Sunset Limited discussion

[Devil's Advocate]

I think that thread was a hypothetical, specifically out of the ones already daily. I think most here would rather see a daily Sunset before 2x daily anything else.

It's also possible that the Sunset Limited is a victim of its circumstances. It has a weaker schedule so fewer people use it or care about it. The Texas Eaglet may be going down a similar path with worse service leading to reduced interest and support.

 

[Cal]

It's also possible that the Sunset Limited is a victim of its circumstances. It has a weaker schedule so fewer people use it or care about it. The Texas Eaglet may be going down a similar path with worse service leading to reduced interest and support.

I don't think it's schedule is too weak. It has fairly convenient running times at a good amount of major cities. Phoenix, San Antonio, and New Orleans going east are the main problems.

 

[allanorn]

I don't think it's schedule is too weak. It has fairly convenient running times at a good amount of major cities. Phoenix, San Antonio, and New Orleans going east are the main problems.

Rolling into LAX before the roosters are crowing isn't convenient if you enjoy sleep. Phoenix and San Antonio do get the short end of the scheduling straw though.

I would like to see the SL get daily service. I'd probably be happy with 5x/week service if daily isn't in demand yet. I do wonder about rolling stock availability if it does go daily.

 

[Anthony V]

Rolling into LAX before the roosters are crowing isn't convenient if you enjoy sleep. Phoenix and San Antonio do get the short end of the scheduling straw though.

I would like to see the SL get daily service. I'd probably be happy with 5x/week service if daily isn't in demand yet. I do wonder about rolling stock availability if it does go daily.

Making the Capitol Limited a single level train, along with rehabbing a few Sightseer Lounges, could free up enough Superliners to allow the Sunset Limited to go to daily service. That being said, infrastructure improvements along the route needed for daily service would still need to be funded, which may happen under the auspices of the FRA Daily Long Distance Service Study.

 

[Railspike]

Noticed the SL has been running with only 1 coach lately. Usually runs with 2. In past years it ran with 2 coaches even in the slow months. Always something.........

 

[Bob Dylan]

Noticed the SL has been running with only 1 coach lately. Usually runs with 2. In past years it ran with 2 coaches even in the slow months. Always something.........

Just call it the Sunset Very Ltd!!!

 

[desertflyer]

Catching train 1 at Maricopa yesterday, there was a deadheading coach baggage between the engines and the baggage (displaying 0611 interestingly enough). Only one SL coach plus the TE coach and sleeper on the back.

 

[Sidney]

Making the Capitol Limited a single level train, along with rehabbing a few Sightseer Lounges, could free up enough Superliners to allow the Sunset Limited to go to daily service. That being said, infrastructure improvements along the route needed for daily service would still need to be funded, which may happen under the auspices of the FRA Daily Long Distance Service Study.

Without a Sightseer the Capitol Limited might as well go back to single level.

 

[JWM]

This poor train dating back to the mid-1960's with Southern Pacific seems like an orphan. The route deserves daily service and a better arrival time in L.A. A common problem is on time performance which the freight railroads go ballistic every time it is brought up. Until substantial fines are levied for giving priority to freight trains the situation will continue. The Santa Fe, after the "Super Chief" and "El Capitan" were running in two sections on the same schedule (read holidays and summer), was able to get one section into Los Angeles a little early so the second arrived right on schedule. Oh, how we have regressed.

 

[Cal]