I found this thread when looking for any mentions of Thurmond WV, that goes into best side for views and such on the Cardinal. But that thread is from the 2013/2014 and about train #50 (eastbound). I'm heading Westbound in May and am really looking forward to seeing the Gorge and I'd love to be able to see those old buildings in Thurmond.
http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/55608-the-cardinal-train-50/
First - if there's no one getting on/off at a flag stop like Thurmond, does the train slow down / stop / or make any announcements? I just want to have the camera(s) ready. I imagine cell phone service (AT&T) is poor to non-existant so I can't count on following progress on my iPhone.
Second - any consensus on which side the even/odd roomettes are on? I'm currently booked in #2. It seems like the ordering is fairly arbitrary. The thread mentioned above seemed to indicate that the odd number cars are preferred on the Eastbound 50. Does that still apply to the Westbound 51? Since there's no domed lounge car on the Cardinal at this time of year, it seems most people say that best view is from the room. Worth trying to change the room number? I usually just roll with what I get since I spend most of my time in the lounge, but this is a funny little train that is new to me.
(Semi-related - any consistency to where the sleeping car is located when going Westbound? Having the Railfan window on this route would be awesome).
http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/55608-the-cardinal-train-50/
First - if there's no one getting on/off at a flag stop like Thurmond, does the train slow down / stop / or make any announcements? I just want to have the camera(s) ready. I imagine cell phone service (AT&T) is poor to non-existant so I can't count on following progress on my iPhone.
Second - any consensus on which side the even/odd roomettes are on? I'm currently booked in #2. It seems like the ordering is fairly arbitrary. The thread mentioned above seemed to indicate that the odd number cars are preferred on the Eastbound 50. Does that still apply to the Westbound 51? Since there's no domed lounge car on the Cardinal at this time of year, it seems most people say that best view is from the room. Worth trying to change the room number? I usually just roll with what I get since I spend most of my time in the lounge, but this is a funny little train that is new to me.
(Semi-related - any consistency to where the sleeping car is located when going Westbound? Having the Railfan window on this route would be awesome).