Amtrak Cardinal - Amtrak Viewliner Roomette
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- Опубликовано: 2 июл 2024
- What’s better than taking a train? Not much in my book. This video highlights the Amtrak Roomette on the Mighty Cardinal and my experience taking it as part of my trip from Washington, DC to Los Angeles on Amtrak.
This is the first of two videos documenting this trip across the country by Amtrak. In this first video, I’ll share my experience traveling from Washington, DC to Chicago on the Amtrak Cardinal train in an Amtrak Roomette.
From this Amtrak Roomette on the Cardinal, we pass through Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, the steep mountains of West Virginia, the hills of Kentucky, on into Ohio, and Indiana, all before stopping in Illinois.
This video highlights every aspect of my trip on the Amtrak Cardinal in the Amtrak Roomette, including the Acela Lounge at Washington’s Union Station, the Amtrak Roomette, a well-designed and comfortably private space. I’ll share Amtrak’s meals and the spaces available to passengers throughout the Amtrak Cardinal Viewliner train in an Amtrak Roomette.
I’ll even share a bit of history of the Amtrak Cardinal's route along the way, from the perspective of my Amtrak Roomette.
Don’t miss the second video about the Southwest Chief:
• Amtrak Southwest Chief...
0:00 Welcome and Overview
0:59 Union Station
2:21 Acela Lounge
2:57 Boarding the Amtrak Cardinal to an Amtrak Roomette
4:11 Departure (7 minutes late)
5:55 Amtrak Roomette Tour
7:41 Amtrak Wifi
8:29 Amtrak Lunch (Pasta & Meatballs) in my Amtrak Roomette
10:25 Fresh Air Break in Charlottesville, Virginia
10:51 Amtrak Cardinal Train Tour
11:54 Buckingham Branch
12:46 Entering Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
15:22 About White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
17:21 Amtrak Dinner (Red Wine Braised Beef)
18:33 Waking Up in Indiana in my Amtrak Roomette
19:26 Breakfast in my Amtrak Roomette
21:06 Next Stop, Chicago!
21:58 Bloopers
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MUSIC:
Open Your Heart - Briar Edwards
Progressive Progress - Howard Harper-Barnes
Give Me (Instrumental Version) - Humble Hey
Plane To California (Instrumental Version) - Aluvio
Everything I know - Plain Strolls
Sheridan Square - Constance Calling
Setllted (Instrumental Version) - Bird of Figment
Give My All to You (Instrumental Version) -waykap
New Light (Instrumental Version) - Sven Karlsson
¬Humble Abode - George’s Town
The Street Performer - The Fly Guy Five
Jeb, did you take the train again just because of how good the meatballs were? 😂
Guilty! 🤣
@@GreenerGrass it is true freight trains receive priority wish Amtrak would just add a second track to solve all of our problems especially on some of the bigger midwest routes i.e. Chicago to STL, etc.. Great videos as always!
@@GreenerGrass Busted
@@vanofmemes haha!!!!!
Did you break the fork because you tried to use your fork to break the meatball apart? There’s a thing called a “knife” and it’s designed to cut food apart. Just sayin... (Maybe you didn’t get one?)
What kind of genius designed that in-room toilet next to where you sit, eat, and sleep, and basically one curtain away from exposed yourself to the hallway. Not to mention if you ever have a roommate since this is called roomette.
It's inspired by the contemporary correctional facility.
Actually, ***I*** feel that it's MUCH BETTER to have one's 1st Class Personal Accomodations totally self-contained!!! Others may disagree, and a couple of you do above do so. ME? I want ALL of mine contained inside my 1st Class, rather than going out into the PUBLIC AREAS to take a shower, etc. Those who want to do so...are free to do THAT, also, so, something for everyone! :-) as a PRIVACY GUY, the options above for myself, as well. See, a WIN-WIN situation! :-)
If you're traveling with a younger child this could be a very ideal arrangement. Since privacy is not a concern when you're assisting your own child. As for the one curtain being your only barrier for privacy, it's not as if the corridor are packed with potential observers. I agree it's a bit weird but you're not forced to use it.
It's honestly not as bad as you think it is. If you're in a roomette, odds are you're probably pretty comfortable (or hopefully at least unconcerned) about this arrangement. If you're in a suite then you do have a separate wet bath, but only one queen size bed instead of two single bunks.
@@BalooUriza I'm pretty sure the full room on Amtrak has a 3rd bunk above the queen.
Jeb - I'm a train attendant & avgeek based in LAX. Thank you for including rail travel in your reviews. You beam with delight & reverence on your videos. Let me respond to your questions regarding train car numbers & freight train priority. The train attendant working that car should have verified/changed the car number during their pre-departure duties. At the station on the platform there should have been station services personnel directing passengers to the appropriate sleeping car & coach boarding locations. At the door to the individual sleeping car the attendant should say something to the effect of "This is the 5110 car" or whatever car number it is of the train consist. Yes, freight trains have running priority over Amtrak as those freight railroads own & operate the tracks which Amtrak long-haul travel on. Something that caught my attention was the announcement made by the attendant on PA seemed a little gruff, not hospitality industry welcoming. It's a pet peeve of mine when initial PA announcement doesn't mention the safety card & emergency exit information. I prefer to speak individually person to person at the door of their room explaining the meal & bed turn down. I would also ask if you, the passenger, are familiar with & have previously traveled abroad Viewliner equipment & explain specifically the features & workings, i.e. toilet, bag rack, ect. I didn't see the paper headrest covers on the sleeping car seats or in coach, that bothers me. I often wish we at Amtrak had the same level of product presentation finesse as the airlines. Very grateful for your support & enthusiasm for Amtrak.
Thankl you for your service on trains!
