The Amtrak Auto Train experience PART 2
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Date: 2024-01-09
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Comments and reviews: 35
-Bobrogers99
My sister and I once chose the auto train years ago to reduce the driving from Boston to the Tampa area. The roomette was snug for two to sit in, and I wasn't looking forward to climbing to the upper bunk, but in a stroke of luck the roomette just opposite was vacant, so we commandeered it and no one questioned our occupancy. To show how long ago this was, the train had a smoking room!
The dinner was quite good, but as far as sleeping was concerned the train lurched so much neither of us slept much. Hopefully the railbed has been improved since then. As I recall it, the train was clean and the staff was helpful. My impression at the time was that the average age of the passengers was about 80. ;-, and though it was New Years Eve everyone was in bed before 8: 00PM. Because most of the trip was at night, the view out the window (one of the benefits of train travel) was limited.
We didn't use the auto train again. While it did save us the cost of one night in a motel, It didn't spare us the most difficult part of the driving from Boston to Washington. I-95 from Washington to Florida may be boring but it's much easier to drive, and we still faced the drive (after little sleep) from Sanford to the Tampa area. It also seemed to be rather expensive. The Autotrain was an interesting experience, but for us it was not cost-effective.
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My sister and I once chose the auto train years ago to reduce the driving from Boston to the Tampa area. The roomette was snug for two to sit in, and I wasn't looking forward to climbing to the upper bunk, but in a stroke of luck the roomette just opposite was vacant, so we commandeered it and no one questioned our occupancy. To show how long ago this was, the train had a smoking room!
The dinner was quite good, but as far as sleeping was concerned the train lurched so much neither of us slept much. Hopefully the railbed has been improved since then. As I recall it, the train was clean and the staff was helpful. My impression at the time was that the average age of the passengers was about 80. ;-, and though it was New Years Eve everyone was in bed before 8: 00PM. Because most of the trip was at night, the view out the window (one of the benefits of train travel) was limited.
We didn't use the auto train again. While it did save us the cost of one night in a motel, It didn't spare us the most difficult part of the driving from Boston to Washington. I-95 from Washington to Florida may be boring but it's much easier to drive, and we still faced the drive (after little sleep) from Sanford to the Tampa area. It also seemed to be rather expensive. The Autotrain was an interesting experience, but for us it was not cost-effective.
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-andreworiez8920
You passed through some stretches of Our country's saddest moments in history.
For those overseas who may not know. The American Civil was was fought from 1861-1865. When the Southern part of the United States (Texas east to the Atlantic) attempted to separate from the rest of the country.
Richmond, VA was the capital of the breakaway region.
The Delta of the James River (and the James Peninsula) saw an early campaign of that war. The river also saw the first clash between Ironclad warships.
Petersburg was the site of a horrific siege, and up stream of the Appomattox River. The small town of Appomattox Court House saw the surrender of the South's most famous fighting force (The Army of Northern Virginia: General Robert E. Lee Commanding) to the Federal Government's Army of the Potomac (General Ulysses S Grant commanding.
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You passed through some stretches of Our country's saddest moments in history.
For those overseas who may not know. The American Civil was was fought from 1861-1865. When the Southern part of the United States (Texas east to the Atlantic) attempted to separate from the rest of the country.
Richmond, VA was the capital of the breakaway region.
The Delta of the James River (and the James Peninsula) saw an early campaign of that war. The river also saw the first clash between Ironclad warships.
Petersburg was the site of a horrific siege, and up stream of the Appomattox River. The small town of Appomattox Court House saw the surrender of the South's most famous fighting force (The Army of Northern Virginia: General Robert E. Lee Commanding) to the Federal Government's Army of the Potomac (General Ulysses S Grant commanding.
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-ThorsonWiles
I guess it's a different type of person.
I have relatives that live -just- NNW of Richmond, VA, I live -just- south of Tampa, and my trips are almost always on a motorcycle.
Averaging legal speed, that's a 14-15. 5 hour ride. ( I've made it a bit quicker, even with stops for fuel and food, though I will deny it in a court of law. ) Typically, my trips are longer, depending if anything caught my eye during the trip.
