly amusing.
I experienced a flat wheel on the Amtrak auto train going to Florida; it is an annoying sound that I had to listen to for the whole trip. First time I have experienced that in the five years of snowbirding.
Very nice video!! As others probably already mentioned, that "locomotive" at the Izaak Walton Inn has been converted as a guest room (along with several cabooses on the S side of the tracks there). When I stayed there one time a grizzly bear was grazing on sprouted spilled grain on the tracks, just 1/4 mile east of the Inn! It's a shame the food looks so microwaved and pre-spun. 30 years ago it was better, I think. I do remember the eastbound night-time (late evening) "sprint" through N Dakota being quite "amusement park" - like, owing the the state of the track, but, of course, that was part of the fun. I loved "I Vow To Thee My Country" / Holst Planets as a backdrop to Glacier Park! BEAUTIFUL! Thanks for a super video, which makes me want to do the trip again, but maybe I will wait for those new coaches! (I suspect it might be a LOGN wait! :-) ) --- Mike
The way I describe the Empire Builder is that it's scenic, but it's not as scenic as some other route such as the Southwest Chief, California Zephyr and Coast Starlight. The reason I say that is because as your video showed, it's only grand in scenic for a small portion of its route with the rest being as you said, "nothing but flat green farmland." It's defiantly scenic in its own way, it's just the Chief, the Zephyr and the Starlight as the better ones when it come to scenery.
With regards to the meal, Amtrak (and maybe also VIA Rail here in Canada), might want to consider outsourcing the food service on the slepeer trains to a company like Wagon-Lits.
I feel like the empire builder is quite similar to the lake shore limited because both routes show huge water views as well as mountain views and both have two branch split offs, the lake shore limited is between Chicago and New York City / Boston and splits off at Albany while the empire builder is between Chicago and Seattle/ Portland (Oregon) and splits off at Spokane. Both routes are also in the northern United States.
I haven’t taken this route yet, but I’m pretty sure I’ll have to take it sometime in the future. Kinda hate that the Superliners don’t have a top window. I mean you can see a little of it on the top bunk but it sucks because if you’re one who wakes up earlier, you can’t really enjoy the American west. The Viewliners are probably one of the best sleeper trains on Amtrak as I took the Lake Shore Limited in March of 2023 in a Viewliner I. The Viewliner I’s interior looks like a Superliner interior. I wonder if Amtrak is going to retire the Superliners and switch to the Viewliners. Also I’ve been watching a lot of trip reports on long haul routes because I’m definitely taking them in the future.
We asked to move from Private Bedroom to Room H. Our room “A” is smaller than the other private bedrooms. Yet they sold it to 2 handicapped people. Room H was better from a mobility perspective. We noticed a bad smell while sitting in the chairs. We expressed our concern. We both started to feel ill. We were placed in a room with a known mold/mildew problem. We had to stay in that room over 5 hours feeling more ill. After moving our stuff- some help from attendant back to our original room. Two attendant’s mentioned history of smells/ problems with room. Lucky we didn’t have asmtha. Despite our concerns Amtrak is more concerned with selling a seat without concerns of physically challenged. Ask questions, research and record any conversations.
Another awesome video. I am interested in taking that excursion. I live in Florida requiring me to fly to Seattle to start this trip. If not too personal, can you give me a ball park figure of what your accommodations cost? Beautiful scenery and you describe it so sell. Don
I have a really good option for you. I am subscribed. Also, could you do the Amtrak Capita limited Again I know you didn’t four years ago between Chicago and Pittsburgh but I was wondering if you could do it between Washington Union station and Cumberland, Maryland
I plan on revisiting the Capitol Limited, but this time covering its entire route. I'm not sure when that will be, but I'd guess sometime later this year.
For sleeper passengers, all meals are included. Meals are a paid extra for coach passengers, and are on a first come first serve basis for all meals. Prices for coach are $20 for breakfast, $25 for lunch, and $45 for dinner.
Looks like you are in one of the older, non-refurbished coaches. I world have definitely complained about that pasta dish (looked like a third re-heat!). And the flat wheel!!! I have ridden the EB several times, and have always enjoyed the trip. Unfortunately, it is becoming so pricey that its almost prohibitive ! !
