The Amtrak Auto Train experience PART 3
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Date: 2024-01-09
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Comments and reviews: 35
train
Another fun video and a fine finale to this trilogy; I was interested to see just how efficient (or not) the offload and car claim process would be. Looks as though they know what they're doing!
A two hour delay seems to be a requisite part of the Amtrak experience, but then, they warn you ahead of time that it's a real possibility, since they own very little trackage outside of the Northeast Corridor and have to yield to freight traffic. One trip, though, we were running late at the start because the train (the Sunset Limited) had experienced mechanical problems and our departure from San Antonio, Texas was delayed; then we struck a tractor-trailer rig in Sugarland, Texas (no one hurt, fortunately, and eventually wound up approximately 10 hours late getting into New Orleans. At the time of the collision, I was actually eating lunch with an Amtrak employee (not part of our crew) who was really cool about explaining all kinds of aspects of rail travel, and what was happening after the accident. I figured that was going to be my baptism of fire for train travel; I certainly hope that's as bad as I ever experience! It hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for trains, in any case.
Thanks once again for the entertaining and informative video!
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Another fun video and a fine finale to this trilogy; I was interested to see just how efficient (or not) the offload and car claim process would be. Looks as though they know what they're doing!
A two hour delay seems to be a requisite part of the Amtrak experience, but then, they warn you ahead of time that it's a real possibility, since they own very little trackage outside of the Northeast Corridor and have to yield to freight traffic. One trip, though, we were running late at the start because the train (the Sunset Limited) had experienced mechanical problems and our departure from San Antonio, Texas was delayed; then we struck a tractor-trailer rig in Sugarland, Texas (no one hurt, fortunately, and eventually wound up approximately 10 hours late getting into New Orleans. At the time of the collision, I was actually eating lunch with an Amtrak employee (not part of our crew) who was really cool about explaining all kinds of aspects of rail travel, and what was happening after the accident. I figured that was going to be my baptism of fire for train travel; I certainly hope that's as bad as I ever experience! It hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for trains, in any case.
Thanks once again for the entertaining and informative video!
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-njmaugbill
I have used the Auto Train to Florida in '95 and again in '96. The 95 trip resulted in a problem with my drive train. (92 escort wagon. The Axle was damaged. I didn't know or hear the damage until I was on the way to Fort Lauderdale after leaving Sanford. I drove to Fort Lauderdale and brought it to a Ford dealer. A $700 dollar repair.
I Called Amtrak and they said that they did not tie down the car over the drive axle. The denied that they damaged the car. Then they told me that as I hadn't informed them of damage prior to leaving the parking lot, they had no liability.
I called them many times that summer and finally got a concession from them, in that they provided me with a voucher for another trip - fully paid!
Lesson learned- drive around the parking lot before you leave and report damage. Tell them that you feel something is wrong. Protect yourself. You can always not follow up if there is no damage.
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I have used the Auto Train to Florida in '95 and again in '96. The 95 trip resulted in a problem with my drive train. (92 escort wagon. The Axle was damaged. I didn't know or hear the damage until I was on the way to Fort Lauderdale after leaving Sanford. I drove to Fort Lauderdale and brought it to a Ford dealer. A $700 dollar repair.
I Called Amtrak and they said that they did not tie down the car over the drive axle. The denied that they damaged the car. Then they told me that as I hadn't informed them of damage prior to leaving the parking lot, they had no liability.
I called them many times that summer and finally got a concession from them, in that they provided me with a voucher for another trip - fully paid!
Lesson learned- drive around the parking lot before you leave and report damage. Tell them that you feel something is wrong. Protect yourself. You can always not follow up if there is no damage.
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-loveofchrist1840
Once again you have given an excellent review. I enjoy the little details, and your dinner did look very good indeed! However, way too much -processed foods- for your breakfast, strong coffee and a bagel for me thank you until I could get to a decent restaurant for a better food choice. Or is that what YOU ordered? Do they have a more healthier option, like scrambled eggs, bagel. etc?
I must say that baby was one huge train, it went on forever it seemed!
A delay for 2 hours, for me I would not care, when on a train I just relax and take it easy.
I must say they seem to really have upgraded their train services. I have not been on one since 2000.
It all looks good!
Thank you for all your work, is that truly all you do professionally? If so. what a job!
