Amtrak Fall Foliage trips out of Philly

[FreeskierInVT]

There appears to be tickets available for Sunday's train. If you didn't get a chance to get a ticket, now is your chance.

 

[jacorbett70]

Arriving Enola Yard later than expected and are now planning to bypass HAR stop on the way back and proceed to the Royalton Branch.

 

[benjibear]

If anyone can post when it will get onto the Columbia secondary.

 

[jacorbett70]

Now hear we have to make a brief stop beside the HAR station to "pick up a passenger" ... Otherwise I suppose the passenger will be beside himself.

 

[jacorbett70]

Just made the brief next-to-HAR stop and waved at the GG-1

 

[railiner]

They said we will stop at Lancaster to drop off trash and also the NS crew...

 

[Blackwolf]

First YouTube video has surfaced: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue5j4-HnN6E

So, two locomotives and 13 cars. Several AmFleet I's, a handfull of AmFleet II's, a bunch of Horizons and one VIP car on the end. No food service cars, though.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

2 cafes

 

[jacorbett70]

About 12 miles away from entering Columbia secondary.

 

[Ian]

Are the tops of any of the dutch doors open to allow people to take pictures?

 

[jacorbett70]

On Columbia Secondary

 

[pennyk]

Are the tops of any of the dutch doors open to allow people to take pictures?

No

 

[benjibear]

2:29 PM crossing Donerville Road heading into Lancaster.

 

[mignyc]

Any tips for the Sunday crew? Which side to sit on, which cars, how to line up effectively, etc etc.

 

[Ian]

Any tips for the Sunday crew? Which side to sit on, which cars, how to line up effectively, etc etc.

I am wondering the same also. Does anyone know if the 9800 Metroliner/conference car is open for general seating. (I have no idea what it looks like inside so I don't even know if that's possible.)

thanks!

Ian

 

[Bill]

The train left from track 7. I arrived before 6 am and started the line just before 7 am. Left side is better as that is closest to the Susquehanna below Columbia where the best views are. It was a great trip.

 

[jis]

No seats for general public in 9800. It is for Amtrak staff only.

 

[Ian]

No seats for general public in 9800. It is for Amtrak staff only.

Thanks!

Ian

 

[JoeRids1]

I enjoyed the trip; thought it was well run and organized by enthusiastic employees. Line up was a breeze and there seemed to be good seats for everyone who cared about what side they were on. Only complaint I would have is that 7:30 is a long time to be on a crowded train with no breaks; on future trips at least one rest stop would be much appreciated. I was a single traveler and had an empty seat next to me, so that really helped.

 

[amamba]

So what did everyone else think?

 

[mignyc]

what was the boxed lunch like and were thee beverages available ?

 

[pennyk]

Boxed lunch was in a very cute insulated souvenir bag. It was a turkey sub on multi grain, kettle chips, cookie, apple, bottle water. Snacks and beverages were for sale in 2 cafe cars as were souvenirs. I thought it was extremely well done and worth the trip from Florida.

 

[Acela150]

The boxed lunch was in a very nice Souvenir Lunch Bag. Contained a good sandwich, fruit, chips, and a cookie. Also included was a small bottle of water. The cafe was open serving cold soda, adult beverages, and chips/candy. Also for sale were very nice souvenirs! Hats, posters, pins, magnets, and 40th Anniversary book and dvd. The hats are $15, posters $10, Pins were IIRC no more then $5.

Also a fair warning to anyone going out to see the train and take pictures of it. I saw at least two photographers stopped by NS and Amtrak Police on Railroad Property. They were taking the trespass serious today. I STRONGLY suggest that one does not step foot onto Railroad Property without permission. Once again DO NOT Trespass on Railroad Property! A photo of this train isn't worth getting arrested.

 

[mignyc]

how were the lines in the cafe cars?

 

[etsk09]

how were the lines in the cafe cars?

Really, really long. And at least in the Cafe up front, it had to have been the slowest LSA I've ever seen.

My only other complaint was that the PA system had some issues. Apparently the closer you were to the front of the train the better it was. But the guy narrating was a real pro. He actually started walking the train to make sure everyone could hear.

Other than that amazing trip!