"I often wish we at Amtrak had the same level of product presentation finesse as the airlines".
Nice. Especially because your transportation service is SO MUCH BETTER than the airlines . . . especially these days. Thanks for caring about your job / customers!
I suspect there was a lot of pressure on the entire system at that time, trying to adapt to covid just generally such a moving target - everything from supply chain disruption for anything and everything on the train, to short-staffed due to coworkers getting sick so juniors are suddenly on the door/on the PA and the conductor is freaking out how we gonna get this DONE, to trying to actualize the latest rules that came in 3 hours ago oh mah lawdy... Amtrak's a total blast no matter what, and Jeb had a heck of a good time, so all is well in the end :)
7 minutes late in Japan: The company's boss apologises on national tv.
And the company issued an apology letter for each passenger.
The letter can be shown as a permit for the passenger's manager in their workplace, so the passenger won't get a pay cut.
7 minutes later in Italy: anybody was at the station because they thought the train was on in usually 30 minutes late.
I swear they are so honest and polite😂
Being Japanese, I can confirm this is true, for the exception of 2020/2021's strangely heavy amount of snow. Bullet trains are now having 2 hour delays while conventional lines are either closing down or having 5-hour delays from detours. (7 minutes delay is more or less normal on conventional lines) The true panic is when trains leave 3 minutes early.
lol in malaysia if a train got delay mostly the boss just let you in or "get a vehicle like a car or motorcycle".
im an amtrak acela railroad enginner there are numbers in the car like 29553 and you look at the last two numbers 53 thats the car number
Thanks for providing that information, which I doubt most of us knew.
I've watched a lot of train stories, and they don't really treat Amtrak with the care that you are doing. Thanks for showing how great train travel really is.
You'll find 70% or higher I bet, of train fans of all types hate amtrak with a passion me included so your comment don't surprise me to much. Train travel is great amtrak not so much back in the 40s it was way more classier cooked meals and drinks you name it. Now you got amtraks premade box lunches and microwaved meals gross..... when it gets set up I'm looking at a trip on the rocky mountaineer on their new Colorado to Utah route if it works out for them.
If you really want to have great train travel spend two or three weeks in Europe,You can book passage for London to France to Amsterdam to Germany, And if you want to travel first class The accommodations are Great, trains and accommodations are clean and the dining car is first class all the way. This is what first class train travel is in most of Europe, with exception for train travel in the Balkans.I recommend to anyone who loves train travel
spend two weeks or so in Europe. In my opinion Switzerland has the best first class train travel in the world.
That toilet right next to a seat seems very unsanitary I would hate to see what a blue light in that area looks like
I would be disgusted 😅
I’d be really worried about the curtains next to the toilet......can’t imagine them being properly cleaned that often 🤢🤮
Same. I live in India and was just looking up what trains in "dreamland" America are like. They look very plush (slightly better than trains here in India) but the basic idea behind it is horrible. A commode next to my seat in such an enclosed space? Whoever thought of that? I would take a sleeper class (the lowest amenity reserved ticket bogie class in Indian trains) any day over this thing.
But I guess the only reason something like this would exist is due to a demand from American customers for this kind of thing. After all, America is the center of capitalism.
The train station in DC look very nice though. And that door kick hack was also a good idea. My most favourite were the views of American countryside. Very similar to the views of Indian countryside. The enthusiasm and appreciation Mr. Brooks had for train journeys in general was nice to see.
I would be on the can 🚽 all 24 hours of that train ride
@B J Seriously? Japan I can agree is a dreamland. But China? I would rather be born in India than in China. Either you are someone from China or your are one of those overprivileged Americans who hasn't really stepped outside of USA and hence has no understanding how awful authoritarian countries can be. Sure USA has some problems, but they aren't near as bad as problems in non-Democratic nations. So when you enjoy all the benefits of living in USA to the point that they seem normal to you, but at the slightest sign of adversity or inconvenience you start saying "look, this $hit don't happen in China", it just goes to show what a snowflake you really are.
I have met quite a few of your kind. People who think India is the worst and that somehow Pakistan is better. My only reply to such B.S. is "go right ahead". GTFO to Pakistan or China. Walk the talk.
So if you are American, I would say to you: GTFO to China if you really think its such a utopia.
Sitting beside an open toilet bowl that hundreds of strangers have used and probably not cleaned very well before your arrival, gives the ride that extra touch of class and comfort. Truly a ride you wont forget
How do you know it’s not cleaned regularly?
No, not for a long time to come, with your gift of a yeast infection!
Really? Sitting beside an "open" toilet bowl that "hundreds of strangers have used" since it was cleaned?
I am sorry, but in the Amtrak Viewliner roomette review videos I have seen, the toilet bowl was neither "open" nor "dirty" in any sense. The cover was closed, and it looked absolutely spic and span inside when the cover was lifted.
If you experienced an issue, did you report it to your sleeper car attendant? If so, did they not fix the problem promptly?
Just walk with wipes or other type of cleaner to wipe the toilet area down.
@@ontnette Even with the public rest room and toilet at the end of the car... I use handy wipes everywhere, even at five star hotels...
Do freight trains get priority over Amtrak?
Short answer: Yes
Long answer:
Most of the track in the US is owned by freight companies who fix, monitor, and maintain their track therefore, the freight trains get priority over Amtrak who “borrows” the track. There is a fee which the government pays the freight companies to let Amtrak trains use their rails. However, Amtrak does own and has full priority on some track in the Northeast corridor up by the New York, Washington area where you departed from.👍
I have read (in many places) that while the freight companies own their track, they obtained the 'right of way' from the government with certain conditions, one of which includes now that the government's passenger rail company AMTRAK is supposed to get priority where practical. I don't know for certain whether this is still true, and if so, to what degree and with what conditions.
