Amtrak Cardinal - Amtrak Viewliner Roomette
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Date: 2023-08-28
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Comments and reviews: 30
Kevin
CAR NUMBERS: I don't know if it is the same now, I have always just made my way and found it. But when i was a kid, there were signs posted on the over hang that told you were a car number was. The station people would put the signs in place. I'd think, in this day and age those signs would be digital, if they still use them.
Now, I LIKE Amtrak, but they are so unreliable if you are on a schedule. I have yet to come into the station on time. I have been as much as 5 hours late going from Eugene OR to Tacoma WA. I travel that route a lot and have learned to NEVER have my meetings on the same day as arrival as I can depend on Amtrak being late and not making my time schedule. So, when you viewers price your trip out, you should include an extra day at a hotel as part of your pricing to travel on Amtrak.
There is a new private rail service in Florida you might want to try if you are looking to travel there or just looking for an adventure. That rail line is named Brightline. Check it out. Let me put it this way, if Brightline ever expands their service, Amtrak will close within a few days! Brightline service, schedule and being on time, as well as luxury puts Amtrak to absolute shame! Which really it would not take much to put Amtrak to shame. hehehe
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CAR NUMBERS: I don't know if it is the same now, I have always just made my way and found it. But when i was a kid, there were signs posted on the over hang that told you were a car number was. The station people would put the signs in place. I'd think, in this day and age those signs would be digital, if they still use them.
Now, I LIKE Amtrak, but they are so unreliable if you are on a schedule. I have yet to come into the station on time. I have been as much as 5 hours late going from Eugene OR to Tacoma WA. I travel that route a lot and have learned to NEVER have my meetings on the same day as arrival as I can depend on Amtrak being late and not making my time schedule. So, when you viewers price your trip out, you should include an extra day at a hotel as part of your pricing to travel on Amtrak.
There is a new private rail service in Florida you might want to try if you are looking to travel there or just looking for an adventure. That rail line is named Brightline. Check it out. Let me put it this way, if Brightline ever expands their service, Amtrak will close within a few days! Brightline service, schedule and being on time, as well as luxury puts Amtrak to absolute shame! Which really it would not take much to put Amtrak to shame. hehehe
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Tim
I'm taking the Cardinal from Wilmington, DE to Chicago in July (Then riding coach in the Texas Eagle to Springfield IL to see Lincoln-related sites. Taking it back as well. I primarily chose the Cardinal because it stops in Wilmington- other Chicago trains would require me to go to NYC or Washington first. However, the other two options-Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited- are scheduled such that travel through the more scenic areas is at night or overnight. If I'm going across part of the US by train, I want to be able to enjoy the scenery.
Amtrak is SUPPOSED to have priority over freight. The priority is actually written into the law. However, as others have said the freight companies own the rails so are really in control. Further, all Amtrak can do is complain to some Federal agency- who doesn't really do anything. There is a bill in Congress to give Amtrak better enforcement rights, but we know how getting anything passed is these days.
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I'm taking the Cardinal from Wilmington, DE to Chicago in July (Then riding coach in the Texas Eagle to Springfield IL to see Lincoln-related sites. Taking it back as well. I primarily chose the Cardinal because it stops in Wilmington- other Chicago trains would require me to go to NYC or Washington first. However, the other two options-Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited- are scheduled such that travel through the more scenic areas is at night or overnight. If I'm going across part of the US by train, I want to be able to enjoy the scenery.
Amtrak is SUPPOSED to have priority over freight. The priority is actually written into the law. However, as others have said the freight companies own the rails so are really in control. Further, all Amtrak can do is complain to some Federal agency- who doesn't really do anything. There is a bill in Congress to give Amtrak better enforcement rights, but we know how getting anything passed is these days.
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JK
Everyone hates on the DC lounge. I've never had any issues. The biggest benefit is going out the side doors to the train, in contrast to NY and CHI where you have to travel through the main station. The ice machine has been broken for a few years.
In terms of car numbers, when you travel enough, you know the difference between the car types. The car number you are looking for is either a scrolling type number or a digital number. Not the permanent number on the exterior ends, but the one near the door. Usually sleeping cars ending in 0 are the closest to the dining car. Then they increase as you get further from the car. The cardinal has one sleeper, so it's self explanatory, but they also have a dorm car that I believe they sell rooms in.
The cardinal is such a nice train. The food was fine the last time I rode, but if you want gourmet, go to a restaurant. Personally even the flex dining is better than any domestic US airline meal.
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Everyone hates on the DC lounge. I've never had any issues. The biggest benefit is going out the side doors to the train, in contrast to NY and CHI where you have to travel through the main station. The ice machine has been broken for a few years.