Taking the auto-train that would be, at minimum, 23 hours.
Keep in mind, I'm also cheap, so I'll take an enjoyable 14 hours and < 3 tanks of fuel + meals ( totaling about $150) vs a comfortable 22 hours and $500 + 2/3+ tank of fuel.
The 95 southern corridor really isn't all that bad except, in my experience, the Georgia- SC border (south-bound)
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I guess it's a different type of person.
I have relatives that live -just- NNW of Richmond, VA, I live -just- south of Tampa, and my trips are almost always on a motorcycle.
Averaging legal speed, that's a 14-15. 5 hour ride. ( I've made it a bit quicker, even with stops for fuel and food, though I will deny it in a court of law. ) Typically, my trips are longer, depending if anything caught my eye during the trip.
Taking the auto-train that would be, at minimum, 23 hours.
Keep in mind, I'm also cheap, so I'll take an enjoyable 14 hours and < 3 tanks of fuel + meals ( totaling about $150) vs a comfortable 22 hours and $500 + 2/3+ tank of fuel.
The 95 southern corridor really isn't all that bad except, in my experience, the Georgia- SC border (south-bound)
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-dianerivera3222
The crew has always had a sleeping car. Other than sleeping car attendants who each sleep in the car they're responsible for, the rest of the crew has space to sleep. First thing in the morning, you'll see them walk towards the front of the train to their job location. Also, crew change is in Florence, SC. If the train was stopped in Richmond, it was for traffic, not crew. We've done 7 round trips and have another one this Nov/Dec. We also get a bedroom so we have our own bathroom. Also, the lounges vary. Sometimes, it's the regular lounges and sometimes it's the one like you showed with the glass everywhere. We've never had the glass dome ones.
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The crew has always had a sleeping car. Other than sleeping car attendants who each sleep in the car they're responsible for, the rest of the crew has space to sleep. First thing in the morning, you'll see them walk towards the front of the train to their job location. Also, crew change is in Florence, SC. If the train was stopped in Richmond, it was for traffic, not crew. We've done 7 round trips and have another one this Nov/Dec. We also get a bedroom so we have our own bathroom. Also, the lounges vary. Sometimes, it's the regular lounges and sometimes it's the one like you showed with the glass everywhere. We've never had the glass dome ones.
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-jackmorrison7379
LOL. -Look at the [seat] width-. You are European, right? Have you seen senior Americans, the prime passenger group on this train? Every centimeter/foot is needed for many of them. Skinny suits and jeans never took off here.
That dinner in the cabin looked, as my Brit ancestors would say with understatement, very acceptable. Most reviews of European or British trains show much smaller portions but this is the USA. Big eaters here. Two beverages included and desert. Do they have something other than cheesecake, with that food coloring glop on top? I'd pass on that.
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LOL. -Look at the [seat] width-. You are European, right? Have you seen senior Americans, the prime passenger group on this train? Every centimeter/foot is needed for many of them. Skinny suits and jeans never took off here.
That dinner in the cabin looked, as my Brit ancestors would say with understatement, very acceptable. Most reviews of European or British trains show much smaller portions but this is the USA. Big eaters here. Two beverages included and desert. Do they have something other than cheesecake, with that food coloring glop on top? I'd pass on that.
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-goodi2shooz
It's funny that you liked the meal because that is the new - flexible- dining meal, closer to airline food really. When we had regular dining on the trains it was so much better! Perfectly cooked steaks, beautiful salads and pastas and the best breakfasts cooked right there. The stuff you got is microwaved believe it or not. I hope someday when things get back to normal if they ever do oh, that you have a chance to taste food from the real dining menu on Amtrak.
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It's funny that you liked the meal because that is the new - flexible- dining meal, closer to airline food really. When we had regular dining on the trains it was so much better! Perfectly cooked steaks, beautiful salads and pastas and the best breakfasts cooked right there. The stuff you got is microwaved believe it or not. I hope someday when things get back to normal if they ever do oh, that you have a chance to taste food from the real dining menu on Amtrak.
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-redscorpion9411
I did some calculations. Since there are 18 passenger coaches, 33 auto carriers, and 2 locomotives, there are a total of 53 coaches in this train.
