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BNSF is also detouring freight to the line through Southern Iowa. This extra freight traffic is causing congestion, which is delaying Amtrak.

What type of freight did Amtrak move with these box cars? I suppose it varied. I recall seeing them on the tail end of trains. Were they meant to be a replacement for the MHC's?

UPDATE: After "spending the night" in Ottumwa, #5(1) is on the move again. Departed Ottumwa at 10:25 am - 15 hours 32 minutes late!

It's my understanding, #5 is sitting in Ottumwa until this morning because the crew expired or was about to expire. A relief crew couldn't be brought in because of poor travel conditions.

The 32k number threw me for a minute! New concept? .. Sleeper/Diner? :) Hope you enjoy your trip!

Unsure of specific dates. However, according to the BNSF press release posted above, there may be some detours happening next month as they 'float into place the new lift span'. I have never been on a train that has completely run out of food, although I have heard of it happening. Amtrak...

Whenever something occurs on the Southern Iowa portion of the Zephyr's route, it's often rerouted through Central Iowa on the Union Pacific (usually from Galesburg, IL to Omaha, NE). This happened many times over the Summer because of washouts on the BNSF line from extensive amounts of rain...

Apparently this happens more than I previously thought. Here are a couple of related stories, I thought I would share. 1) A few months ago I decided to watch #5 arrive and depart from town. I brought my handheld scanner along, as it's always fun to listen to the conversation between the crew...

I am curious to know if the 35xxx series is still in service? There are only about a dozen of these, I understand. I have never seen the interior of a Snack Coach in person. I am guessing, the lower level (where seating would normally be) acts as the "cafe" so to speak? I heard that a few of...

Very touchy subject. It doesn't matter the price of the camera. The said Amtrak employee went against policy. Right there, violates work ethic and I would be very suspicious of someone in that matter. If you have ethics, you will do right in your job.

While I can't confirm a schedule change, I will say.. This summer hasn't been kind to #5 or #6 in regards to on-time performance. Mother Nature played a big part delaying/rerouting the Zephyr in the midwest. Iowa in particular with all the rain. Slow orders were in effect with SE Iowa under...

Forgive me if this subject has been brought up prior but, why is the Head-End Power (H.E.P.) occasionally shut down momentarily at certain station stops. Maybe for no more than 30 seconds and then it's brought back online. Seems to happen at engineer crew change points or stations with a...

I have to agree, the CUS waiting room and general boarding area (South) could be greatly improved. It's very disorganized, tends to be a "cluster" and is difficult for passengers to manuever with all the long lines at each gate. It would seem beneficial if each gate had it's own enclosed...

When the prototypes were built, weren't there two Viewliner Dining cars? 8400 and ? Or am I thinking of the Sleeping Car prototype 2301?

Unfortunately, there will always be those who will find something to complain about. Those noises are just part of train travel. I was on the Capitol Limited a few weeks back in a Superliner I Sleeper and it squeeked and "groaned" occasionally. Downstairs, the cabinet doors (next to the...

You are correct. The ticket counter at DC Union Station is not enclosed. I was there a couple of weeks ago changing my ticket.

This indeed does happen! Great example! I was traveling by Coach. The CZ arrived too late into Chicago to hold the Capitol. I was told to go to the ticket agent the next day to have my tickets reprinted. The following day, when I spoke to the ticket agent, he pulled up the Capitol Limited...

It's been a rather rough summer for the California Zephyr and it's passengers. The CZ has either been severely delayed or detoured most of the Summer due to a very rainy season in Iowa. Two and a half feet of rain is crazy! From slow orders (soft track beds) to fallen trees and washouts...

My biggest pet peeve would be, parents that do not control their children from running up and down the aisles! My recent trip, on the CZ, had a couple of them running back and forth to the Sightseer Lounge Car (directly in front of my Coach) about every 10 minutes.

Another way to tell the difference between a Superliner I and II externally is the number board that designates the train/car number near the door is digital on II's.