@@youtuuba This is false. The freight railroads built the tracks, the government has NEVER owned or operated passenger trains until Amtrak was created in the 1970s. Basically Amtrak has a window to fit in, but too much can go wrong to mess up that window...
@@ronclark9724 , WHAT is false? There is such a thing as railroad right of way, and at least historically the government granted those rights of way to railroads with certain condition attached. It has nothing to do with whether the government owned or operated passenger trains before AMTRAK. I do not know the current rules in this regard, but I know enough historically to ask the question now if somebody simply asserts that AMTRAK has no rights because the freight railroads own (most of) the tracks.
Also, "right of way" can mean 'who goes first' OR it can mean the route that railroad track is laid on, and that has historically been granted to railroads by the federal government, in the interest of encouraging railroads to be built and thus provide economic boost and benefit to industry and other commerce. In my comment, I was using the second definition.
If you are going to convincingly argue that AMTRAK has no rights vis-a-vis freight carriers, it would be good to back that up with some corroborative information.
For my part, I have done some online investigating, and there are LOTS of places detailing how freight carriers are supposed to give a certain amount of priority to AMTRAK trains running on those carriers tracks. Just one example is this brief statement on the AMTRAK website: "By law, Amtrak is supposed to receive priority over freight trains even when operating on freight railroad tracks." Other sources state that such priority has been in effect for over 50 years, and no laws have been changed since that time. You will need to do better that just stating "this is false"...provide real verifiable information, not just opinion.
Washington to Boston is the Amtrak owned segment and is all electric powered locomotives in that corridor
Legally, Amtrak has to be given priority. In reality, the freight companies that own the tracks usually give priority to their own trains. It's a bit like parents telling a little kid that they have to share their favorite toy with their sibling.
Jeb, I love watching your videos on train travel. In response to your question about whether or not freight trains get priority over Amtrak passenger trains:
1. When Amtrak was originally created May 1, 1970 congress wrote it into law that the Amtrak passenger trains would ALWAYS be given preference over the freight trains that also operated on the same tracks.
2. As the years went by, the Freight railroads who owned 97% of the tracks used by Amtrak became more and more inclined to give their own freight trains preference, as freight loads by rail increased and the freight railroads were not willing to give up their profits to keep the Amtrak trains running on time.
3. In 2008 the problem had gotten so bad that congress passed a new law stating that the freight railroads had to let Amtrak trains have priority.
4. The freight railroads hated this decision by congress, because it cut into their profits, so the freight railroad trade group, the Association of American Railroads (AAR), filed suit in 2011. The case made it to the U.S. Supreme Court, which sent it back to the D.C. appeals court who overturned the law in 2016, stating that the law gave Amtrak an unfair advantage as a regulator when they saw that Amtrak should be playing the part of a "Competitor" competing for use of the train tracks in a balanced way. This is exactly why in the original creation of Amtrak by congress in 1970 that they wrote it into law that Amtrak would always have preference over freights, because they knew the freight railroads would never give them preference unless they were forced to. They were not supposed to be a "Competitor" they were a government created national passenger rail systems that was supposed to have priority no matter what.
5. So now the freight railroads are "supposed" to act in a fair and balanced way to get Amtrak trains through in a timely manner, but we all know what without any repercussion for giving their profit-making freight trains priority, even if it makes Amtrak trains late, they are always going to chose their profit-making freights to go first.
In February 2019, I went across North America twice in 29 days . . . all by train. Amtrak Coast Starlight, Amtrak Cascades, Viarail Canadian, Viarail/Amtrak Maple Leaf, Amtrak Cardinal, Amtrak California Zephyr. Even though it was winter, I thought Virginia and West Virginia were absolutely beautiful - the best part of the Cardinal trip. When this COVID silliness is done, I hope to cross the Pacific again from Australia and go across the U.S. a couple of times more - the Empire Builder and the Southwest Chief are still on my bucket list. No one does long distance trains like Amtrak!
Try the Trans Siberian railway, the privately owned one not the one seen in the movies or travel promos.
@@davidkamen I have been tempted more than once, but I think my complete lack of language skills might be an impediment. :-(
Well, it is now 2023 and I am just seeing this. My husband and I traveled on the Cardinal from Cincinnati, Ohio to Washington DC in 2018. We had a roomette (the only non coach seating that was available) which was cozy but worked for us. The food was great, we did get to eat in the dining car and were always seated with other passengers. Strangely enough there was an Amish couple who sat with us and we knew some of their relatives from a small local (to us) Amish community! Small world! We departed 2 hours late from Cincy, arrived in DC about 5 hours late but the scenery, especially in West Virginia, was amazing. The return trip was right on time so I guess we lucked out. Thanks for sharing your travels!
That squirrel was doing more work than any politician ever will.
Jeb Brooks, a few comments:
First, regarding Viewliner Roomette toilets: I pretty much hate them. They are awkward, cramped and are right next to the gap in the privacy curtain to the aisle of the train car; if the Velcro on the privacy curtains is worn, it can be difficult to keep them closed while maneuvering while seated on the toilet. But my biggest gripe with these toilets is that they are only a few inches from the upholstery and 'living surfaces' in the small Roomette, and it is an obvious fact that a lot of both fecal matter and urine 'overspray' have gotten onto those surfaces and upholstery over the years, and AMTRAK historically has not done much in the way of thorough cleaning between trips. In other words, pretty damn gross. This is why, when I travel in a Viewliner Roomette, I always bring a pack of disinfecting wipes for the hard surfaces, I always sit on the seat that is NOT next to the toilet, and I always sleep in the upper bunk so that my body is not just a few inches from gross body-waste impregnated surfaces. And to avoid making things worse, I don't stand when peeing into that toilet. When a 'public' toilet is available in the Viewliner Sleeper car, I mostly use that instead of the one in my Roomette.