In terms of car numbers, when you travel enough, you know the difference between the car types. The car number you are looking for is either a scrolling type number or a digital number. Not the permanent number on the exterior ends, but the one near the door. Usually sleeping cars ending in 0 are the closest to the dining car. Then they increase as you get further from the car. The cardinal has one sleeper, so it's self explanatory, but they also have a dorm car that I believe they sell rooms in.
The cardinal is such a nice train. The food was fine the last time I rode, but if you want gourmet, go to a restaurant. Personally even the flex dining is better than any domestic US airline meal.
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travel
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!
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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!
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Cory
Hello Jeb. I have been enjoying watching your videos as you throughout the country. I personally have only been as far as halfway by train. The Amtrak routes I have been on are Cardinal, Pennsylvanian, Silver Meteor, Empire Service, Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle, and the former Broadway Limited. Living in Philadelphia, I miss the Broadway Limited going to Chicago to make connections with the Texas Eagle. Broadway Limited ran 7 days a week and is a shorter route as oppose to the Cardinal. Do you know if the Sunset Limited will resume service to Florida? If you find out let me know. Thanks.
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Hello Jeb. I have been enjoying watching your videos as you throughout the country. I personally have only been as far as halfway by train. The Amtrak routes I have been on are Cardinal, Pennsylvanian, Silver Meteor, Empire Service, Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle, and the former Broadway Limited. Living in Philadelphia, I miss the Broadway Limited going to Chicago to make connections with the Texas Eagle. Broadway Limited ran 7 days a week and is a shorter route as oppose to the Cardinal. Do you know if the Sunset Limited will resume service to Florida? If you find out let me know. Thanks.
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JJJUICEBOX
Car numbers. the printed number is for Amtrak to log cars. Each car has a changeable number plate, usually behind some dirty plexiglass and are lighted (next to boarding door) that identify the routes car number. You might notice they usually follow suite (ie: Train # 30 would have car number 3010 or 3019) it can get confusing but when you ride as much as I do you get used to it. This is done in order to associate car numbers to the train route number. Cars get changed out and the ticketing system would constantly need to be updated. this makes it way easier logistically.
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Car numbers. the printed number is for Amtrak to log cars. Each car has a changeable number plate, usually behind some dirty plexiglass and are lighted (next to boarding door) that identify the routes car number. You might notice they usually follow suite (ie: Train # 30 would have car number 3010 or 3019) it can get confusing but when you ride as much as I do you get used to it. This is done in order to associate car numbers to the train route number. Cars get changed out and the ticketing system would constantly need to be updated. this makes it way easier logistically.
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Jann
Hello Jeb, I really enjoy your videos and is really enlightening. I am from Singapore and we are planning a trip Oct 23. Plan is to hop on the Cardinal from New York to Chicago and then onto the California Zephyr to SFO. And if time and $ allows, even from California to San Antonio. The Amtrak website intimidates me! Is there a better way to pre book while online so that we can be sure we get a room throughout. Please advice. l
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Hello Jeb, I really enjoy your videos and is really enlightening. I am from Singapore and we are planning a trip Oct 23. Plan is to hop on the Cardinal from New York to Chicago and then onto the California Zephyr to SFO. And if time and $ allows, even from California to San Antonio. The Amtrak website intimidates me! Is there a better way to pre book while online so that we can be sure we get a room throughout. Please advice. l
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OskarGaming
About how to find the coach you sit in: i dont know about Amtrak, but SJ (at least Intercity with the Asea RC6 and the B7 coach type) they put up a piece of paper (since the coaches are pretty old (1980s) they dont have LED signs) with the coach number and the destination. Example: Vagn 3
MORA
On the Regional or the newer trains (like X2000) they have digital signs with coach number and destination.
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About how to find the coach you sit in: i dont know about Amtrak, but SJ (at least Intercity with the Asea RC6 and the B7 coach type) they put up a piece of paper (since the coaches are pretty old (1980s) they dont have LED signs) with the coach number and the destination. Example: Vagn 3
MORA
On the Regional or the newer trains (like X2000) they have digital signs with coach number and destination.
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Aakash
3: 51 I would just look for the number on each car and decide. That is how I know which car to get into. So you could have gotten into the car number that matched yours. If your ticket includes none of these car numbers, then probably just choose the closest one to that number, or number the cars from front to back and then chose it, if your number is less than the actual number of cars on Amtrak trains.
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3: 51 I would just look for the number on each car and decide. That is how I know which car to get into. So you could have gotten into the car number that matched yours. If your ticket includes none of these car numbers, then probably just choose the closest one to that number, or number the cars from front to back and then chose it, if your number is less than the actual number of cars on Amtrak trains.