I enjoyed the views of Glacier National Park, but the music was poorly chosen. Glacier National Park was once territory belonging to the Blackfeet Indian Nation. Overall I loved the video. 👍 Ty
I appreciate your trip reports. I know editing a two-day journey is difficult so let me add some interesting (in my mind) amplifications: When passing the Isaac Walton Inn you noted the former GN locomotive which is just a shell and contains a cabin that you can stay in as well as some caboose-cabins on the opposite side that you didn’t see. Marias Pass is the lowest-elevation crossing of the Continental Divide in the US. You mentioned crossing the high bridge west of Cut Bank, MT. You were actually crossing Old Maid Coulee. The former GN route crosses other coulees including Gassman Coulee just west of Minot. Shelby, MT-Minot is the longest crew district in all of Amtrak and thus a relief engineer is carried. Minot is much more than crew change and fueling. An FRA-mandated safety inspection of the train is performed there and repairs are made if necessary. You showed a speed at one point if 81 mph. The maximum speed is 79 mph and the speed recorders in the locomotives will alert management if that is exceeded. So we’ll chalk up the 81 mph to GPS inaccuracy.
Nice production, excellent narrative, very nice pictures. Subscribed for more. A few suggestions, if I may be so bold... If you get a car with a really annoying flat wheel, sometimes the SCAs can move you to another car. If not, write Customer Service at AMTRAK, you might get an adjustment or credit. Send them an audio recording, they can tell how bad it is. This one should have been Bad Ordered when they got to Chicago. Flat wheels can be a safety issue, the worse they are worn, they are more prone to sudden failure. The railroads hate them, they beat up the rails. Don't grouse about the food - at least you aren't being subjected to FLEX Dining Slop. Gives the word "Dining" a bad rep. Us Texas Eagle riders would give our Front Seat in Hell for those meals. And the Sightseer Lounge again. Observation cars are on the end of the train, and alas, they are a thing of the past. You are referring to the Sightseer Lounge. I have window brush/squeegee on a collapsible pole. Comes in handy, especially if you are photographing or recording.. If you establish a rep with your SCA, even though a station isn't a "Fresh Air" stop, sometimes they will let you step off first with an "at your risk" warning. But just step downwind, light up quick and be ready to scoot back aboard. Also carry duct tape for rattles, an extension cord with USB outlets on it, a Keuring Single Cup brewer, a scanner (Baofeng, Woushun or similar inexpensive Chinesium on Amazon, frequencies on ontrack-online site), and an electric cooler bag with goodies. And never ever miss the Flatiron Steak.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
My wife and i took this train last spring to Seattle. It was a great trip. The steak was fantastic. Views were so so for the second day as north Dakota and Montana looked like the ice planet hoth. I would love to take it again to glacier. Also we spoiled ourselves and stayed in the room. Well worth the extra money for a private bathroom/ shower
There is talk about getting federal funds to bring back the Empire Builder's so called sister train which was called the "North Coast Hiawatha" which used to run almost adjacent to the Empire Builder but about 150 south of the Empire Builder route between Chicago and Seattle. The North Coast Hiawatha is a more scenic route than the Empire Builder. The North Coast Hiawatha was discontinued during the 1979 Amtrak Bloodbath in which several long distance trains were discontinued leaving several cities and towns without any passenger rail at all.
And add to that fantasy the restoration of the Sunset to Florida (maybe to Miami, but to JAX will do), an ElPaso - Dallas - Meridian connection to the Sunset and CONO, and - dare I dream so? - Dallas to Houston?
We all have our dreams...
Won't ever happen - not even on Biden's watch.
@@The_DuMont_NetworkThe fact that there is no passenger rail connecting Albuquerque & Denver is a travesty!
I find your delivery extremely harsh.
I did hear they bringing some other trains so other cities have Amtrak stops also
Took this from Sacramento ca to the twin cities during covid. Was one of the most incredible journeys I have ever been on. Would do it again in a heartbeat
I really appreciate your trip reports and especially enjoy your commentary and music choices. Really makes me feel like I've been along for the ride. Thank you for your efforts. Happy traveling.