Second, taking the Cardinal eastbound is clearly more scenic than taking it westbound as you did, unless you prefer Indiana farmland to spectacular river valleys and gorges , e.g. the New River Gorge in West Virginia.
I use that Viewliner Roomette toilet as a step ladder to reach the top bunk. PERIOD. Like you I use the public toilet at one end of the car.
I think it's really convenient to have a toilet and sink in the steps to your upper bunk, hell, I'd love to have it in my room at home. Just shut up and embrace the space efficiency of the Viewliner Roomette
My one trip on the Cardinal was eastbound. The views are spectacular.
@@coastaku1954 , so, you disagree with my views on the Viewliner Roomette toilet, then you tell me to "shut up". That makes you a very rude person, and that is completely uncalled for.
Eww. Guess I won't try Amtrak after all, unless I can book an ensuite room.
I'm enjoying this diversity in your channel during these pandemic times.
Definitely love the quality that you put into these Amtrak travel videos. Great work!
Thanks! They take a long time to edit. I appreciate you noticing!!
Ah. How to find your train car. Each Amtrak train car has two numbers, one number that stays on the car at all times. Then, there is a 4 digit number that WILL change when the train reaches its final destination. The only problem is that Amtrak attendants have to manually change this number, which they often forget to do. In my experience, you can normally,
A- Ask for help.
B- There is a small label that identifies this car's class. e.g. Sleeping Car, or Coachclass. On the Cardinal, there is only one sleeping car, s finding it isn't that hard. On most other trains, however, there are 2-4 Sleeping Cars, so once you find them, you may want to ask the nearest Attendant.
C- Often times, Amtrak staff will direct you to your car.
I would have thought that i would be less than enamored with a trip like this. In fact, it was quite the opposite. It's a wonderful journey.
Well if you are in a hurry fly. If you wish to see the countryside without a tiring two or three day drive, ride Amtrak...
Great video! I definitely think Amtrak is an underrated experience for getting around the U.S on holiday. Some of the west coast routes are stunning!
Most tracks are owned by freight companies so Amtrak doesn’t get priority. Except for the Acela route.
They are indeed owned by freight companies, but by law passenger trains are supposed to have priority regardless of track ownership :)
@@ckildegaard Not sure what law that is, but as the video shows, it is often treated like the speed limit laws and many others! Truth is, the freight companies get paid by Amtrak for the trackage rights, and they do try to keep the passenger trains moving as best they can. But it's not at all like in the golden era, say around the 1920's and 1930's, where any employee would have been sacked on the spot had he (and they were mostly all men back then) gotten the Century or the Super Chief even a few minutes behind schedule.
Amtrak actually owns the Acela route, AKA the former Pennsylvania and New Haven main line. That is why they have fewer problems there - that and the 4 track (much of the way) main line. Interestingly, on that line the roles are reversed, and the freight companies pay Amtrak trackage fees to operate in the corridor, which they sometimes do...
@@ckildegaard There is no law claiming Amtrak priority. Only Amtrak usage ...
@@ronclark9724 there is a law stating passenger trains are to have right of way, but it is next to impossible to enforce.
My husband was an exchange student in the US in 1984. He travelled from L.A to Chicago, then to Minneapolis on to New York by train. He still reminisce over the beauty of the pale moonlight in the desert as the train moved onwards, he stayed awake despite being quite tired just to enjoy the views.
There is something remarkably special about travelling in the US by rail, especially for a Brit like me. I love long distance trains in the US. I can't wait to get to your side of the pond again. Jeb, thank you for informing and entertaining. Much love to you from a locked down but festive Reading in the UK. Here's to many more travels in 2021.
No disrespect but I would think the view in the UK would be better
@@darringraham2613 There are some spectacular rail vistas here in the UK, but we are a small island. The sheer distance of some American routes adds a certain romance to Amtrak.
@@simondavey7787 Train routes are very diverse, too. Mountains, prairie, desert, ocean, ... My favorite is in southern california where the rails are on the Pacific coatline. Have you taken a trip in Alaska/Canada?
@@AMD1 I haven't, but I'd love to. My favourite Amtrack journey so far was from Chicago to LA. I'm hoping that once international travel is possible again, that I can travel by train from San Diego to Alaska, via LA and Vancouver. One positive of the new President is that I think he will invest in the rails.
You captured exactly how I feel when the train starts rolling....calm.
As the train began moving forward, I felt a familiar feeling. A sense of calm and relaxation overtook me.
*IMMA* *TURN* *DOWN* *ALL* *THE* *BEDS* *BITCHES*
Lmao
Kansas City’s Union Station is an amazing building. It was redone about 20 years ago and is home to historical exhibits, a science center, a huge model railway, shops, and of course, the train terminal.
I also appreciate the tip about bringing an extra pillow! My hubby likes his pillows flat, so he might not need an extra pillow, but I like mine fluffy & plump.
There’s a lot to fall in love with in this, our beautiful country. Sweet Grand Seiko too!
I travelled several times by train between NYC and Boston. It was free seating so no need to worry about finding the right car. Travelling by train is such a nice way to see scenery that you would not see otherwise.
Hi from Brussels, Belgium
I'm very happy that you're adding train videos to your plane ones. You're starting to get a balance.
Jeb man i miss my Amtrak job. I work at union station but I’m on furlough so i won’t be back until the spring at least. On long distance trains the car number is luminated (9701 as an example). If i was working on the day of your travel i would’ve treated and escorted you.
I have been on the 51 cardinal in 2017 coming from Kings Island park in Cincinnati and the train was about 2-3 hours late upon arrival and almost 5 hours behind getting to Chicago.
