48 Chicago to New York Penn. departed on time June 5

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This trip report is getting an early start. I woke up about 5 am and perused Amtrak status maps. 49 is running late. Lost 5 hours between Schenectady and Utica. Most recently departed Erie 7 hours late.

Previous experiences with this scenario indicates a late departure for tonight’s 48. My train.
 
This trip report is getting an early start. I woke up about 5 am and perused Amtrak status maps. 49 is running late. Lost 5 hours between Schenectady and Utica. Most recently departed Erie 7 hours late.

Previous experiences with this scenario indicates a late departure for tonight’s 48. My train.
At least you get to Sleep in before heading for Union Station! ( And a chance to stock up with Snacks and Drinks!)

But wait, shouldn't the yards be full of equipment, and lots of OBS available from the Extra Board so a consist can be made up for an on time departure???
 
At least you get to Sleep in before heading for Union Station! ( And a chance to stock up with Snacks and Drinks!)

But wait, shouldn't the yards be full of equipment, and lots of OBS available from the Extra Board so a consist can be made up for an on time departure???


I am hoping for the same thing. They use extra equipment in the yard to make a new train consist. But maybe the yard crews have been reduced for cost cutting. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
 
I am hoping for the same thing. They use extra equipment in the yard to make a new train consist. But maybe the yard crews have been reduced for cost cutting. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

I'm not sure if there's a full Viewliner set in Chicago, though, or enough to make up a LSL consist. I know it's not a major base for the Viewliners (both the Cardinal and the LSL turn same-day or as close as possible, given the schedule, in Chicago) so there may not be enough Viewliner backup equipment to make it work. Unfortunately, a Superliner consist wouldn't work as it wouldn't be able to safely get into NY Penn Station.
 
Steve, I am concerned about you and MIke. Be safe and be very careful and please keep us posted.
 
Right now it looks like a 5-6 pm Arrival into CHI for #49.

Guess it will depend on the infamous Chicago Yard Crew to get the Train turned,cleaned and ready for tonight's departure.

Based on my expierence in CHI waiting on connections when LD Trains run late, it will probably be Midnight or later when you depart.

Looking forward to your reports! Bon Voyage!
 
I'm not sure if there's a full Viewliner set in Chicago, though, or enough to make up a LSL consist. I know it's not a major base for the Viewliners (both the Cardinal and the LSL turn same-day or as close as possible, given the schedule, in Chicago) so there may not be enough Viewliner backup equipment to make it work. Unfortunately, a Superliner consist wouldn't work as it wouldn't be able to safely get into NY Penn Station.
True Jeb! And meanwhile theres probably tons of Viewliners and Single Level Equipment stored in the Yards in New York and Florida!

OBS shouldn't be a problem if the arriving crew is worn out/ out of time.
 
My dad gave me a ride to the station. Most of the entrances from the outside of the lights we have to walk down the tab entranceway and or by baggage claim. In the metropolitan loans it’s business as usual.

After I checked in I put an order in to Connies Pizza for a small deep dish pepperoni and a three cans of Pepsi so I am prepared for the potential delay.
 
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The pizza was delicious. It was quickly gone. The agent in the lounge was very pleasant. An ongoing conversation helped the time pass quickly. At 8:50 we were sent out to wait for red cap.

Now that I’m content and full of pizza it will be hard to stay awake.
 
Is the Chicago Metropolitan Lounge still without any food & beverage offerings?

There were a few light snacks and the agent had small cold bottles of water. The places in the station and around station were closed. Advanced research and some planning can find food that can be delivered.

There are a couple f Whole Foods and a Marianos within a 20 minutes walk from the station.

Use google maps to confirm opening times.
 
One if my Facebook friend from Amtrak posted that she helped prepare my train. My roomette is in good working order. Clean and comfortable. I woke up a couple of times at Toledo and we are now I. Sandusky.

Some nigh time photos.
 

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Diner experience is a mixed bag. Breakfast was adequate with breakfast sandwich and bowl of cereal. The attendant was a pleasure. Lots of conversation. Lunch was a problem. No child’s meal available. Not loaded on Chicago. The other options were not interesting to me. So I walked to lounge car and got a cheeseburger and macaroni and cheese. Was not allowed to sit and eat in cafe car so I walked back to diner. The attendant cheerfully provided a blondie for dessert.

This dining system would be adequate if one could order a cheeseburger for lunch.
 
Departed Utica 1 hour 15 late. 30 minutes late into Rochester. Track work that reduced double track to single track East of Rochester caused significant amount of this delay. Waited for two wb freights before proceeding East. Then stick behind slower moving every freight into and out of Utica is adding to the delay.
 
Arrived Albany Albany exactas 1 hour late. Predicting 3:45 departure 6 minutes early since Boston cars not getting switched out.

When I walked to the lounge to get my hamburger noted that I walked through four coaches. Seems that they are expanding consist back to normal patters. Train is not crowded.

A few photos.
 

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