Thanks so much for the kind words. I always strive to make the best content possible, and it’s super rewarding to hear that people really enjoy it.
I'm doing the Empire Builder in the other direction, Chicago to Seattle, this summer and this video has only heightened my sense of anticipation. The views look stunning. I hope to get similar glorious weather (minus the smoke haze) and will avoid the Rigatoni Bolognaise! Nice one sir, you've earned yourself a subscription.
That flat wheel is signing to me - absolutely the most soothing sound ever! Hypnotic! One of my absolute favorite things about traveling on Amtrak! Man, what a treat! Sorry it annoyed but if it were me I'd be out like a light!
Absolutely horrific for me. I can’t sleep with ear plugs due to tinnitus. I’d go insane from the insufferable ringing. So I sleep with a white noise machine year round. I’m not sure I’d be allowed to bring it on, but even if I did, I’m not sure it’d drown out the noise of the flat wheel. I’d have to insist on a new sleeping car.
Took the Empire builder all the way from PDX to Chicago last summer with my 13 year old son in coach. It was an amazing and wonderful experience for both of us. We took snacks and drinks and supplemented with food from the café car. The images you share here are on-point with just how amazing the journey is. The roomettes and sleeper rooms are a tad expensive for us, but even in coach, totally worth it!
Coach is still a fantastic way to travel. I've done coach on a couple longer rides in the past (though nothing overnight... yet...), and it's very comfortable. It's super affordable, and if you bring your own snacks, it's an awesome way to see the country.
How many hours did you sleep in Coach if I may ask? What was your favorite item from the Cafe car if I may ask?
The majestic music of Gustav Holst was the best choice for that beautiful footage of Montana. I'd love to ride on The Empire Builder someday.
This is on my "Spring '24 Meshugeneh Tesla - AMTRAK trip" plan. Drive from Dallas to LaPlata, leave my car at The Depot Inn, then the Chief to Galesburg, the Zephyr to Emeryville, the remaining part of the Coast Starlight I haven't ridden to Seattle, then the EB to Chicago, and the Chief back to my car in LaPlata. Then a drive to Illinois Railway Museum, Beech Grove and back home. And it will mark my finally being in my 50th state, Montana! And only the CONO and Lakeshore Limited as the two LD trains I haven't ridden. That will be the Summer Trip.
Excellent video. My husband and I are taking this trip in a couple months. It’s actually the first of three trains, followed by the Capitol Limited and the Silver Star to Fort Lauderdale. We’ve ridden Amtrak several times now but it’s always been the Coast Starlight so the change in scenery will be nice. That dinner on your first night is inexcusable. I’m sure you could have requested another meal in its place. After all, the food isn’t “free”. You pay dearly for it. I have not had a meal on Amtrak yet that wasn’t excellent. Thank you for the high quality video. I can’t watch enough videos of our upcoming trip.
I never thought to ask for another meal. Not sure why, but just never did, though I'll have to keep it in mind next time I'm on board. Depending on when your trip is, I may have a video out on the Silver Star before you leave. I took the Southwest Chief, Cardinal, and Star in December, all of which were incredible, though I'm not sure when they'll be uploaded just yet.
The very rare occasion where I can come home from a weekday shift on the rails to yet another new LTR video! Definitely an awesome change 😁
They're few and far between, but I like to drop a Wednesday video every now and then as a treat! Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
@@LonestarTripsWahoo! Keeps me going at the gym. "Workout for more train food!!!" 😂
Omg i love the flat wheel sound...but im a train person! Ive never had a flat wheel so loud that it kept me awake
Haha it's definitely hit or miss for passengers! I enjoy the wheel sound during the day, but at night it was a bit much for me.
This one was alarming, frankly. Very bad flat spot. Should have been bad ordered, I presume Seattle has a wheel swap ability. If not, Chicago certainly does. The flat spots beat up the rails and can fail suddenly.