Since the train is a total length of 3/4 miles, the passenger section is about a quarter mile long! That's a long walk!
And the car section is just shy of half a mile long! Make sure you have enough gas to make it to the front if your car is assigned to be there.
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I did some calculations. Since there are 18 passenger coaches, 33 auto carriers, and 2 locomotives, there are a total of 53 coaches in this train.
Since the train is a total length of 3/4 miles, the passenger section is about a quarter mile long! That's a long walk!
And the car section is just shy of half a mile long! Make sure you have enough gas to make it to the front if your car is assigned to be there.
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-aicoleman4192
9: 54 The lounge you mentioned was the Pacific Parlor Car, which was exclusively used on the Coast Starlight. Those cars were rebuilt Budd Hi-Level cars that were originally built for the ATSF in the 1950s. Sadly, those cars were retired in 2018 and are most likely going to be scrapped. The lounge you are in on this train is one of the standard Superliner lounges, which are still in service today.
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9: 54 The lounge you mentioned was the Pacific Parlor Car, which was exclusively used on the Coast Starlight. Those cars were rebuilt Budd Hi-Level cars that were originally built for the ATSF in the 1950s. Sadly, those cars were retired in 2018 and are most likely going to be scrapped. The lounge you are in on this train is one of the standard Superliner lounges, which are still in service today.
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-InFltSvc
Airlines serve better. but what do you expect from AmTrash, the subsidized track of USA. People that don-t know any better are those that have not traveled the world to see what is out there in 2020. Notice that whenever someone posts a video of Amtrash nobody is on the train. that should tell you everything? Oh wow! Look they give us free coffee and water. what a joke
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Airlines serve better. but what do you expect from AmTrash, the subsidized track of USA. People that don-t know any better are those that have not traveled the world to see what is out there in 2020. Notice that whenever someone posts a video of Amtrash nobody is on the train. that should tell you everything? Oh wow! Look they give us free coffee and water. what a joke
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-terenfro1975
Auto trains would be ideal for the medium range travel. However, AMTRAK needs their own lines along the interstate corridor and this will never happen. West Texas would be ideal however. Tickets however need to be about around $50 more than travel price for the vehicle. They could make more on commissary sales. They could make money on charging electric cars.
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Auto trains would be ideal for the medium range travel. However, AMTRAK needs their own lines along the interstate corridor and this will never happen. West Texas would be ideal however. Tickets however need to be about around $50 more than travel price for the vehicle. They could make more on commissary sales. They could make money on charging electric cars.
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-goodi2shooz
I have to add an addendum to my recent comment. We recently took the Sleeper Car to Santa Barbara and your meals looked even better than ours. and I read that the Auto Train is getting the upgraded meal service. But still not as good as it used to be. We got basically 1960s TV dinner Style meals and they were pretty awful because they were microwaved
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I have to add an addendum to my recent comment. We recently took the Sleeper Car to Santa Barbara and your meals looked even better than ours. and I read that the Auto Train is getting the upgraded meal service. But still not as good as it used to be. We got basically 1960s TV dinner Style meals and they were pretty awful because they were microwaved
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-user-jj1uy5qg6n
A lot of my family That live in Florida use the Auto train It is a very very popular train has been since day Perhaps the only train making a profit Back in the 80 I had a little reunion with Florida family on the train A short train 45 railcars a long train at least 55 railcars Leaves ealy most times
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A lot of my family That live in Florida use the Auto train It is a very very popular train has been since day Perhaps the only train making a profit Back in the 80 I had a little reunion with Florida family on the train A short train 45 railcars a long train at least 55 railcars Leaves ealy most times
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-Cal90208
The lounge on the coast starlight was more than likely the pacific parlor car. Those were a special type of lounge for business and sleeper passengers only on the coast starlight. What you saw was a normal sightseer lounge, which all Amtrak long distance trains (with super liners) have.
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The lounge on the coast starlight was more than likely the pacific parlor car. Those were a special type of lounge for business and sleeper passengers only on the coast starlight. What you saw was a normal sightseer lounge, which all Amtrak long distance trains (with super liners) have.