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Once again you have given an excellent review. I enjoy the little details, and your dinner did look very good indeed! However, way too much -processed foods- for your breakfast, strong coffee and a bagel for me thank you until I could get to a decent restaurant for a better food choice. Or is that what YOU ordered? Do they have a more healthier option, like scrambled eggs, bagel. etc?
I must say that baby was one huge train, it went on forever it seemed!
A delay for 2 hours, for me I would not care, when on a train I just relax and take it easy.
I must say they seem to really have upgraded their train services. I have not been on one since 2000.
It all looks good!
Thank you for all your work, is that truly all you do professionally? If so. what a job!
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-thomashybiske5399
Excellent set of videos! As a first time Auto Trainer, I found them very helpful. Just an item of note. As I write this on 11 July, 2022, I have just reserved two coach tickets and my car for a 5 February, 2023 trip south. I paid $260. 00 for my Ford Escape automobile. The human fares were on sale as of this writing for $89 each for non-refundable coach tickets. For an additional $25 each, I added a fully refundable option. I'm looking forward to the trip following your videos. The last time I went to Florida by rail was 1962 aboard a Silver Meteor in a double Pullman suite that being pulled by a couple of GG1's until switching to (I think) E8 diesel locos below DC. That was a long time ago!
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Excellent set of videos! As a first time Auto Trainer, I found them very helpful. Just an item of note. As I write this on 11 July, 2022, I have just reserved two coach tickets and my car for a 5 February, 2023 trip south. I paid $260. 00 for my Ford Escape automobile. The human fares were on sale as of this writing for $89 each for non-refundable coach tickets. For an additional $25 each, I added a fully refundable option. I'm looking forward to the trip following your videos. The last time I went to Florida by rail was 1962 aboard a Silver Meteor in a double Pullman suite that being pulled by a couple of GG1's until switching to (I think) E8 diesel locos below DC. That was a long time ago!
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-bfd45
I really enjoy your trip reports and applaud your objective comments. A few details to correct in the Auto Train report. First, the P42engines were made by General Electric. Second, you made it sound as if the en suite shower and toilet are only in the deluxe sleeper bedrooms. Bedrooms in all Superliners include the toilet and shower en suite, to the best of my knowledge. Superliners are also used on the route of the Capitol Limited between Chicago and Washington, DC. Please don't take these comments as criticisms, just minor corrections. Thanks
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I really enjoy your trip reports and applaud your objective comments. A few details to correct in the Auto Train report. First, the P42engines were made by General Electric. Second, you made it sound as if the en suite shower and toilet are only in the deluxe sleeper bedrooms. Bedrooms in all Superliners include the toilet and shower en suite, to the best of my knowledge. Superliners are also used on the route of the Capitol Limited between Chicago and Washington, DC. Please don't take these comments as criticisms, just minor corrections. Thanks
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-a. l. m. trains
Excellent Trip Report, I really enjoyed it. Hopefully one day I can take Amtrak for a trip myself. Also one thing to point out, the locomotives on your train are not the P42-s that you usually see on other Amtrak routes, but they are the older P40-s that Amtrak purchased in 1993 and were the first of the GE Genesis series constructed. One way to tell the difference is the numbering, the P40-s are numbered 800-843 while the P42-s are numbered 1-207. Still an Excellent Video Anyway!
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Excellent Trip Report, I really enjoyed it. Hopefully one day I can take Amtrak for a trip myself. Also one thing to point out, the locomotives on your train are not the P42-s that you usually see on other Amtrak routes, but they are the older P40-s that Amtrak purchased in 1993 and were the first of the GE Genesis series constructed. One way to tell the difference is the numbering, the P40-s are numbered 800-843 while the P42-s are numbered 1-207. Still an Excellent Video Anyway!
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-KevinCNYC1991
Great video, I live about 40 minutes away from the Sanford Auto Train terminal. A little bit of information on the auto carriers. They were built and delivered between 2005-2006 by Johnstown America Corporation, replacing the 1950s and 1970s era auto carriers that came from the Auto Train Corp. They're 90ft long and constructed of aluminum, meaning they're lighter and also longer then the original steel auto carriers. The Dash 8 moves them around with little effort.
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Great video, I live about 40 minutes away from the Sanford Auto Train terminal. A little bit of information on the auto carriers. They were built and delivered between 2005-2006 by Johnstown America Corporation, replacing the 1950s and 1970s era auto carriers that came from the Auto Train Corp. They're 90ft long and constructed of aluminum, meaning they're lighter and also longer then the original steel auto carriers. The Dash 8 moves them around with little effort.