Another excellent video. My wife and I took the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle in May, 2022. Watching your video allowed me to re-live many of the sights we saw back then. I paid attention to every shot that included an Amtrak employee to see if I recognized any of them. But, alas, you had a different crew than we did. One constructive comment I'd like to add: in your notes you included the departure time and arrival time. It would add context if you included the timezone. In other words, you left Seattle at 4:55 PM PST (assuming you took this trip after daylight saving time ended) and you arrived in Chicago at 4:45 PM CST. I think it would also be great if your notes included the date you started and ended your trip. Thanks again for the great content!
Gorgeous sunset in Wenatchee there. I frequently see the Empire Builder coming down from Stevens Pass and at Mukilteo - a super iconic train that runs through some of the best scenery in the US. Glad it's still around.
How can anyone complain about that flat spot on the wheels that's music to my ears😊
Yeah, I agree, up to a certain volume. We don't get the clickety clacks, and few of the dingdingdings of crossing bells any more, nor steam whistles. Sigh.
I enjoy catching the Empire Builder Westbound because when it arrives on time you have the entire day . I normally rent a car and drive to Vancouver.
I rode this train eastbound last May. Unfortunately it was delayed out of Seattle about an hour, so much of the ride through the Cascades was in darkness, so I'm glad for this video.
That is an awesome video filled with so much information. Thanks for posting.
Glad you enjoyed, thanks for stopping by!
Excellent video. You've convince me to take a trip this summer on the Empire Builder!
Love the scenery and your narration ❤I'm now a subscriber 😊 good video 👍
On some long distance trains, the National Park Services Volunteers hold informative talks in the observation car. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn more while traveling.
I travelled over 1 year ago Empire Builder Chi-Whitefish Mt. You will enjoy the Glacier Nat Park during daylight time vs darkness in Oct as my trip. N Dakota& East Montana will amaze you though it is pretty flat. Didn't see balance of your trip since i exited at Whitefish. Verygood dining both in room as well as the dining car. Go for the SightSee lounge car before it splits at Spokane for Portland section of train. A good staff plus food and scenery will make this Empire Builder a fun trip.
It on my bucket list travel on empire builder it my dream travel .very interesting route and good history
It’s certainly a bucket list worth train. The route is beautiful, the people are nice, and the food is great, so definitely worth taking the time to ride the rails!
@LonestarTrips oh very nice . Thank you how was your journey on empire bulid
@@ghighlandchieftain4462 I had a great time. The scenery through Glacier is absolutely stunning. What I showed in the video is only a fraction of what you’ll actually see on board, and really it’s worth it for that section alone.
@LonestarTrips okay thank you very much 😊
Beautiful sunset on the first evening! I really appreciate the tour of the other rooms. I’m so pumped for my Southwest Chief trip this summer!
The southwest chief is an amazing route! My current schedule has the video of the Chief going out on April 13th, so a great way to introduce you to what's to come!
@@LonestarTrips Thanks Noah, I’ll be ready.👍👍
I sure do enjoy the narrative and detailed description of train adventures. Nice work!!
Superb ! Warmed my heart. THANK YOU ! You are good.
been on this train many times and have enjoyed the trip everytime. the scenery is fantastic and the food and crew's were just great.
I love the placement of oh God beyond all praising in the music 🎉
Thanks for the commentary. I get on in Whitfish, and go to Chicago. Fun way to travel and cool folks to meet.
Glad you enjoyed it! The train really is a great way to travel, especially when the scenery is so beautiful.
Awesome ride on Amtrak Empire Builder #8 I did a roundtrip on the Amtrak Empire Builder route between Chicago & Seattle/Portland. I had an outstanding time during my round trip but if you were to ask me which section of the Amtrak Empire Builder route has the better scenery the Portland Section wins the views going alongside the Columbia River are breathtaking.
We have done the Empire Builder twice in 22 and 23 Chicago to Seattle got 2 roometes one for me and one for my wife and niece simply loved it .This year we plan on the California Zephyr Emeryville to Chicago.
Sounds like a great time! The Cali Zephyr is still one I need to ride. I've heard it's one of, if not the most scenic Amtrak route, so I'm waiting until spring/summer when there's more daylight to book my ticket. Enjoy your time onboard, and safe travels!
Next time check out the Family Bedroom. Plenty of room, windows on both sides of the train, cheaper than the bedrooms. Yes, the potties are 20 feet down the hall, but much much cleaner than in the coaches. Try it, you'll like it!
