Texas Eagle Ride Along

r_i_straw Mar 7, 2011

  1. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    I am going to borrow a page from the adventures of Mark Watson and will post updates on a trip from Houston to Chicago. The train leaves tonight so I will try to post how things are going along the way and try to attach some photos. I know, this will not be as spectacular a trip with all the awesome scenery that Mark posted about on the California Zephyr, but it is still a train ride. ;)

    The itinerary:
    Monday, March 7
    9:50 p.m. Houston departure (Sunset Limited).

    Tuesday, March 8
    3:00 a.m. Arrive San Antonio (Sunset Limited)
    7:00 a.m. Depart San Antonio (Texas Eagle)
    2:00 p.m. Arrive Ft. Worth/Depart 2:20 p.m.
    11:39 p.m. Arrive Little Rock

    Wednesday, March 9
    7:19 a.m. Arrive St. Louis/Depart 7:55 a.m.
    1:52 p.m. Arrive Chicago
     
  2. CNW 1518

    CNW 1518 TrainBoard Member

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    Welcome to my neck of the woods Russell.. You'll go through Dwight IL which is 15 minutes from my house.
     
  3. Mark Watson

    Mark Watson TrainBoard Member

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    Awesome Russell! I had a lot of fun sharing sights and updates aboard the California Zephyr. :D

    Here's to a safe journey. I'll look forward to your updates! :D
     
  4. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Bon Voyage, Russell. Looking forward to your travelogue.
     
  5. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    OK, the wife and I are about packed up. Will go out to eat with our son who will then drop us off at the Amtrak station. Then he gets to stay with the hounds while we are away.;)
     
  6. wingnut1974

    wingnut1974 TrainBoard Member

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    have a good trip you will pass a couple of blocks from my house when you go though pontiac. you will also pass my employer on north side of town look for rr donnelley
     
  7. Doug A.

    Doug A. TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hey Russell, have a great trip! I've made that trip many times in the past year and it looks like it will be a regular occurance for me going forward. I thought about doing this same thing but wasn't sure what the interest would be...guess I'll need to check out Mr. Watson's posts which I've apparently missed.

    Have you ridden before? I have a few tips for you if not. ;-) Enjoy!
     
  8. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    UP business train is in Houston for the rodeo. They are supposed to pull out soon to let Amtrak to pull in.
     

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  9. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    The Houston Amtrak station. UP pulled out. Now waiting for the Sunset Limited.
     

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  10. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    The Sunset is running a little late. They were hung up behind a UP freight in Englewood yard. Should be under way shortly.
     

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  11. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    Well, we are rolling but 57 minutes late out of Houston.
     
  12. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    Just passed through Columbus, Texas. I think I am going to bed.
     
  13. Mark Watson

    Mark Watson TrainBoard Member

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    You couldn't sneak on to the UP Business train huh? :p

    First glance of the thumbnail I though you might have had a private car tagging along at the end of the Sunset Limited!

    Have a good nights sleep. Are you riding in a roomette or coach?
     
  14. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    Yes, we are on two PVs. One is a sleeper so I had top bunk. Here is the Tower of the! Americas in San Antonio.
     

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  15. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    We are on the north east side San Antonio heading out of town. Had to wait for the Tropicana juice train to pass before we could shove back out of Sunset Station to then switch over to the old Katy line.
     

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  16. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Definitely looks like an observation platform of some Private Varnish (I assume that's what "PV" stands for.) I hope y'all are relaxing in comfortable chairs on that platform enjoying breakfast, or at least some fine coffee. I am s-o-o-o envious!!!!!
     
  17. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    Yes, that is what PV stands for. Had breakfast in the dome already. We are entering Austin now.
     

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  18. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Who is the lovely young lady in the left foreground? :tb-cool:
    That is a well outfitted dome. I hope you can handle that much pleasure all the way to Chicago..:tb-wink:

    Is that car listed on the Internet? I'd like to look it up and see how it's outfitted.
     
  19. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    That's my wife. The car is the Warren Henry, ex UP dome observation.
     

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  20. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    Taylor, Texas.
     

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