@Piplup James I wish for you, a great 2021 & that you get back to work, sooner than later 🙏🏼🥰
A toilet with a view, i mean come on, who wouldnt want to sit on the toilet and watch the world go by
😁lol your comment made me spit my drink out
A M E R I C A
😂😂😂😂😂
While having a nice chat with your roommate sitting right across from you watching you taking a dump 🥰
Yes, it would certainly make one flush with pride!
That is a beautiful Grand Seiko, what an impressive collection you've got Jeb!
i knew it! it seems familiar and already suspect it as a GS lol
Back in 2010 my husband and I took the Amtrak from San Francisco to New York in twelve legs over 6 weeks. We headed south through LA then Texas and Louisiana before heading north. We soon learned to upgrade to a sleeper whenever possible. It was the most amazing trip I have ever been on. You see so much more from the train and get to meet some of the most amazing people. There is something relaxing and soothing about taking your time on the train.
Re: toilet in roomette: Roomettes were origially for 1 person. Amtrak put in bunk beds in its superliners and viewliners to make them more affordable for couples vs limited number of bedrooms. With a couple, I'd assume you'd only use it when other person is out of roomette. Or if other person is in upper bunk and you need to pee at night.
re: freight trains: technically, Amtrak has priority where possible. The last 2 words are important. If you are following slow freight, you can't overtake it if there is a oncoming train on the other tracks for instance so you have to wait. Gets worse on single track segments. Passenger trains are shorter so easier to fit in a siding to clear congestion.
In pracrice Atrak has a lot of freight related delays. If you were only 1 hour late into Chicago, it is considered "ahead of time" :-). Chicago is notorious for huge delays due to freight congestion. They have projects to build overpasses so that one freight train crossing tracks doesn't block 6 other tracks.
Jean-Francois Mezei, you wrote that "Roomettes were originally for one person". This disagrees with all information I have read about them, so I wonder where your information comes from. If you can point to some corroborative information elsewhere, that would be helpful.
As for Viewliner Roomette toilets: I pretty much hate them. They are awkward, cramped and are right next to the gap in the privacy curtain to the aisle of the train car; if the Velcro on the privacy curtains is worn, it can be difficult to keep them closed while maneuvering while seated on the toilet. But my biggest gripe with these toilets is that they are only a few inches from the upholstery and 'living surfaces' in the small Roomette, and it is an obvious fact that a lot of both fecal matter and urine 'overspray' have gotten onto those surfaces and upholstery over the years, and AMTRAK historically has not done much in the way of thorough cleaning between trips. In other words, pretty damn gross. This is why, when I travel in a Viewliner Roomette, I always bring a pack of disinfecting wipes for the hard surfaces, I always sit on the seat that is NOT next to the toilet, and I always sleep in the upper bunk so that my body is not just a few inches from gross body-waste impregnated surfaces. And to avoid making things worse, I don't stand when peeing into that toilet. When a 'public' toilet is available in the Viewliner Sleeper car, I mostly use that instead of the one in my Roomette.
@@youtuuba Romettes on pullman and later on Budd long distance trains (pre Amtrak) were one person. Amtrak legacy fleet were like that, so was CN and CP Rail in Canada (now Via Rail). The CP Rail roomettes were of 2 types, the Manor and the Chateau. Manor were slightly bigger. The Chateau are distinctive because windows alternate between high and low. One roomette's bed slid under the floor of the next roomette.
For Manors are the upper roomettes, the wall rotated down with the back of the seat to make the bed. Both cases, the beds covered the toilet when brought down. There were roomettes on either side of the car. These cars are still in use in Canada, but with the introduction of Viewliners are no longer used in USA. (the last legacy cars were dining and baggage cars, widthdrawn with the Viewliner 2 order).
@@jfmezei , OK, that's more or less what I thought. You were mostly referring to pre-AMTRAK sleepers, or sleepers they inherited from the legacy carriers. Not so much the sleepers that AMTRAK ordered and have used since.
@@youtuuba The Viewliner roomettes inherited a lot of designs from the original pullman/budd roomettes, such as the sink and toilet. (though the original ones had toilets dump directly onto tracks but the renovated ones now have holding tanks).
@@jfmezei Do not flush in station.
I grew up and currently live in the Shenandoah Valley! Glad you enjoyed your ride through it! Come to VA anytime
You have no idea how wonderful this is to those of us stuck at home! Thanks Jeb!
Did not think I would enjoy this as much as I did, Many Thanks!!!
I really enjoyed watching this video. Loved your expression when eating the meatball! Thank you for uploading. 💥🌟😎👍
I would love to do this! Especially seeing that station in LAF Lafayette, IN! Brings back some really great memories!
RE watching your old videos and I love your love for my hometown in the Shenandoah Valley, Jeb. I still live here and seeing it in your POV from the train instead of my POV was awesome . Thanks so much for this video and the love. 😅
I'm so excited that you are passing through the shanendoah valley. that's where I live.
You literally stood on the exact same spots I stood on when I went. Even the same platform!
Nothing like riding on Amtrak! Great company!
Thanks for a fun video and great explanation of the appeal of train travel there at the beginning. When somebody asked me, "but doesn't it take forever to get somewhere?" my reply was, "Nope, you're ALWAYS somewhere on the train!"
Enjoying this very much! Thanks! In the early 80's went from Trenton N.J. to San Jose Ca. following this same route in coach! 85 hours. Always tell people I'd never want to do that again (In coach!!!) but am SO glad I did it! What an adventure! You are so right that it is an amazing way to travel across the country. Thank you so much for sharing your travels with us. One of my favorite channels! May you and yours have a wonderful Holiday Season! Stay safe and happy!