You mention about the Metra north line route, well there is a resturant long that route that I highly recommend you should try and that is the Moretti's Ristorante and Pizzeria in Morton Grove. I am son of two Chicagoan parents and I love that resturant.
Nice trip report on the empire builder looks like a fun Amtrak train ride despite of being late
Me and my GF took a trip up the Northeast Corridor from Richmond, VA to Providence, RI and it was amazing! We were coach class and the dinner was amazing imo. I got a Cheese burger and she got Chedar Macaroni and cheese i recommend Amtrak travel to everyone!!
This was such a GREAT video!!!!! Thank You 🙂
I was supposed to take this trip on Wednesday 1/17 Chicago to Seattle. Was very excited then the weather caused the whole trip to get cancelled. I will have to try again in the summer/fall
Sorry to hear it man. Did Amtrak comp you on the rescheduled trip, or did they just refund the winter trip?
@@LonestarTrips they refunded the whole amount. They’re good about that when it’s their fault / cancellation
What a fantastic way to experience a piece of the Western US.
Another great trip video! I'm hoping to take my first long distance trip soon either on the Coast Starlight or California Zephyr, and this makes me even more excited for it. :D
Nice video, as always. I'm quite certain Havre was named after the French port city of Le Havre, though the origin story you heard is certainly amusing.
I love that you had my room. 😊
😊
I experienced a flat wheel on the Amtrak auto train going to Florida; it is an annoying sound that I had to listen to for the whole trip. First time I have experienced that in the five years of snowbirding.
Great, non-hyped narration.
Very nice video!!
As others probably already mentioned, that "locomotive" at the Izaak Walton Inn has been converted as a guest room (along with several cabooses on the S side of the tracks there). When I stayed there one time a grizzly bear was grazing on sprouted spilled grain on the tracks, just 1/4 mile east of the Inn!
It's a shame the food looks so microwaved and pre-spun. 30 years ago it was better, I think. I do remember the eastbound night-time (late evening) "sprint" through N Dakota being quite "amusement park" - like, owing the the state of the track, but, of course, that was part of the fun.
I loved "I Vow To Thee My Country" / Holst Planets as a backdrop to Glacier Park! BEAUTIFUL!
Thanks for a super video, which makes me want to do the trip again, but maybe I will wait for those new coaches! (I suspect it might be a LOGN wait! :-) ) --- Mike
Rare report on Empire Builder.. Thanks.
The way I describe the Empire Builder is that it's scenic, but it's not as scenic as some other route such as the Southwest Chief, California Zephyr and Coast Starlight. The reason I say that is because as your video showed, it's only grand in scenic for a small portion of its route with the rest being as you said, "nothing but flat green farmland." It's defiantly scenic in its own way, it's just the Chief, the Zephyr and the Starlight as the better ones when it come to scenery.
With regards to the meal, Amtrak (and maybe also VIA Rail here in Canada), might want to consider outsourcing the food service on the slepeer trains to a company like Wagon-Lits.
Great details about Friends of the 261. They brought out those cars for Train Days in June '23, it made for great content for my first video.
soooooo informative
Oh my gosh amazing
I love your videos and I've just became a member thank you because I'm a train spotter
Thank you so much! Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Great Vid.
Glad you enjoyed.
Spectacular coastline
Everyone on that car should have received a discount for the sound of that flat wheel.
Beautiful country!
I feel like the empire builder is quite similar to the lake shore limited because both routes show huge water views as well as mountain views and both have two branch split offs, the lake shore limited is between Chicago and New York City / Boston and splits off at Albany while the empire builder is between Chicago and Seattle/ Portland (Oregon) and splits off at Spokane. Both routes are also in the northern United States.
Ride Amtrak's Empire Builder from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest and feel your place in the Universe. Alllll aboard Amtrak
All aboard!!!