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-peter_smyth
I think autotrains are used less in Europe because there's less of a car culture, and you can visit places without having to have a car. Also, car rental is plentiful, and there are cheap flights around Europe where you obviously can't take a car. I have used the EuroTunnel car service several times, and have ridden a Swiss train with a car, which was only a 30 min journey, but cut out a long road journey via a rail tunnel under a mountain.
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I think autotrains are used less in Europe because there's less of a car culture, and you can visit places without having to have a car. Also, car rental is plentiful, and there are cheap flights around Europe where you obviously can't take a car. I have used the EuroTunnel car service several times, and have ridden a Swiss train with a car, which was only a 30 min journey, but cut out a long road journey via a rail tunnel under a mountain.
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-nobleroman5601
I enjoyed you're allowing us to travel with you to Florida, which happens to be my home state, I'm formerly from Brooklyn ny, but retired here to let the clock run out, but anyway, it was a very pleasant and informative experience, I was curious about how the auto train worked and now after many long years I finally have my answer, thank you so very much for sharing this video with us all I really appreciated it.
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I enjoyed you're allowing us to travel with you to Florida, which happens to be my home state, I'm formerly from Brooklyn ny, but retired here to let the clock run out, but anyway, it was a very pleasant and informative experience, I was curious about how the auto train worked and now after many long years I finally have my answer, thank you so very much for sharing this video with us all I really appreciated it.
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train
Avid train traveler. always wanted to take this route. One issue I have with your videos: I have to pause the video to read the text and then the graphics are obscured by the tracking, etc. if you could leave them up a bit longer, my eyes like to caress words, it hurts to rush and try to read everything before it disappears. My suggestion is to leave the text up longer so it can be read and appreciated.
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Avid train traveler. always wanted to take this route. One issue I have with your videos: I have to pause the video to read the text and then the graphics are obscured by the tracking, etc. if you could leave them up a bit longer, my eyes like to caress words, it hurts to rush and try to read everything before it disappears. My suggestion is to leave the text up longer so it can be read and appreciated.
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-sharonwilson2450
We once had a 10 hour delay. Ended up with a 27 hour train ride, mostly just sitting still. A CSX train derailed ahead of us in Jacksonville so we didn't get too far out of Sanford. Amtrak called us several days later and gave us $100 each toward another trip within a year. They got our business back. Treated very well during the delay and gave us an extra hot meal.
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We once had a 10 hour delay. Ended up with a 27 hour train ride, mostly just sitting still. A CSX train derailed ahead of us in Jacksonville so we didn't get too far out of Sanford. Amtrak called us several days later and gave us $100 each toward another trip within a year. They got our business back. Treated very well during the delay and gave us an extra hot meal.
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-abockrath
I think it was part 1 where you said that this is the only route East of Chicago that uses the Superliner but that is not correct the Capitol Limited that runs from Chicago to Washington DC uses a Superliner the East coast uses the Viewliner on any train that runs through New York City because the Superliner won't fit underground at Penn Station.
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I think it was part 1 where you said that this is the only route East of Chicago that uses the Superliner but that is not correct the Capitol Limited that runs from Chicago to Washington DC uses a Superliner the East coast uses the Viewliner on any train that runs through New York City because the Superliner won't fit underground at Penn Station.
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-peterfrey6062
excellent narration, and good views of the train. I've used autotrain a couple of times between DC area and south Fl. Good experiences myself. One time the train was actually EARLY getting to Lorton, and the crew had not yet arrived, so we had a 45 minute wait before they could begin the process and even open the station for coffee.
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excellent narration, and good views of the train. I've used autotrain a couple of times between DC area and south Fl. Good experiences myself. One time the train was actually EARLY getting to Lorton, and the crew had not yet arrived, so we had a 45 minute wait before they could begin the process and even open the station for coffee.
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-kenwbrenner
Hi.
Enjoyed your three part series on this trip.
You did a good job in providing details of the train and trip.
I thought you said you drove to Virginia from Kansas City.
I am originally from the Topeka, Kansas area, and lived in Overland Park for 2 years.
Look forward to more of your Amtrak videos.
Thanks
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Hi.
Enjoyed your three part series on this trip.
