Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =)

LAST EDITED ON Feb-03-04 AT 08:14 AM (EST)

As some of you know, I am planning a trip to the USA in 2008 (Ages away, i know, but hey...I have to save money!! )This post is partially on topic, partially off topic. But im sure you guys will be able to help me out.The basic outline is the following....QANTAS to LA.
8 days in Anahiem
Amtrak - Coast Starlate to Seattle
7 days in Seattle
Amtrak - Empire Builder to Chicago
9 days in Chicago
Amtrak - Chicago to NYC
Acela express - NYC to Washington DC
4 days in Washington DC
Amtrak - Silver Service Pass to Orlando
10 days in Orlando. I am staying with a lady friend for 6 days. Got a hotel for 4 days about 5 min walk from the CSX mainline!
Amtrak to New Orleans.
New Orleans to Chicago on the "City of New Orleans"
Then from Chicago to LA on the Southwest Cheif, then home to Aus. Anyone know any good locations for restraunts, attractions, events, foaming locations, places to stay etc for any of these destinations?A couple of questions too....
1) Is the "Napia Valley Wine Train" worth the money? I have heard mixed remarks about it. What are the loco's hauling it? 2) I am getting a USA Rail Pass for 30 days. 550 bucks on Peak. Does this include "Amtrak California"? I need to get down to San Dieago for a couple of days and Caltrans would be the best way! Thanks so much in advance, I am asking all these questions in advance so I know how much I will have to save for. ::EDIT:: I am getting a hire car in LA (Tehachapi), Chicago (to get out to Rochelle Ill) and I am using my friends car when Im in Orlando, I hope she is cool with that! Take Care! >Mike Forster<
Perth, Western Australiapacificnational_nr103@hotmail.com

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RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), ssw, Feb-03-04, 09:15 AM, (1) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), cyclone1234, Feb-03-04, 09:37 AM, (2) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), cyclone1234, Feb-03-04, 09:43 AM, (3) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), BNSF4999, Feb-03-04, 09:45 AM, (4) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), Macster, Feb-03-04, 11:37 AM, (5) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), lnorth, Feb-03-04, 12:05 PM, (6) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), BNSF4999, Feb-03-04, 12:51 PM, (7) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), CGW409, Feb-03-04, 05:31 PM, (14) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), mrWM734, Feb-03-04, 02:51 PM, (8) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), FURX, Feb-03-04, 03:14 PM, (9) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), JohnNetzlof, Feb-03-04, 03:20 PM, (10) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), Nhtrain2, Feb-03-04, 03:54 PM, (11) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), ATSF104, Feb-03-04, 05:25 PM, (12) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), NW 1218, Feb-03-04, 05:27 PM, (13) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), Kowak555, Feb-03-04, 10:06 PM, (15) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), CSX_CW60AC_GregMarck, Feb-03-04, 10:23 PM, (16) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), BNSF4999, Feb-04-04, 02:21 AM, (17) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), NYSW4004, Feb-04-04, 05:46 PM, (18) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), Interborough, Feb-11-04, 04:17 PM, (29) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), nadnerb1982, Feb-05-04, 06:03 AM, (19) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), ASR_Q301, Feb-05-04, 09:37 AM, (20) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), BNSF4999, Feb-05-04, 03:34 PM, (21) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), ASR_Q301, Feb-06-04, 01:05 AM, (22) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), Thunderbolt3985, Feb-06-04, 04:08 PM, (26) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), Interborough, Feb-14-04, 06:03 PM, (32) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), Gecko, Feb-06-04, 02:28 AM, (23) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), ASR_Q301, Feb-06-04, 02:48 AM, (24) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), Gecko, Feb-06-04, 04:27 AM, (25) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), muskokaandtahoe, Feb-11-04, 01:12 PM, (27) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), 3DRailHound, Feb-11-04, 04:08 PM, (28) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), GreaseMonkey607, Feb-14-04, 11:07 AM, (30) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), oakwaysd60, Feb-14-04, 11:21 AM, (31) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), ASR_Q301, Feb-14-04, 07:06 PM, (33) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), P42number1, Feb-14-04, 07:35 PM, (34) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), ASR_Q301, Feb-15-04, 01:51 AM, (35) RE: Trip to the USA. Opinions wanted =), Gecko, Feb-15-04, 02:10 AM, (36)