Amtrack express train from Seattle Washington to Chicago Illinois
I haven’t taken this route yet, but I’m pretty sure I’ll have to take it sometime in the future. Kinda hate that the Superliners don’t have a top window. I mean you can see a little of it on the top bunk but it sucks because if you’re one who wakes up earlier, you can’t really enjoy the American west. The Viewliners are probably one of the best sleeper trains on Amtrak as I took the Lake Shore Limited in March of 2023 in a Viewliner I. The Viewliner I’s interior looks like a Superliner interior. I wonder if Amtrak is going to retire the Superliners and switch to the Viewliners.
Also I’ve been watching a lot of trip reports on long haul routes because I’m definitely taking them in the future.
We asked to move from Private Bedroom to Room H. Our room “A” is smaller than the other private bedrooms. Yet they sold it to 2 handicapped people. Room H was better from a mobility perspective. We noticed a bad smell while sitting in the chairs. We expressed our concern. We both started to feel ill. We were placed in a room with a known mold/mildew problem. We had to stay in that room over 5 hours feeling more ill. After moving our stuff- some help from attendant back to our original room. Two attendant’s mentioned history of smells/ problems with room. Lucky we didn’t have asmtha. Despite our concerns Amtrak is more concerned with selling a seat without concerns of physically challenged. Ask questions, research and record any conversations.
Hello and welcome 🎉
I always want to ride the empire someday.
That Smuckers syrup is terrrrrrrible. Corn syrup and lots of mystery ingredients. I would buy some real maple syrup, if possible. 40:59
Another awesome video. I am interested in taking that excursion. I live in Florida requiring me to fly to Seattle to start this trip. If not too personal, can you give me a ball park figure of what your accommodations cost? Beautiful scenery and you describe it so sell. Don
30:12 I remember the wildfires. I live in the Chicago area. It was so bad I wore masks when I was outside or at work.
When you added Holst to Glacier National Park, you instantly earned a like❤️
Much appreciated! Holst’s Jupiter is one of my favorite pieces of music.
I took it the other way... from Chicago to West Glacier Park... in about 1990 with my daughter in February.
I have a really good option for you. I am subscribed. Also, could you do the Amtrak Capita limited Again I know you didn’t four years ago between Chicago and Pittsburgh but I was wondering if you could do it between Washington Union station and Cumberland, Maryland
I plan on revisiting the Capitol Limited, but this time covering its entire route. I'm not sure when that will be, but I'd guess sometime later this year.
You're lucky you got tradional dining instead of flexible the steak is awesome
Keep it up
Will do!
Where would you rank this trip in relation to other long distance trains namely the southwest chief and coast starlight?
Quick question about Amtrak is lunch included or does it cost extra
For sleeper passengers, all meals are included. Meals are a paid extra for coach passengers, and are on a first come first serve basis for all meals. Prices for coach are $20 for breakfast, $25 for lunch, and $45 for dinner.
@@LonestarTrips Do they take Cash only for coach ? Or can you use a credit card?
😮@@LonestarTrips
This was back when Amtrak actually used to operate this train! Now its cancelled every day.
If only they could control the weather😂
Looks like you are in one of the older, non-refurbished coaches. I world have definitely complained about that pasta dish (looked like a third re-heat!). And the flat wheel!!! I have ridden the EB several times, and have always enjoyed the trip. Unfortunately, it is becoming so pricey that its almost prohibitive ! !
For future reference, nobody in the Seattle area calls it "the Puget Sound."😂😂. We drop the "the." Just Puget Sound, please!
Good to know! I'll be sure to call it Puget Sound moving forward. Thanks for the heads up!
Good idea on combining the two videos into 1 let me know if I’m wrong
I had to go back and make sure this was not a reupload
Thanks! There are still a few things that are exclusive to each of the original videos, but most of the content is in this one combined upload.
I just looked at today's video's patch notes... where on earth was Herobrine??
😂 He wasn't there, it's just a joke from back when Mojang used to have that at the bottom of all of their minecraft patch notes.
Quibble: it's not *the* Puget Sound; it's merely Puget Sound (no "the").
Great video, but, you need to check your geography on the waters east of the Continental Divide! They do not flow into the Atlantic Ocean!
Can you still get a Pizza Hut delivered to the platform In havre?
Have they stopped using Williston as a fresh air break?
I honestly liked the Empire Builder slightly better than the Zephyr just because of western Montana.