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-tailorforeman7082
I am taking this train home to Virginia next week to say hi to family before departing for my trip to London and Paris (my first time to France) so I found it kinda funny/ironic that you're discovering my home state and I'm discovering your home country lol.
Great video!
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I am taking this train home to Virginia next week to say hi to family before departing for my trip to London and Paris (my first time to France) so I found it kinda funny/ironic that you're discovering my home state and I'm discovering your home country lol.
Great video!
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-davidlisowski5245
The lounge car has a different layout because you were probably in one of the now retired Pacific Parlour cars on the west coast trip. They were not Superliners but ex Santa Fe railway Hi Level cars from the 50s. I remember being in one on the Empire Builder back in 1992.
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The lounge car has a different layout because you were probably in one of the now retired Pacific Parlour cars on the west coast trip. They were not Superliners but ex Santa Fe railway Hi Level cars from the 50s. I remember being in one on the Empire Builder back in 1992.
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-MrGoodnplenty1957
I did the southbound once, and my wife did it twice. The roomette suits me and my wife just fine. i recommend a power strip for all of your electrical items. overall, best train experience for me by far. now wanting to do the Southwest Chief or Sunset Limited to LAX.
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I did the southbound once, and my wife did it twice. The roomette suits me and my wife just fine. i recommend a power strip for all of your electrical items. overall, best train experience for me by far. now wanting to do the Southwest Chief or Sunset Limited to LAX.
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-jasonm949
I've taken the Auto Train, both directions, over a dozen times in the last 10 years. Love it. Pop into the sleeper, turn on hot spot, open a bottle, work a little bit, have meals delivered to my room, watch a movie, sleep. Totally left alone for the entire journey. Heaven.
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I've taken the Auto Train, both directions, over a dozen times in the last 10 years. Love it. Pop into the sleeper, turn on hot spot, open a bottle, work a little bit, have meals delivered to my room, watch a movie, sleep. Totally left alone for the entire journey. Heaven.
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-justagiraffe2868
Just a quick disclaimer. The P42 locomotives are made by General Electric, not General Motors. GM doesn-t really focus on anything bigger than HD pickups, but both companies have rather boring and similar names, so I don-t blame you for it whatsoever
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Just a quick disclaimer. The P42 locomotives are made by General Electric, not General Motors. GM doesn-t really focus on anything bigger than HD pickups, but both companies have rather boring and similar names, so I don-t blame you for it whatsoever
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-APizzaDriver
Loved seeing you go past the James River near Richmond, waving from my home. Thanks for reviewing Amtrak. I rode the Acela DC-NYC in September and enjoyed the round trip immensely. Sanitary conditions of the train and great attitudes from all.
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Loved seeing you go past the James River near Richmond, waving from my home. Thanks for reviewing Amtrak. I rode the Acela DC-NYC in September and enjoyed the round trip immensely. Sanitary conditions of the train and great attitudes from all.
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-lincolnpaul1814
I don-t know what country you traveled in Europe but my experiences with trains in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France were fabulous. Trains were luxurious, spacious, high speed and superb service. I enjoyed your video.
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I don-t know what country you traveled in Europe but my experiences with trains in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France were fabulous. Trains were luxurious, spacious, high speed and superb service. I enjoyed your video.
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-hughgautier3894
Red wine is normally served with red meats White wine with fish and poultry, but since you usually use red wine then so be it. You don't know what you are missing. As for Yuengling, I pay $5 for a bottle here in NW Florida.
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Red wine is normally served with red meats White wine with fish and poultry, but since you usually use red wine then so be it. You don't know what you are missing. As for Yuengling, I pay $5 for a bottle here in NW Florida.
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-DM-ug9vo
$488 USD for a bedroom? On one Amtrak-s most popular trains? Nah that-s what you call cheep! Those rooms can reach up to $1000 USD sometimes! Depends on train to of course. Take coach it better and cheaper.
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$488 USD for a bedroom? On one Amtrak-s most popular trains? Nah that-s what you call cheep! Those rooms can reach up to $1000 USD sometimes! Depends on train to of course. Take coach it better and cheaper.
