Bill,I see the Pennsylvanian goes around Horseshoe Cruve but what equipment does it use?? I am trying to deceide between that and taking the Cardinal to Philadelphia. Any suggestions would be helpful. Billvas
Fifteen seconds? I recall it being more like several minutes, counting the whole curve, but we may have had a slow orders or something the times I've been there. Fifteen seconds for passing the old GP and small park in the center, sure. In any event, it's an extremely short amount of time.The Pennsylvanian uses Amfleet equipment with a Cafe car. I rode the route once on the now-extinct Three Rivers and while the landscape was pleasant, horseshoe curve was the only "hey, look out the window" moment for me, and that lasted about 15 seconds. Still, it's a nice ride through Lancaster country, to be sure.
If you can get into the Viewliner for less than $300--isn't low-bucket on the Cardinal somewhere around there? Quite true about the sights, regardless of where you're sitting, but be sure to get a window seat or be friendly with your seatmate--there's no traditional lounge car. (Half the Diner/Lounge, sure, but it was pretty full between being half-size and being full of people waiting for the Diner half much of the trip.)The Cardinal, by comparison, runs with Amfleet coaches, a new Diner/Lounge (which serves full meals), and a Viewliner. It's also a longer trip to Philly. The scenery is much more spectacular if you're interested in mountain/gorge expeditions. My wife and I rode from Charleston to Baltimore last weekend and loved the sights, which last for a good portion of the day, even once you clear the gorge.
I've seen the upgrade for $167 (October 14th, i tried a few random dates), so it can be done for less but with only one i think sleeper it does sell pretty quick.If you can get into the Viewliner for less than $300--isn't low-bucket on the Cardinal somewhere around there? Quite true about the sights, regardless of where you're sitting, but be sure to get a window seat or be friendly with your seatmate--there's no traditional lounge car. (Half the Diner/Lounge, sure, but it was pretty full between being half-size and being full of people waiting for the Diner half much of the trip.)
The engine(s) have nothing to do with the Cardinal only having one sleeper and no diner. It is simply lack of equipment, and perhaps lack of effort on Amtrak's part. Amtrak would probably love to dump this route, since it is long and circutous, but it can't get rid of the route. So it runs three days a week, with as minimal a consist as possible.I am sure equipment shortage is part of it, but from what I read they also have only one sleeper and no diner because with that consist the train can be pulled with a single P42.
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