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Napa Valley uses some Alco/MLW FPA-4's

Bradley Linda
Waco, Texas

Paint Shop Department
Sounder Commuter Rail
Everett-Tacoma
Coming Fall/Winter 2004

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If your hiring a car to go out to Rochelle, Illinois, i also suggest going out to Union-Marango for the Illinois Railway Museum http://www.irm.org/. Rochelle also has a Hobby/Gift store with quite a large selection at the "Park", and don't forget to look for the BNSF-Engine tracks near there train station. and the USA Rail-pass, It does include Amtrak California, and VIA Rail. In Chicago, you might Want to take the Metra to Downers Grove and Aurora (I live in Downers Grove, and Aurora is where the Metra Yard is). I can keep going on, but my wrist hurts, so Have Fun! and remember, Amtrak is ALWAYS Late.

-Glenn www.cyclonetrain.com

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And while im at it, you might want to drive down to Kankakee, to see the Kankakee, Beaverville & Southern Railway, they have Lots of ALCos, Large Maintnence shops, cars, and Interchanges with BNSF, NS, CSX and I forget. Im shure there is more to do, but I don't know any, so you'll have to ask around. Cya'z

-Glenn www.cyclonetrain.com

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Hey-
Dude forget Downers Grove, its way overrated. Go to LaGrange instead. There you will not only see BNSF (on the line that goes to downers grove, but also you will see the Indian Harbor Belt which hosts NS, CSX, CP/SOO, UP, BNSF, CN/WC, and of course, IHB. You can see over 150 trains in 24 hours at that crossing. And I second the Rochelle diamonds, theyre about 90 min west of Chicago. As mentioned, it can be really busy, with a majority of traffic on UP.
However, there can be slow times at both of these crossings.
If youre into Metra and Amtrak, be sure to go to the Roosevelt or Taylor St. Bridges in downtown Chicago whic go over the South Leads to Union Station. Another great railfan place is Blue Island (CN-CSX-IAIS, Metra, IHB) and Gary, Indiana, though I would NOT recommend going there alone or in the dark.There are quite a few more places in and around Chicago, but those would be my top choices.

Kevin V.
-President/CEO of Illinois Northern Ry Inc, subsidiary of The Midwest Regional Railways Corp.

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I'll be traveling along on this trip too, buahahhaa

Sounder Commuter Rail
Everett to Tacoma
Coming Summer 2004

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In Chicago you may want to visit the Museum of Science and Industry, which has a restored Zephyr (http://www.msichicago.org/exhibit/zephyr/index.html) and a 3,500 square-foot model railroad (http://www.msichicago.org/exhibit/great_train_story/index.html).Larry

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yeah-the restored zephyr is pretty cool but for me the model railroad was the biggest let down ever. you hear about the millions spent on it and granted downtown chicago's buildings are cool, but the train engines for the most part are not assembled correctly, theyre missing parts, the El is only one track, i personally thought the layout couldve been sooo much more. with that amount of money i seriously think they couldve done a lot more. and i know i could have assembled the cars and engines better...they should have hired someone who knows what theyre doing...its kind of ashame to spend that much and have something that looks nice but is not correct in real life and is not assembled properly either!
the steam engines and zephyr as mentioned above are nice displays though. If youre coming to chicago, try to time it so you visit the Illinois Railway Museum on one of the weekends where they run steamers and diesels too (like labor day weekend). Its worth it...and while youre there, dont forget to ask for a cab ride in on e of the diesels...they'll usually give you one..and the best part is they cost nothing. Who knows by then I will probably driving the trains there so you'll have to look me up!

Kevin V.
-President/CEO of Illinois Northern Ry Inc, subsidiary of The Midwest Regional Railways Corp.