You did a good job in providing details of the train and trip.
I thought you said you drove to Virginia from Kansas City.
I am originally from the Topeka, Kansas area, and lived in Overland Park for 2 years.
Look forward to more of your Amtrak videos.
Thanks
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-kenlasky3904
Thank you recording and posting this! I-ll be taking the trip in May, 2021. Same accommodation. Oh! I have named all my cars! --- The current Silver Honda Accord is named Travis. Let-s see. my first car was Curtis, then came Andy, Stephanie, Marcelo, Nadine, Matthew, Joseph, and Bullitt. Bullitt was also a Silver Honda Accord.
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Thank you recording and posting this! I-ll be taking the trip in May, 2021. Same accommodation. Oh! I have named all my cars! --- The current Silver Honda Accord is named Travis. Let-s see. my first car was Curtis, then came Andy, Stephanie, Marcelo, Nadine, Matthew, Joseph, and Bullitt. Bullitt was also a Silver Honda Accord.
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train
Like the detail and the pictures and the video is fantastic the only thing I didn-t like all the reading I had to do. Why can-t you do an audio video so we can enjoy the picture while we-re listening to you. Most of the time I had to stop the video so I can read your caption that was my only concern, but a great video thank you
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Like the detail and the pictures and the video is fantastic the only thing I didn-t like all the reading I had to do. Why can-t you do an audio video so we can enjoy the picture while we-re listening to you. Most of the time I had to stop the video so I can read your caption that was my only concern, but a great video thank you
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-GarC170
The reason you-re supposed to sleep/lay perpendicular to the train-s movement is to prevent breaking your neck in the event of a derailment. Old hobo knowledge. Sleeping with your head pointing in the same direction as the train-s movement could cause you to snap your neck if the train stops suddenly and violently.
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The reason you-re supposed to sleep/lay perpendicular to the train-s movement is to prevent breaking your neck in the event of a derailment. Old hobo knowledge. Sleeping with your head pointing in the same direction as the train-s movement could cause you to snap your neck if the train stops suddenly and violently.
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-flarrfan
I hope you gave your attendant a nice tip, as opposed to Europe where it's not so routine. On my sleeper trips, I give $20 a night for good service, $10 if not up to par, and more for exceptional. I even tipped a coach attendant once for the excellent way he handled a drunk and disruptive passenger near me.
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I hope you gave your attendant a nice tip, as opposed to Europe where it's not so routine. On my sleeper trips, I give $20 a night for good service, $10 if not up to par, and more for exceptional. I even tipped a coach attendant once for the excellent way he handled a drunk and disruptive passenger near me.
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-Cal90208
Those engines are actually P40s. Extremely similar to the P42, they were the original ones Amtrak ordered. However there was a fault with them, that was fixed with the P42s. Those were fixed to continue service. P40s are the usual engine for the auto train. I may be wrong, not an expert
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Those engines are actually P40s. Extremely similar to the P42, they were the original ones Amtrak ordered. However there was a fault with them, that was fixed with the P42s. Those were fixed to continue service. P40s are the usual engine for the auto train. I may be wrong, not an expert
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-jasonm949
One thing I learned early on. I thought I was helping the sleeper car attendant by making my own bed, and then throwing it all on the top bunk when I was done. Turns out they now have to remake the upper bunk with fresh linen, since it's now soiled. Doubling their work.
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One thing I learned early on. I thought I was helping the sleeper car attendant by making my own bed, and then throwing it all on the top bunk when I was done. Turns out they now have to remake the upper bunk with fresh linen, since it's now soiled. Doubling their work.
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-michaelnorris6365
How did the cost compare to driving? Be sure to include all car expenses and $10 an hour for driving yourself.
I would love to take this train, but I am poor and live where there is no passenger service near. My nearest station is 100 miles away.
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How did the cost compare to driving? Be sure to include all car expenses and $10 an hour for driving yourself.
I would love to take this train, but I am poor and live where there is no passenger service near. My nearest station is 100 miles away.
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-ScarabChris
Very cool, they have the auto train down! My parents did an auto train trip about 6 years ago from wherever their most southern auto train station is I am pretty sure they said Sanford. They live by me in Ft Lauderdale. They enjoyed it.
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Very cool, they have the auto train down! My parents did an auto train trip about 6 years ago from wherever their most southern auto train station is I am pretty sure they said Sanford. They live by me in Ft Lauderdale. They enjoyed it.