My wife and I have travelled across the country by train. If you can afford it, get the sleeper. If you want to se what’s on the other side of the train, open your door and kneel in the passageway. The bathroom is a bit tight. If you want to shower, the best time was when the train was stopped for a bit. Like at a smoke break. Try not to get the car next to the locomotives. In the center of the country, they seem to blow the horn for every driveway! Before the pandemic, the food in the dining car was great. They would put you with a couple you didn’t know. Now it’s a box lunch, brought to our room by the porter.
Traveling by rail was great. Nobody blowing the horn at you, giving you the finger( which is the way 4 wheelers say good morning to a truck driver), cutting you off, then stopping to make a turn, no DOT AND I could watch out the window and see the scenery. Driving, I would only take glances. The only bad part was I wondered what we missed during the night. If you want to know where you are, go to Google maps, it pin points where you are. Taking pictures on a digital camera was hard and we missed a lot of pictures, because when you turned on the camera, it went to photo album instead of camera! Traveling at 50+mph, the shot would be gone before the camera was ready. The windows were not always cleaned, so if you were going to take a picture when the sun was getting low, the camera would focus on the dirt or droplets on the window. Using the camera and our phones, each trip, we took over 1,000 pictures. If you have an I-phone, it tells you where and when you took the picture. It would be great if they had a camera in the locomotive, that you could tap into, to watch. Had to stay overnight in hotels in Seattle, San Francisco and New Orleans.Didn’t line that part for I hate cities. The whole purpose of the train was to avoid traffic, walking and hotels!
Went n this route a while ago. Loved the trip!
Fantastic video Jeb... for those of us on the other side of the Atlantic who like me are missing out on their annual trips to USA... your video is part of how I have to take holidays now!
Great fun video Jeb. Refreshing from the usual air travel videos. Stay safe!
Can’t imagine 2 people in that room, especially when one is sitting on the toilet.
Especially if it’s a stranger
Can't imagine sharing a sleeper in a European couchette, I prefer sleeping in my own roomette in total privacy...
@@canadianaviator That is exactly the point. Amtrak does NOT sell sharing a roomette with a total stranger like the Europeans do with their couchettes...
@@ronclark9724 That sucks
“Could you step out for a sec, I need to pee,” is a pretty easy solution to half of the problem.
I live in the UK, and take the trains often around my country, Wales. There is something so heartwarming about seeing the countryside rolling past as the sun sets and covers the landscape in an amber glow, really makes me feel happy.
I’m also from the UK. I last visited the US in February 2010. I had hoped to go back again, but had no passport for several year#, then couldn’t afford it, and now there’s the virus. Maybe one day. I wanted to take the train from New York City to Chicago.
Those electrical outlets on the train seem to be 20 A120V NEMA 5-20R ones which seems strange, surely it’s unlikely that a passenger would be unlikely to need to use anything which draws that much power. I would have expected the more normal NEMA 5-15 15 A ones.
@@srfurley Many passengers bring multiple devices with them and run them with a splitter, including hair dryers. It was also built in the 1980s, when most appliances drew more amperage.
One day I'll travel through the uk by rail.
I loved traveling by train and bus through Sweden. The sun coming up over rivers and lakes, glinting off snow, small farms. So peaceful.
@@LadyMinaMasters UK train travel isn’t as peaceful or comfortable, unfortunately. I honestly prefer to drive.
@@afcgeo882 Caledonian Sleeper is pretty comfy.
I loved seeing the Shenandoah Valley Jeb, and it is so cool this is where you grew up. I went JMU and I have and I have fond memories of this region. What a place.
Great work, as always. Can't wait to travel and create again.
Hey Jeb. A fan of your travel blogs and the change to rail after viewing your Empire Builder trip. This a nice new journey to enjoy as I anticipate my future plans to travel from Washington to San Francisco via Chicago to ride the California Zephyr. As a retired airline guy, I love train travel as an alternate to flying even if way more money is involved. I've had great trips from 35 thousand feet, but love the ground (or sea for cruises) so your new travels on trains are a new favorite for me.
I laughed once you discovered the reason why you had a sink and discovered the toilet that doubles as a "console" to the seat arrangement. I traveled in one and did not think the toilet unit was gross or too close to the seat. "Aim to please gentlemen."
It came in handy at 3am if you drank too much at or after dinner!
These Viewliners are currently undergoing modification to eliminate the sink and toilet unit with a modified armrest and footstep for the upper bunk. SuperLiner roomettes will continue to be configured the same way, with restrooms and showers located on the lower level. That configuration operates on the Capitol Limited as it originates and terminates in Washington as tunnels north of Philadelphia into New York cannot permit the dual level SuperLiner.
As always, your trip reports are through, informative and nicely presented. You do it very well. I'm a big fan#1.
Safe travels.
I'm a new subscriber (recommended by Camo Dave).....looks like I'm hooked, can't wait to dig in deeper to all of your videos. Thanks for doing these !
Really enjoying these train videos jeb! Keep up the great work man, love from France
Another great video Jeb, looking forward to the next chapter of the trip.
This trip is definitely going on my bucket list lol
-Fellow Greensboro Native
I think now that CV19 restrictions are easing, Amtrak has gone back to their old, better menu. Maybe you can revisit these routes? Great video! I love this rail series!
The first time I saw Washington Union Station in the '70's, it was deserted and VERY sad looking. Wonderful to see it so marvelously restored!
Thanks again for a great Vid. Cardinal is now on my bucket list, when things get back to normal.
A train vlog.....Santa Claus got my letter....and made it happen through you.....Happy Christmas to you and yours.
The story of how the soviets would have won if that bunker ever had to have been used:
"Our apologies folks we're currently being delayed by another train ahead of us so please hold tight and we'll make sure to keep you updated! Thanks for traveling with Amtrak!"