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Mike
I'll second the suggestion to get thy self to Union IL and IRM when in the Chicago area,one of the biggest collections(if not the largest) in the US.Gary S

42 year old future curmudgen(Hey you kids get offa my lawn!!)

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If you stop by Cumberland, see the WMSR. If you call ahead of time, you can schedule a cabride in 734 for $75 american.

mrWM734
http://vmcs.proboards21.com/index.cgi

HELP OUT THE B&O Roundhouse Restoration Fund at www.borail.org

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I highly recomend riding in the 734, .CSX's exB&O Metropolitan Sub leaves DC, (and travels west to Cumberland, and beyond) Railfannng is pretty good, I stay around Washington Grove MD, MP21.Lots of traffic, double tracks, intermodals, mixed, autos, MOW traffic, steel, aggregates, trash, locals, and helper sets. And did I mention B&O CPLs?Of course, by '08, they might be all gone.The nice thing about MD is there are so many different things you can do:Cumberland railfanning
The Western Maryland Scenic RR
The B&O RR Museum in Baltimore
CSX Capital Sub, DC-Baltimore
CSX Metropolitan Sub, DC-Weverton
CSX Pope's Creek Secondary
CSX Old Main Line Sub, Baltimore-Point of Rocks
Amtrak Northeast Corridor
CSX Hanover Sub
Maryland Midland Ry
Gettysburg RR (in PA)
Sandpatch (Kind of far, about 4 hours west of DC, but still, its there)Closer to the trip, (like, a few years from now ), let us know what you are thinking about, what railfanning do yo want to make time for, I guess me,mrWM734, and BaltoOhioRRfan can be your "Consultants" for the area-Jeffrey

Courteous Future Engineer
NKP 2-8-4 #765. www.765.org
Chessie System Historical Society. http://moosevalley.org/cshs/

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Might want to take a side trip to the North Western Pennsylvania area and check out the NY/PA operations of GWI --------

What I've Felt, What I've known, Never shinned threw in what I've shown. Never Free, Never Me, So I dub Thee Unforgiven

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New York City has some great sites. GCT, Penn Station, Sunnyside, NYC transit museum Hoboken, NYC subway MTA MNRR,LIRR, JFK airtrain, Newark airport monorail, ...-Alexander NHtrain

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If you plan to visit Texas, try to get in the grapevine (between ft.worth and dallas) area. There you can ride the FWWR to ft. worth for one day. Then take a look around the Ft. Worth area railroads and go up the BNSF Ft. Worth sub. there are some pretty scenic areas in that part of texas. Not to mention KCS, Santa Fe, NS, BN, TFM, Leased, and other railroad run throughs. Happy Travels.-MattATSF GP60M #104 works on the local in Flagstaff, AZ.

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LAST EDITED ON Feb-03-04 AT 05:29 PM (EST)

I can give you some good advice in the Chicago area.
1) You have to try and het to Gary and sit between the NS and CSX lines. Busiest spot in the Chciago area.
2)Go to the IRM. Proven fact that it is the biggest railway museum in the U.S.
3)Try and get to LaGrange. Go on a weekday. No weekend stuff. The IHB never runs on the weekends.
4)If you want to see a yard, go to UP's Proviso Yard.
5)Try and get to 21st in Chicago and see the Amtrak and Metra Yards. There is an access road on the north side of a lift bridge that lets you into the Amtrak yard right next to the engine house. P42s, F40PH cab cars and B32s all sit there.
Advice for L.A.
1)Go to Fullerton, not to far from Anahiem. I was in Fullerton and stayed there from 7:00PM to 11:30PM. Thats how much fun you can have. You can stay till midnight and still have stuff fly by you.Darn, by that time, there may be no F40Cs left. I donno.