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-brixtion
Outstanding video bruv. Nothing like the train man I really hate flying if we had a modern dam rail system like France or German I would be on one each weekend. Nice content bro. Tim from brooklyn yerrrr
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Outstanding video bruv. Nothing like the train man I really hate flying if we had a modern dam rail system like France or German I would be on one each weekend. Nice content bro. Tim from brooklyn yerrrr
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-13squier
Great review of this unique train! I live in Richmond and that bridge over the James River is the CSX A-Line bridge, it's a beautiful Art Deco arch bridge worth seeing from outside the train sometime.
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Great review of this unique train! I live in Richmond and that bridge over the James River is the CSX A-Line bridge, it's a beautiful Art Deco arch bridge worth seeing from outside the train sometime.
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-Desjardins50
Everything looks super clean. Loose towels in the shower room gave me the creeps though. Not too CVID safe. I still would like to try this on the way to Florida. Very tempting.
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Everything looks super clean. Loose towels in the shower room gave me the creeps though. Not too CVID safe. I still would like to try this on the way to Florida. Very tempting.
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-gerritniehaus8708
Hi, nice videos (seen all 3 parts. I would like to know if mid-size dogs like an English Cockerspaniel are allowed on Amtrak trains? Thanks in advance for your answers.
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Hi, nice videos (seen all 3 parts. I would like to know if mid-size dogs like an English Cockerspaniel are allowed on Amtrak trains? Thanks in advance for your answers.
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train
10: 05 The coast starlight actually ran two lounge cars, and the one with a different layout is the Pacific Parlour Car, though now retired, they ran on the coast starlight in 2015
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10: 05 The coast starlight actually ran two lounge cars, and the one with a different layout is the Pacific Parlour Car, though now retired, they ran on the coast starlight in 2015
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-Peter-js6kq
5: 48 the auto train pretty impressively only has one crew change point in Florence SC its two engineers to Florence from Lorton then two engineers to Sanford from Florence
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5: 48 the auto train pretty impressively only has one crew change point in Florence SC its two engineers to Florence from Lorton then two engineers to Sanford from Florence
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-robertbauers2210
I worked for Amtrak (Onboard Services) From October 1997 Through November 2002. From October 97-April 98 I worked on AutoTrain then transferred to Washington DC
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I worked for Amtrak (Onboard Services) From October 1997 Through November 2002. From October 97-April 98 I worked on AutoTrain then transferred to Washington DC
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train
Hey! I really appreciate you making this video, This is my first time traveling by Train in the US and I'm really excited to not have to drive all. the. way. to Florida: )
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Hey! I really appreciate you making this video, This is my first time traveling by Train in the US and I'm really excited to not have to drive all. the. way. to Florida: )
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-PetrolHeadBrasil
14: 50 - I would LOVE to hang in that place, drinking Jack, on an rainy night! In my next visit to the US, I'll definitely do some travel by train! =D
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14: 50 - I would LOVE to hang in that place, drinking Jack, on an rainy night! In my next visit to the US, I'll definitely do some travel by train! =D
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train
13: 09 though I can not tell from that angle, the locomotives amtrak use on the Autotrain are actually P40's, the original iteration of the Genesis locomotives
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13: 09 though I can not tell from that angle, the locomotives amtrak use on the Autotrain are actually P40's, the original iteration of the Genesis locomotives
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-lyndavaughn1187
I thought at first it was a little pricey. But you have to factor in gas, meals, hotel, fatigue and wear and tear on your vehicle. Love your video.
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I thought at first it was a little pricey. But you have to factor in gas, meals, hotel, fatigue and wear and tear on your vehicle. Love your video.
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-izu1525
oh boy, i love the concept of roomettes. Here in Austria we dont have them unfortunately, but i would love to see something similar here too
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oh boy, i love the concept of roomettes. Here in Austria we dont have them unfortunately, but i would love to see something similar here too
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-johncipolla8335
Thank ou for the video. I would love to know about cost for something like this as I am moving south. I only need a one way ticket
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Thank ou for the video. I would love to know about cost for something like this as I am moving south. I only need a one way ticket
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