It's nice that in the newest version of the roomette on the viewliner, they removed that awfully placed toilet.
Very nicely done video about Amtrak. Liked the starting map and the video along the way. More please.
Some years back, I spent 2 months criss-crossing the USA with Amtrak rather than by plane. Seeing the country from 3 feet up, rather than 33,000 feet in the air, was fantastic. Some very fond (and, alas not so fond) memories of that trip and of Amtrak itself. Would I do it again if I was ever to visit the USA.....more than likely I would.
Dude I am taking my first train ride this January! NYC to ATL in a roomette. Your videos have been of great help and also pushed me over the edge on how to get back home. Thank you so much!
I’m from Charlottesville, VA, so I really enjoyed seeing this video of so many familiar towns in my home state. Thank you!
3:30 Let me explain, so note this is my experience from traveling out of LA Union on superliners.
On each car by the doors there is a screen which shows the car numbers shown on your ticket. In addition, there are usually signs on the platform showing where that car is set to stop on the platform. If you do research and know they consist, you should already know what part of the train your car will be on. And you can probably ask a lounge attendant prior to boarding.
Edits:
12:40 Definitely!
16:06 Yea I've never travelled on a viewliner, and am very hesitant about that, I think that they should have just put in a communal toilet.
19:03: Attendants get, I believe 2-4 hours of sleep when on the rails.
20:34 Yep, every single long distance journey you take, you will probably be stopped at least once for a freight train. That's where many of the delays come from. And whenever Amtrak and a commuter rail line shares the rails, most likely the commuter train will take priority as they are the ones who usually own the rails.
Loved your review and cannot wait for the review of the Southwest Chief! I live right along the SW Chief line, and it was my first train trip at the age of 3, and will love to hear your take on it. For future trips, I HIGHLY suggest you take the Coast Starlight and/or California Zephyr full routes. They are the most scenic rides, and some of the best of Amtrak's long distance services.
The newly-built Viewliners that are just going into service now ditch the in-roomette toilet in favor of a communal one.
Watching this from England, as both the daughter of a railway man and someone who did her own few years working in the railway, this was interesting! I've never understood why Americans don't use trains as much as we do in Europe, it's definitely the best way to travel.
Most surprising things for me were that the stations in the US have 3-letter codes too, and that your platforms are pretty much right on the rails, here they're level (or almost level) with the train door so there's about a 1m/3ft drop down from the platform to the rails.
If you're ever over here, I highly recommend the stopping Hope Valley line between Manchester and Sheffield - only a couple of hours, but stunning scenery of the Peak District National Park and the picturesque little villages in it. And once a month, in non-pandemic times, they also have a folk train where there's a live band on the train, it's great fun.
Because plane is much faster than train.
@@fuckheinschitt239 For cross country, sure, but for medium distance intercity the train can be so quick and it's greener than driving, and quicker than plane once you add in security time.
@@cllw325 yes but they say they prefer cars than train
I have never ever watched i guess a traveling video well these types before, somehow you caught my attention, thanx for that. i dont know anything about train n planes but you made it seem interesting like i was missing something. in a world of 30 second clips glad your out there doing this stuff. thankyou
When I was a kid, my mother and I would make annual trips to Maine and/or Florida from Philadelphia, always in a roomette. Fond memories or cracking open the shade and watching the night go by from the pull-down bed. Dining car food was much, much better!
Traditional dining, with much better food was taken off in early-mid 2020 due to COVID and budget cuts. It may return, unsure.,
@@Cal90208 Traditional dining was already removed pre-COVID on the Viewliner routes, unfortunately. Mr. ex-Delta-CEO had been pushing for it as a cost-saving measure. Superliners still had proper cooked food until COVID hit.
@@NozomuYume yea
Ive been to union station it’s such a beautiful terminal I love the rail videos too!
Clarifying which union station helps lol
In dc
Great video! I remember my first ride on the Cardinal. We went from 30th Street PH to Union Station Chicago (We stayed in Chicago for a few nights before switching over to the Empire Builder for the next leg to Montana). We stopped at the DC station on our way, to switch the engine on the train from electric the diesel. I was in Room 5 (Roomette). On electric, I think we had a top speed around 120 MPH. This was before the Delta CEO took over and changed a lot of the train. The meals were actually pretty good in the dining car. Overall, the trip had great views and ended with a lot of great memories. Its great to see something that I used in its current condition.
Yeah, these meals are on board due to COVID and budget cuts. Idk if traditional dining is coming back
@@Cal90208 Likely not, although it will go back to on-demand café car dining. The savings are too much to ignore. I wish they’d still offer real meals for purchase though.
@@afcgeo882 Yeah. However on amtraks website it states that traditional dining is only “suspended” on routes through May 21, 2021
@@Cal90208 What do you think “traditional” factually means? Here, they mean sit down service. The dining cars are going away and the concept of dining with strangers is also going away. There will be more basic, “a la carte options” and no full meals like there used to be.
@@afcgeo882 Traditional dining as in the service prior to COVID. It says that traditional dining was never suspended on the auto train, and a review shows the same full dining service after COVID was in effect. So I am assuming the Amtrak website means that dining service
Jeb, I just found your channel a few days ago and I love it! Your narration is great as well as the videography. I just recently became interested in Amtrak travel. Your videos are so helpful! Thank you. Also congrats on the engagement! Happy travels!
Omg, I can listen to you forever. Not only your videos are the best, I love your commentaries. Your voice is so relaxing and comforting.... I know that's weird.
Amtrak is hinting at the Viewliner II sleeper cars being released next year, hopefully you get to ride in one!