John Means
MASW Founder and President
The MASW site is www.freewebs.com/klwtrainsim

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Just come to Canada...(*giggles a bit*)
{ANTESTOR}
Steve

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drop down to Cincinnati, maybe on the Cardinal to DC. Stay a few nights and tour the city.Greg
HighV0lt6ge - AIM/AOL
gregoryis411@hotmail.com

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LAST EDITED ON Feb-04-04 AT 02:21 AM (EST)

I rode the Cardinal...nice run though i must say i went to school in dayton and cincinatti sure doesnt have a great rep for being a nice city...but dayton doesnt either.
Go north to Cleveland if you can, about 20 min west ot downtown (or maybe east, i dont remember) and you'll be at the CSX/NS diamonds on lines form chicago to points east. My uncle was there about 2 years ago and he said you couldnt have a perios without a light in sight. I was in cleveland last summer and the NS part was averaging 5-10 freights an hour...im sure i couldve caught more had i sat next to the tracks instead or touring...the CSX and NS are not to be missed in that area.
As for Chicago-yes Proviso Yard is HUGE. its not an understatement. HUGE. I agree..go to the IHB on weekdays. About 2 miles north of the junction the IHB holds trains...more often than not if you go down there with a camera and scanner you'll get invited into the cab...Ive gotten to see about 12 engines like that...the crews are generally really really nice. Ive gotten bottled water on hot days, cab tours, engine tours etc, engine layout explanations and everything else from guys on the IHB.
The Illinois Railway Museum...check their website out...its www.irm.org its an AWESOME museum...not only do they have a lot of historically significant stuff like the Nebraska Zephyr, but it is pulled by the world's only E-5 loco, 9911A. Its a beautiful engines, original control stand and all. Be sure to go up into the cab if its operating and ask for a cab ride...its worth it. BN-1 is nice as well...a good ol' F-9 with new innards and controls...runs very nicely. If youre lucky they'll have Frisco Decapod 1630 and maybe Shay #5 running too along with old North Shore trolley cars etc...its not to be missed.
If you get a chance to go to glacier national park, check out the marias pass. You'll see the MSTS version is VERY inaccurate as I recently discovered. Also some of the best scenery in the US there.
If you dig rocking freight cars and jointed rail, dont miss the CN-IC Freeport Sub...bad track and rocking cars...a sight to see for sure.
Id also recommend in addition to Gary like I said above, Blue Island. Theres a no trespassing sign on the tower but ive found that if you show a camera, scanner and especially wave to the guy up there, you'll have no problem.
As for John's suggestion about going into the Amtrak-Metra Yards...be very careful as Ive tried this and almost been arrested. Amtrak has pretty tight security and whether or not you get in depends on whos on duty but most wont let you in, mainly for safety.
If you need any more ideas, drop me a private message!

Kevin V.
-President/CEO of Illinois Northern Ry Inc, subsidiary of The Midwest Regional Railways Corp.

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When you are going down the Hudson River into NYC i would suggest sitting on the river side of the train. Reason being is that if you keep your eyes peeled and stare at the opposite bank of the river you might be able to see a CSX freight going north or south on Riverline.Midwest Rail Systems
"We have the connections"

