Am considering Chicago - Arizona. Recent days show it’s been pretty much on time. Is it a pretty good train? Thanks.
If you can count 7 years ago lately. Its not a bad train but you know Amtrak, it could be on time every day for 24 years but come time for you to ride it, it’s 7 hours late (never failed for me anyway). I differ from a lot of people on what I consider ‘scenic’, but you pass through Colorado and New Mexico (Raton Pass and so forth) during the day.
My biggest complaint would be the ride quality. The ex-BN portion of the trip for me (Princeton-Galesburg) was the smooooothest ride I’ve ever had. On the other hand, the entire ex-Santa Fe part was rough as hell and sometimes it was a challenge walking between cars.
I would recommend anything from the ice cream stand in Albequerque though. You get about a 45 minute stop there, plenty long enough to enjoy an ice cream bar and have a smoke…between getting hassled by DEA agents. lol
I have a VCR tape, AMERICA by Rail Route of the Southwest Chief. After watching this tape I want to ride the Southwest Chief. They do an excellent job of making the trip look fun. Plus they suggest stops along the way, sidetrips within your trip.
I want to start at Chicago and go the whole distance just to see what it is like.
I hope to do it before Amtrak becomes just a memory.
Have a great trip and pleas give us all a trip report upon your return.
Rode most of the route just a couple wks ago on two different runs. Both trains were full, run time was ontime, food in diner was good. Chief is still operating w/a full service diner until April. This was my first long distance Amtrk trip since 1998 and it was worth it.
What happens to the diner after April??
The Southwest Chief is One of the Best trains amtrak has I been on Chief least 10 to 15 Times the Last time was Feb of 2005. A Very Good Trip every Time I been on that train. You will have Great time on Chief.[:D]
The diner remains but the food changes . Amtrak will begin serving pre-cooked meals. Say solong to the new york strip steak hello micro-waved braised beef. Airline food.
Everyone say thanks to the Congress of the United States for lower standards of food prep. You can tell they dont take the train.
Has anyone taken it?
Gee, I didn’t know it was missing . . .
Old Timer