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-JamesAdams-ev6fc
Really wonderful set of videos on Amtrak Auto Train. Perhaps someday it will run from Boston to Miami. Another nice feature would be a car for pets. If you have pets you have to drive the entire way right now. Anyway, good - job!
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Really wonderful set of videos on Amtrak Auto Train. Perhaps someday it will run from Boston to Miami. Another nice feature would be a car for pets. If you have pets you have to drive the entire way right now. Anyway, good - job!
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-MrSecurity111
Of course the engine light was on, it's a Volkswagen. I have one and I think that light comes on to remind us that we have and engine and it is running, LOL. If mine went out, I'd be worried something bad was about to happen.
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Of course the engine light was on, it's a Volkswagen. I have one and I think that light comes on to remind us that we have and engine and it is running, LOL. If mine went out, I'd be worried something bad was about to happen.
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-miata1492
I lived in Washington, D. C. when AutoTrain began and knew what it was for. But I have to say that this three-part series was the vert BEST information I have EVER seen about its operation. Congratulations, and thank you!
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I lived in Washington, D. C. when AutoTrain began and knew what it was for. But I have to say that this three-part series was the vert BEST information I have EVER seen about its operation. Congratulations, and thank you!
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-Dovietail
I don't care for the livery of the auto carriages. It looks like they're shipping paper towels or something. I wish they would go for a more traditional Amtrak livery on train carriages carrying cars.
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I don't care for the livery of the auto carriages. It looks like they're shipping paper towels or something. I wish they would go for a more traditional Amtrak livery on train carriages carrying cars.
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-pt008
You got lucky only having to wait 30 minutes without paying for priority unloading: ) I've had to wait like 90 minutes but that's just the luck of the draw, I think - I checked in relatively early.
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You got lucky only having to wait 30 minutes without paying for priority unloading: ) I've had to wait like 90 minutes but that's just the luck of the draw, I think - I checked in relatively early.
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-denisstables8351
This is a great video showing what viewers need to know. The only mistake I found was the P42 locomotives were not built by General Motors but General Electric.
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This is a great video showing what viewers need to know. The only mistake I found was the P42 locomotives were not built by General Motors but General Electric.
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-Andrew_G4CH
I think I've seen Dash-8 516 up north before. I know I've been pulled by pepsi cans on the Pennsylvanian before. Can't remember if it was that one exactly or not.
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I think I've seen Dash-8 516 up north before. I know I've been pulled by pepsi cans on the Pennsylvanian before. Can't remember if it was that one exactly or not.
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-penjim
Thank you for this review! I appreciate your European perspective as many Americans think Amtrak must be the worst trains in the world, I believe they are very good. -
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Thank you for this review! I appreciate your European perspective as many Americans think Amtrak must be the worst trains in the world, I believe they are very good. -
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-wurzlbrunft9322
6: 30 Those arent P42DCs, those are P40DCs, if you look at the number, 800-843 is P40DC, 1-207 is P42DC and 700-717 is P32AC-DM. But still a nice vid; ) Bye
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6: 30 Those arent P42DCs, those are P40DCs, if you look at the number, 800-843 is P40DC, 1-207 is P42DC and 700-717 is P32AC-DM. But still a nice vid; ) Bye
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-dianerivera3222
Those last few miles on the train going into Sanford are on the sides, not the main lines and they have restricted speeds which is why they go slow.
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Those last few miles on the train going into Sanford are on the sides, not the main lines and they have restricted speeds which is why they go slow.
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train
I thought Amtrak's Autotrain had the most highest priority over any other train including intermodels and other amtrak trains, Guess CSX is just being CSX lol
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I thought Amtrak's Autotrain had the most highest priority over any other train including intermodels and other amtrak trains, Guess CSX is just being CSX lol
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-norad. 737
Really enjoyed this 3-part series. We're planning to take the Auto Train and now I feel like I'm prepared. Thanks for the very comprehensive review.
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Really enjoyed this 3-part series. We're planning to take the Auto Train and now I feel like I'm prepared. Thanks for the very comprehensive review.
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-Randoman35
Soda should be as abundant as coffee. Wherever there's a coffee machine there should be a soda machine. I drink soda like a coffee person.
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Soda should be as abundant as coffee. Wherever there's a coffee machine there should be a soda machine. I drink soda like a coffee person.
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