MRS042 and on the Staff as an Activity Designer

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Guide to Railroading in the Greater New York Area
MTA New York City Subway
-Regular Trains
--1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,A,B,C,D,E,F,G,J,L,M,N,Q,R,S,V,W,Z
-Special Trains
--Redbirds, D-types, Arnines (R-1, R-4, R-7, R-9), Lo-Vs, B-types (hopefully by the time you get here!), IRT SMEE cars
-New York City Transit Museum
--Historic fleet of subway cars, including all of the special trains (not all actually are in the museum) and more.
MTA Staten Island Railway
MTA Long Island Railroad
-Port Washington Branch (no Jamaica)
-Port Jefferson Branch
-Greenport Branch
-Far Rockaway Branch
-Oyster Bay Branch
-Babylon Branch
-Long Beach Branch
-Montauk Branch
-Hempstead Branch
-West Hempstead Branch
-Terminals at Hunterspoint Avenue, Penn Station, and Flatbush Avenue
-Main Station at Jamaica
MTA Metro North Railroad
-Grand Central
--Hudson
--Harlem
--New Haven
---Danbury Branch
---Waterbury Branch
---New Caanan Branch
-Hoboken
--Pascack Valley
--Port Jervis
New Jersey Transit Rail Operations
-Newark Division
--Northeast Corridor
--North Jersey Coast Line
--Raritan Valley Line
-Hoboken Division
--Morris and Essex Lines
---Hoboken Trains (Gladstone Branch)
---Midtown Direct
--Montclair Boonton Line
---Hackettstown Trains
---Midtown Direct
--Pascack Valley Line
--Main Line
--Bergen County Line
New Jersey Transit Newark City Subway
New Jersey Transit Hudson Bergen Light Rail
Amtrak
-Acela Express
-Regional
-Empire Service
-Keystone
-Adirondack
-Ethan Allan Express
-Vermonter
-Maple Leaf
-Silver Star
-Silver Meteor
-Palmetto
-Crescent
-Three Rivers
-Pennsylvanian
-Lake Shore Limited
-Cardinal
-Carolinian
-Federal
Connecticut Department of Transportation Shore Line East
CSX Transportation
Norfolk Southern Railway
New York Susquehana & Western
St. Lawrence & Hudson/Delaware & Hudson/Canadian Pacific
Conrail Shared Assets
New York & Atlantic
Port Authority Trans-Husdson Railroad (PATH)
Port Authority AirTrain JFK
Port Authority AirTrain Newark
Morristown & Erie
Housatonic
Providence & WorcesterSteamtown is not too far away in Scranton, Pennsylvania.New York/New Jersey Terminals:
Grand Central: Metro North, NYCT
Penn Station: Long Island Rairoad, New Jersey Transit, Amtrak, NYCT, PATH
Flatbush Avenue: Long Island Railroad, NYCT
Hunterspoint Avenue: Long Island Railroad, NYCT
Jamaica: Long Island Railroad (some trains), NYCT, AirTrain JFK
Hoboken: New Jersey Transit, Metro North West-of-Hudson, PATH, HBLR
Newark: New Jersey Transit Raritan Valley Line, Amtrak (none terminate here), City Subway
New WTC PATH Terminal (opening 2006): PATH, NYCT (until opening, use temporary WTC Station)
Stillwell Avenue Coney Island (reopening 2004): NYCT

John

Going Your Way for 100 Years. 1904-2004
"Ladies and gentlemen. For your safety, please do not hold car doors open while the train is in the station."

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I just did a trip similar to that in September, I'll give a few pointers:Washington DC is boring. Been to Canberra? Its nearly as bad as Canberra (Canberra, to all you foreigners, is Australia's capital city. 300,000 people live there and its bypassed by the main Sydney/Melbourne road. Even our current prime minister wont live there).Go there by all means but you'll need to make your own entertainment there.Can I also suggest that rather than go via Seattle and the Empire Builder, you take the California Zephyr. Trust me, the line is stunning. You get the rockies, the plains, the deserts, everything. And make a stop in Denver - of the seven cities I visited (LA, San Fran, Salt Lake, Denver, Chicago, Washington, New York) it was my favourite (nice place to grab a car too). Though you may want to take the advice of the yanks on here too, they live there after all.Hiring a car over there is MAD FUN and pretty much essential west of Chicago (public transport over there is generally poor, though it was good in San Fran, Chicago, NY and DC). It takes about 30 minutes to get the basics of driving on the wrong side (and it is the WRONG SIDE ), but its a good challenge and easy once you get it (though you still have to keep your guard up). LA Freeways are easy to drive on but allow time to orient yourself and for the traffic jams. Also realise that Aussie traffic - even Sydney's gridlocks - are nothing compared to LA's insanity. columns of traffic moving at 70mph and above with little regard for speed limits and little more than a foot between bumper bars.Anyway. Have fun, post lots of pics!
Above - A Fishtank crossing the Coathangar