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Holly
been watching some of your videos as I've just bought tickets to go from Utah back to Virginia where I'm from (with a baby and husband. 55hr. wish us luck lol. I'm actually from tiny Staunton, VA and never once in 22 years saw passenger trains stop at the station there. but it's going to be interesting pulling right up to my hometown vs flying in and having to drive hours to get home
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been watching some of your videos as I've just bought tickets to go from Utah back to Virginia where I'm from (with a baby and husband. 55hr. wish us luck lol. I'm actually from tiny Staunton, VA and never once in 22 years saw passenger trains stop at the station there. but it's going to be interesting pulling right up to my hometown vs flying in and having to drive hours to get home
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Iron
My trip on the cardinal 3. 15. 22 was part of an 8500 mile amtrak trip that was my birthday gift to myself for my 80th birthday. Starting in California on the Coast starlight and then onto Chicago on the California Zephyr really ruins you for the less than second rate food on the Cardinal. I would not take this train again until Amtrak adds the dining car back into service.
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My trip on the cardinal 3. 15. 22 was part of an 8500 mile amtrak trip that was my birthday gift to myself for my 80th birthday. Starting in California on the Coast starlight and then onto Chicago on the California Zephyr really ruins you for the less than second rate food on the Cardinal. I would not take this train again until Amtrak adds the dining car back into service.
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NHBob
Your ticket shows your car number ex 4810 - the first two numbers are the train the second two is the car in the consist. Don't look at the painted 5 digit number on the side of the car but check the 4 digit signage at each entrance door. My example is the 48 which is the Lake Shore 'Ltd and car 10 would probably be the first sleeper. I hope this helps.
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Your ticket shows your car number ex 4810 - the first two numbers are the train the second two is the car in the consist. Don't look at the painted 5 digit number on the side of the car but check the 4 digit signage at each entrance door. My example is the 48 which is the Lake Shore 'Ltd and car 10 would probably be the first sleeper. I hope this helps.
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Sue
Thanks. Great video. My planned trip is on Empire Builder but still learning all I can. I personally would not want to travel sitting right next to that toilet, and lol certainly not sitting there watching a second person use it. My roomette on EB is just steps away from the toilets and showers, so I will just go down the aisle thanks. :)
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Thanks. Great video. My planned trip is on Empire Builder but still learning all I can. I personally would not want to travel sitting right next to that toilet, and lol certainly not sitting there watching a second person use it. My roomette on EB is just steps away from the toilets and showers, so I will just go down the aisle thanks. :)
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Robert
Love your content but I have to mention the amount of ads have gone up astronomically. I fully respect and understand some commercials but I cant get through 2 minutes of your episodes without being interrupted. 30 seconds of non skippable ads followed by a 5 second ad every 1-2 minutes is unwatchable anymore.
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Love your content but I have to mention the amount of ads have gone up astronomically. I fully respect and understand some commercials but I cant get through 2 minutes of your episodes without being interrupted. 30 seconds of non skippable ads followed by a 5 second ad every 1-2 minutes is unwatchable anymore.
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Ben
I would like to ride on this train due to all the lovely scenes. But until they add daily units & dining car don't think so. I read Va bought out the old rough track area & hopefully repairs it soon so speed & comfort will improve the ride up to normal. I will prefer this trip from Chi to DC & NY over others.
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I would like to ride on this train due to all the lovely scenes. But until they add daily units & dining car don't think so. I read Va bought out the old rough track area & hopefully repairs it soon so speed & comfort will improve the ride up to normal. I will prefer this trip from Chi to DC & NY over others.
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STACY
Shenandoah Valley is gorgeous. Beautiful because I live in WV. White Sulphur Springs Greenbrier CO. Love the lights at night in Charleston WV. KANAWHA CO. I live outside of Charleston. In WV we have alot of train tracks almost in our backyards. So people have to get used to both Cargo, Passenger. COAL CARS
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Shenandoah Valley is gorgeous. Beautiful because I live in WV. White Sulphur Springs Greenbrier CO. Love the lights at night in Charleston WV. KANAWHA CO. I live outside of Charleston. In WV we have alot of train tracks almost in our backyards. So people have to get used to both Cargo, Passenger. COAL CARS
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Matthew
Do freight trains have priority over Amtrak?
Yes, and no.
Because the tracks are mostly freight owned, they give priority to their trains. However, federal regulations have come down to give Amtrak priority on the rails. Freight companies dont always respect this rule though.
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Do freight trains have priority over Amtrak?
Yes, and no.
Because the tracks are mostly freight owned, they give priority to their trains. However, federal regulations have come down to give Amtrak priority on the rails. Freight companies dont always respect this rule though.