Imagine your lunch had just arrived... and you roommate suddenly have to go, badly.
It would be a shitty meal
So, you leave the room while you roommate takes a dump and then you go back in the room to eat your lunch. Disgusting.
@@ellisjames7192 or you can use the public restroom, where on planes people have sex in it...bet you think that's sanitary
excellent work jeb! i love that you also put the bloopers on, it's cute.
Another good video from you. Really enjoyed it. Keep'em coming.
Amtrak has actually removed the in-room toilet in their new Viewliner II’s.
Heath Carignan, FINALLY!
The new Viewliner II cars don't have the in room roomette toilet, the old Viewliner I cars do...
So where are the toilets now, in the hallway ?
@@davidkamen I hope
@@davidkamen yeah the new roomette cabins have a separate bathroom.
You need to travel on a sleeper in Europe. Now that is how train travel is meant to be done. Especially in eastern Europe. A bit rustic but it is an amazing experience.
In western Europe nightjet are great too.
They also have some night trains in italy but I do not know about them.
Come to the uk and do the night Rivera or Caledonian sleeper! Both are great and you will not regret it
Italian sleepers are like nightjet and there are real nightjets too
@@burgerpommes2001 They have very good high speed rail service. We took the "Red Arrow" from Rome to Turin. It was a real pleasure.
Great stuff. Travelling by train is one of the best ways to see America. I caught the Capitol Limited from Washington DC to Chicago and the Zephyr to Sacramento. Was beautiful. Thankfully the Amtrak dining car was still in operation then, which was very enjoyable. 😋
Loved watching this ....thank you Jeb
Ha, you must have passed Lafayette station in between Indy and Chicago! That's like 10 minutes away from me!
yes freight trains take priority because almost all of the track is owned by them, and they get to decide which trains go first.
And because passenger trains are really empty
@@wertiaaudit5746 And passenger trains do not make money because they are so empty.
Before covid I used to travel for my job working for a fashion designer. I’ve always said Jebs channel is the best way to experience traveling without leaving home.
Jeb! Just took this trip last weekend! Glad you got to experience it too.
I actually prefer your train videos, probably because of the scenery.
I do too, but that’s because I am a train enthusiast more than a plane enthusiast
Great report, I have been considering a trip on AMTRAK'S "City of New Orleans" which runs from Chicago to New Orleans. I can pick it up in southern Illinois about 2 hours from my home. Many of the western routes would certainly provide better views.
If you’re going for the best views, the California Zephyr is also a route worth considering
Do the California Zephyr or Coast Starlight, the best views on Amtrak are on there.
I LOVE the Cardinal! Very awesome train.
Great video. I love watching freight trains, but now I will consider riding on Amtrak.
I highly recommend taking the Canadian from Vancouver to Toronto. The accommodations and food are a giant step up from Amtrak! Microwaved meat balls??? How about Rack of Lamb!
Excellent video Jeb, reminds me of Paul Lucas over here in the UK doing train trips.
Whatever way you travel, looking out of the window is the ultimate experience.
RV trip to add to planes and trains?
When my personal day to day gets a little bit hectic, I'm thankful I can "jump on" and RELAX. Thank you.
Cheers mate, great to see some travel vids, 👍
Great report as always Jeb! Took this same route in September, and had a heritage unit on the front, which made the journey that much more special. Would definitely take the Cardinal over the Capitol Limited, since the scenery is nicer, the Viewliner rooms are better than the Superliner rooms, and the Cardinal is statically more on time than the Limited. Too bad it’s only a 3 times a week service though
(Also, I guessed it right in the community post! Woo Hoo!)
I prefer superliner for the following reasons:
-Double decker, much more impressive.
-Sightseer lounge car and dining car
-No toilets in your roomette
They are just so much more impressive, and more room to roam in those.
@@Cal90208 Sure, they’re impressive, but not as comfortable. When you’re traveling for 24 hours plus, it’s important to be comfortable, and I find the Viewliners to be more comfortable and modern than the Superliners, plus if you’re in the top bunk, you can actually see stuff outside instead of just a wall. And the toilet situation isn’t so bad. Just walk over to coach and use their bathroom. It’s just like the Superliners, though instead of going downstairs, you go horizontally
Amtrak since October have reduced their long distance trains to three times a week, not daily service. COVID-19 has really nailed all of the travel/hospitality industries....
@@JoshDoesTravel Based off reviews, I don’t think that the comfort is that much different. The only positive of viewliners is more storage in your room.
My understanding is that the Cardinal was and will stay a 3d/wk route.
As a Japanese, I will say, this room looks so outdated that it looks like it's from the time when Japanese trains still derailed or crashed. You know why? Because most overnight trains were butchered to death by either a bullet train or low cost airlines.
Pretty much no one rides these except people who are terrified of flying or are just crazy about trains. America is much larger than any single Japanese island. Bullet trains couldn't compete with air travel except on a tiny handful of routes, much less across the country. They look outdated because they are. Massive subsidies allow the overnight service to exist.
@@toomanymarys7355 The joke is how long ago was when Japanese trains actually crashed and how long ago overnight trains died in Japan.
@@hamanakohamaneko7028 yes we get it, you guys have your stuff together and yes we’re jealous
@@koalakid6277 im not jealous. sometimes classic or outdated is better
@@toomanymarys7355 bullet trains do have quite the potential for profitability between major population centers, see the northeast corridor. But yeah, they don't make nearly as much practical sense after that.
Just found your channel tonight as we were watching travel videos on YouTune. Never even considered Amtrak for our travels before. But your videos make it sound so pleasant. I think we are going to give it a try! Thanks for taking us along on your travels!
Great video! It made me want to take this train and go on this journey across the US. Cheers from São Paulo, Brazil!