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>I'll be traveling along on this trip too, buahahhaaMore than welcome if you want to tag along to Tehatchapi or Rochelle Ill. Prehaps go GEVO hunting?? It would be FANTASTIC if some of us train-sim people could meet up! >Washington DC is boring. Been to Canberra? Its nearly as bad as CanberraROFL!!!! Crap, DC must be BORING!!! I hated Canberra The only reason I wanted to go to DC was for the Acela trip. I might just have 1 day in DC or something >Can I also suggest that rather than go via Seattle and the Empire Builder, you take the California ZephyrYeah, im umming and arrrgggh'ing about it actually. My cousin went to Seattle, she said it was fantastic!! I also want to stop off in San Fran, mainly for the Golden Gate Bridge and the Napa Valley Wine train. BTW: Thanks Brad! I didnt know they ran ALCo's on it, but all the better reasons to go for a trip on it! <saves more money>>Also realise that Aussie traffic - even Sydney's gridlocks - are nothing compared to LA's insanity. Yup, The solution would be "Amtrak California" and "Metrolink". I only need the car for Tehatchapi for a couple of days. >columns of traffic moving at 70mph and above with little regard for speed limits and little more than a foot between bumper bars.Mate, you gotta go to South Africa! hehehe. That sounds like a fun and enjoyable trip compared to the drive from Durban to Jo-Burg!!!Thanks a lot EVERYONE for your input. Its just what I was after. Now just gotta find some cheap hotels in Rochelle Ill. Sorry for the slow response, just got a new computer. All I can say is....w00t!!!!!Anyway, off to play Battlefield 1942 >Mike Forster<
Perth, Western Australiapacificnational_nr103@hotmail.com

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Take the Empire Builder. It goes through Glacier National Park, one of the most, if not THE most scenic ares in the U.S. Its also the Marias Pass line, so you'll get to see how inaccurate the MS version of it really is!
I was up there the summer after TS came out and after that trip i no longer have respect for MS's marias pass route lol!

Kevin V.
-President/CEO of Illinois Northern Ry Inc, subsidiary of The Midwest Regional Railways Corp.

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>Take the Empire Builder. It goes through Glacier National Park, one of the most, if not THE most scenic ares in the U.S.Well, I guess thats going to be the icing on the cake, Aye Kevin!! I have heard Montana is lovely. >Its also the Marias Pass line,w00t!!! I like the sound of that. Yeah, as you said, I'll be sure to take lots of photos so I can compare it to the wounderful job Kuju did with the default route! (note sarcasim)>Mike Forster<
Perth, Western Australiapacificnational_nr103@hotmail.com

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"Washington DC is boring."Somewhere in DC I saw a yard full of Amtrak equipment. It's where I saw my first P42 Genesis in the Phase V scheme. Wasn't able to stop and take a few pic's, though.Did I hear the words NYC? You must visit Grand Central Terminal (Note the "terminal!" 'Cause Grand Central is a terminal, not a station!!! ) While you're in NYC, ride the 7 Train (as in the 7 Train logo in the avatar) and you'll also see the Sunnyside train yard (sit on the left side of the train if the train is headed to Flushing, Queens) awhile after you come out of the subway onto the elevated line. You'll see some Amtrak equipment (particularly one Acela that I haven't seen moving in weeks) and New Jersey Transit, maybe Long Island RailRoad. After you see the Sunnyside Yards, before you enter the Willets Point Shea Stadium stop, you'll see the Corona Trainyard (sit on the right side if the train is headed toward Flushing, Queens). If you're lucky enough, and if enough of the stainless steel R62A's are running on the mainline instead of sitting in the yard, you'll see two or three of one of the last Redbirds (just like the ones in my signature) that apparently weren't sent to be dumped in the Atlantic, as more than 1,000 have. (Oh yea, you'll also see Shea Stadium, home of the New York Mets . It's blue, and very hard to miss, the 4th largest stadium in the US, right after Yankee Stadium, home of the New York Yankees A Yankee fan or other will have to tell you exactally where Yankee's Stadium is, but I can tell you it's in the Bronx, and you have to take the 4 train).A few tips on riding the subway, it's best you not ride at night. Purchase a Metrocard from one of the fairly new Metrocard vending machines, if they're not already broken. If such a case should occur, purchase one from a token booth clerk (please note, clerks do not sell tokens anymore, they were retired with the Redbirds. If you really want to purchase an authentic subway token for a souveniur, you may go to the Transit Museum Gift Shop in the Bronx. The Transit Museum is a restored BRT station where you can also find numerous nostalgia subway cars, most of which you can walk into, and where you'll learn alot of things about New York City Transit. See the Transit Museum section of http://www.mta.info/ for details, as well as information for riding the subway.) Well, that's all I can think up right now. Hope you enjoy your stay in America in 2008.MTA Going your way for 100 years. 1904-2004

