Northeast Regional & Silver Bullet - Any Difference?

[Roger]

This might be a silly question, but that's what the internet's for, right? :blink:

I'm taking the Northeast Regional (Train 84) from Richmond VA to Philadelphia PA later in the month. I've recently taken the Northeast Regional to Boston and back, so I'm pretty familiar with it.

But, I opted to take the Silver Meteor (Train 97) back from Philly to RVA when my trip is over a few days after arrival. I could have chose either, really, but it seemed the Silver Meteor had less stops (am I right?) and I figured I'd try it since I hadn't before.

Is there any real difference? Or will I not know one train/route from another? Does anything cool happen on the Silver Meteor that doesn't happen on the Northeast Regional like free pizza, silver party hats, free R-rated movies?

Oh, I'll be in Reserved Coach, nothing fancy.

 

[Green Maned Lion]

Its got twice the legroom, a lounge car, and a full diner. Also sleepers, although they don't matter to you.

 

[the_traveler]

The big thing for me is the extra legroom! Cramped (Regional) vs stretch out (Meteor).

 

[Roger]

Wow, I had no idea about the extra legroom That's great!

I guess this is something I should know when booking reservations!

Thanks!

 

[Green Maned Lion]

But don't discount the delicious food in the vintage dining car.

 

[AlanB]

It's not just the extra leg room, it the fact that the Northeast Regionals use Amfleet I cars, while the Silver's use Amfleet II cars. The AMF II's are newer, have more leg room, and have better seats that come with both foot rests and calf rests.

And then of course as has been mentioned, you not only have a cafe car, you have a full dining car too. So your food choices go way up. Finally, while probably not helpful, you can also check your bags if you want on the Silver's.

 

[Green Maned Lion]

The Amfleet IIs are newer, but not much. Also, I'd say the Amfleet Is are more recently refurbished. Quite a few of the AMFIIs are pretty decrepit, actually. But on the other hand, they are generally kept a lot cleaner than the Regionals are.