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Aakash
16: 14 NO! I do NOT like to share this room with someone else at all! I do NOT like the idea of this at all! Plus, I don't even want to use this toilet, I want to use the shared one that is somewhere else. Plus why I like Amtrak SUPERLINERS better than VIEWliners!
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16: 14 NO! I do NOT like to share this room with someone else at all! I do NOT like the idea of this at all! Plus, I don't even want to use this toilet, I want to use the shared one that is somewhere else. Plus why I like Amtrak SUPERLINERS better than VIEWliners!
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Basic
Apparently, the toilet and sink in the room is a characteristic of old sleeping coaches from the 50s. Amtraks hand-me-down budd sleeping cars had the same arrangement. Its a design that certainly hasnt aged well, and I find it really awkward with another person.
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Apparently, the toilet and sink in the room is a characteristic of old sleeping coaches from the 50s. Amtraks hand-me-down budd sleeping cars had the same arrangement. Its a design that certainly hasnt aged well, and I find it really awkward with another person.
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Bonnie
--Just discovered your blog, and am Very impressed! The background music was subtle and nice; some presentations have such jarring music! The spoken parts were understandable, even w/out having to turn on the cc system, so count me in!
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--Just discovered your blog, and am Very impressed! The background music was subtle and nice; some presentations have such jarring music! The spoken parts were understandable, even w/out having to turn on the cc system, so count me in!
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rightmind14u
The toilet. a little too close for comfort. How many people peed on the cloth seat over the years or on the floor. I am all for a private bathroom but not where I sleep, eat, and sit and touch. Way too close for that.
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The toilet. a little too close for comfort. How many people peed on the cloth seat over the years or on the floor. I am all for a private bathroom but not where I sleep, eat, and sit and touch. Way too close for that.
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Will
Jeb have you looked into reviewing the Auto Train that runs nonstop from Lorton, VA to Stanford, FL where passengers are able to transport their own vehicles with them in separate freight cars at the end of the train?
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Jeb have you looked into reviewing the Auto Train that runs nonstop from Lorton, VA to Stanford, FL where passengers are able to transport their own vehicles with them in separate freight cars at the end of the train?
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blake
Took the Crescent 19 from NYC to ATL this last week in a roomette. Amazing. So much fun and our car attendant Kevin is an absolute credit to the company. Will definitely be doing the Amtrak thing again. Love it.
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Took the Crescent 19 from NYC to ATL this last week in a roomette. Amazing. So much fun and our car attendant Kevin is an absolute credit to the company. Will definitely be doing the Amtrak thing again. Love it.
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Steve
I am curious. Have they looked into adding passenger cars to freight trains, given priority on their tracks and extra locations they can serve. Maybe Amtrak should design dedicated shower cars and bathroom cars?
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I am curious. Have they looked into adding passenger cars to freight trains, given priority on their tracks and extra locations they can serve. Maybe Amtrak should design dedicated shower cars and bathroom cars?
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Ollie
14: 51, Chesapeake & Ohio 614, was supposed to be Greenbriers luxury train locomotive. The Presidential Express was supposed to go between DCs Union Station and the train station at the famous Greenbrier Resort.
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14: 51, Chesapeake & Ohio 614, was supposed to be Greenbriers luxury train locomotive. The Presidential Express was supposed to go between DCs Union Station and the train station at the famous Greenbrier Resort.
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Aakash
3: 54 You should look at your ticket only and look for numbers on the ticket, or ask for help only if you aren't really able to find it. The crew members will decide where you can sit on the train journey.
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3: 54 You should look at your ticket only and look for numbers on the ticket, or ask for help only if you aren't really able to find it. The crew members will decide where you can sit on the train journey.
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Saphira
Amtrak has to pay 142million each year to use host lines(Union Pacific, Bnsf, ect) so the trains that are owned by the host companies get the right away so Amtrak has to pull over and let the others pass.
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Amtrak has to pay 142million each year to use host lines(Union Pacific, Bnsf, ect) so the trains that are owned by the host companies get the right away so Amtrak has to pull over and let the others pass.
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Barbara
The picture is deceiving
Put the cover down and pile your hand luggage on it. That is a solid wall with a curtain. As others have said, depending on your circumstances, it is a great setup.
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The picture is deceiving
Put the cover down and pile your hand luggage on it. That is a solid wall with a curtain. As others have said, depending on your circumstances, it is a great setup.
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blake
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!
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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!
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Benjamin
so if you take a dump in the toilet in a roomette, does it stink up the whole space or is there an air suction devise that sucks your fart smells and expels them below on to the tracks?
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so if you take a dump in the toilet in a roomette, does it stink up the whole space or is there an air suction devise that sucks your fart smells and expels them below on to the tracks?
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