Western Montana is just stunning. It'll definitely be hard for the Zephyr to top that.
You did not like the Moon River on the Zephyr, I think that is one of the best parts on the Zephyr.
You missed the cancellation of Empire Builder for 4 days the week before last!!
I enjoyed the views of Glacier National Park, but the music was poorly chosen. Glacier National Park was once territory belonging to the Blackfeet Indian Nation. Overall I loved the video. 👍 Ty
Are you referring to the background music throughout the video?
@@LonestarTrips, no, just the ride through Glacier Park section. Overall I really enjoy watching all your videos. Keep up the great work. 👍
@@OnesimoDeLaGarza Really? Pretty much everyone else had only positive things to say about that section. Any reason why?
what is the music playiun around 23:30?
That is Jupiter by Gustav Holst. It’s one of my favorite pieces of music 😊
Are you going to be uploading more often now?
Probably not. This was just a one off as it didn’t really fit the category of a full upload.
Nice videos
Minot?? Why not??
The train that's never on time. A route made for air travel.
I wished that the it was cab into Seattle & 🚂 out of Seattle to Eugene for Cacades
I appreciate your trip reports. I know editing a two-day journey is difficult so let me add some interesting (in my mind) amplifications: When passing the Isaac Walton Inn you noted the former GN locomotive which is just a shell and contains a cabin that you can stay in as well as some caboose-cabins on the opposite side that you didn’t see. Marias Pass is the lowest-elevation crossing of the Continental Divide in the US. You mentioned crossing the high bridge west of Cut Bank, MT. You were actually crossing Old Maid Coulee. The former GN route crosses other coulees including Gassman Coulee just west of Minot. Shelby, MT-Minot is the longest crew district in all of Amtrak and thus a relief engineer is carried. Minot is much more than crew change and fueling. An FRA-mandated safety inspection of the train is performed there and repairs are made if necessary. You showed a speed at one point if 81 mph. The maximum speed is 79 mph and the speed recorders in the locomotives will alert management if that is exceeded. So we’ll chalk up the 81 mph to GPS inaccuracy.
Occasional short excursions past 79 can occur and are tolerated if immediately corrected and aren't too frequent.
Should have reported the flat spots to the conductor
I would. Like to know the price just one. Trip. Seattle to. Chicago and how much the price and what is included. Thank you. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Nice video, but the old Midway station was still in St. Paul not Minneapolis.
Great trip - but a pity it's no longer hauled by a uniquely American looking locomotive.......just like any other bland European design now.
I want to know the price for ticket. Just one trip from Seattle to Chicago please thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I've been on every east-west Amtrak train, except one. I'll bet you can guess which one it is... :(
That wheel is annoying, isn't it?
That it is.
Nice production, excellent narrative, very nice pictures. Subscribed for more.
A few suggestions, if I may be so bold...
If you get a car with a really annoying flat wheel, sometimes the SCAs can move you to another car. If not, write Customer Service at AMTRAK, you might get an adjustment or credit. Send them an audio recording, they can tell how bad it is. This one should have been Bad Ordered when they got to Chicago. Flat wheels can be a safety issue, the worse they are worn, they are more prone to sudden failure. The railroads hate them, they beat up the rails.
Don't grouse about the food - at least you aren't being subjected to FLEX Dining Slop. Gives the word "Dining" a bad rep. Us Texas Eagle riders would give our Front Seat in Hell for those meals. And the Sightseer Lounge again.
Observation cars are on the end of the train, and alas, they are a thing of the past. You are referring to the Sightseer Lounge.
I have window brush/squeegee on a collapsible pole. Comes in handy, especially if you are photographing or recording..
If you establish a rep with your SCA, even though a station isn't a "Fresh Air" stop, sometimes they will let you step off first with an "at your risk" warning. But just step downwind, light up quick and be ready to scoot back aboard.
Also carry duct tape for rattles, an extension cord with USB outlets on it, a Keuring Single Cup brewer, a scanner (Baofeng, Woushun or similar inexpensive Chinesium on Amazon, frequencies on ontrack-online site), and an electric cooler bag with goodies.
And never ever miss the Flatiron Steak.
And I would have returned the food and got something else
6 minutes in