Empire Builder question....

[Eric308]

If #8 is late coming into Chicago does it affect #7's departure west? Just curious, how many EB consists are there? Is there always a #7 just waiting in the wings? I was kind of wondering because all of a sudden #8 is almost an hour late out of Wisconsin Dells. Leading to another question....we are experiencing some very high winds in the area and maybe they issue slow warnings at such times? They are gusting over 40 and we are having some almost whiteout snow squalls. Why am I concerned? I'm leaving on #7 today at 5:02pm.

 

[CCC1007]

If #8 is late coming into Chicago does it affect #7's departure west? Just curious, how many EB consists are there? Is there always a #7 just waiting in the wings?

The 8 does not arrive in time to turn same day, so it will sit over night. There are 5 sets needed to cover the builder schedules.Today's train 7 should not be affected by the delay to 8, however there could be delay due to weather.

 

[RalphCT]

Train 7 leaves Chicago before Train 8 arrives in Chicago every day. Even when 8 is on time or, as frequently occurs, is early. They pass each other north of Glenview IL. So no, a late arriving 8 will not cause a late departure of 7.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Per a post on FB:

Smooth sailing up to now on #8 but we are stopped now between Tomah and the Wisconsin Dells because there is broken rail ahead of us. CP has been working on it for a couple hours so maybe we won't be here too long!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AmtraksEmpireBuilder/?fref=nf#