"Even for those of us who tend to be nostalgic, the retirement of the Redbirds has a lot more bearing on the future than the past."
-Peter Kalikow, Chairman of the MTA

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>After you see the Sunnyside Yards, before you enter the
>Willets Point Shea Stadium stop, you'll see the Corona
>Trainyard (sit on the right side if the train is headed
>toward Flushing, Queens). If you're lucky enough, and if
>enough of the stainless steel R62A's are running on the
>mainline instead of sitting in the yard, you'll see two or
>three of one of the last Redbirds (just like the ones in my
>signature) that apparently weren't sent to be dumped in the
>Atlantic, as more than 1,000 have. (Oh yea, you'll also see
>Shea Stadium, home of the New York Mets .
>It's blue, and very hard to miss, the 4th largest stadium in
>the US, right after Yankee Stadium, home of the New York
>Yankees A Yankee fan or
>other will have to tell you exactally where Yankee's Stadium
>is, but I can tell you it's in the Bronx, and you have to
>take the 4 train).
You mean the new home of A-Rod as of a few minutes ago?
B,D,4 to 161st Street.

John

Going Your Way for 100 Years. 1904-2004
"Ladies and gentlemen. For your safety, please do not hold car doors open while the train is in the station."

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One thing, if you have the time, is the California RR museum in Sacramento CA. Well worth going slightly out of your way for. Another would be the Orange Empire Trolly Museum -- very large collection of LA and PE traction, sorry don't exactly know the location but sombody here can tell you. If you are into steam you might want to plan a side trip to CO. In a two hundred mile area you have DRGNG from Durango to Silverton along the Animas Canyon, The Chumbrus & Toltec, out of Chama (Spring and Summer only),These are part of the old D&RG 3' guage. Pikes Peak Cog RR out of CO Springs, and two or three others in the same area. George

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George...I have a Video about GE's "U-Boat" line of locomotives. Is this the museum with an operating SP U25B?? If it is, im soooooo going there!! >Mike Forster<
Perth, Western Australiapacificnational_nr103@hotmail.com

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Mike:It could be. I have not been there in a long time, maybe someone here that lives in Northern CA can help. The museum web site is http://www.csrmf.org hope this helps.

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>As some of you know, I am planning a trip to the USA in 2008
>(Ages away, i know, but hey...I have to save money!! )
2008?Have a backup plan based on Amtrack not being around anymore. If money is an issue, you may save by going by air but it'll be far more interesting going by rail or by car. There's nothing quite like driving across the continent.Dave Nelson

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Well since you will probably be going through Sacramento Ca..you ought to take a day and go check out the California State Railroad Museum there..its the largest museum of its kind in the US..heres a link;www.csrmf.orgbtw, by 2008 they should have the new technology center open as well Best regards,
Brad Brownwww.3DTrainStuff.com

Check out our Cajon Pass & Tehachapi Pass Routes..also Donner Pass, the Sierra Crossing route is coming soon..

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You should go to Minnesota. There are tons of train watching spots and endless varieties of rail traffic. You can see BNSF, CP, UP, CN in the North and DM&E. Also some short lines.

------------------------------------------------------------
"Dash 9's Drool and ALCO's rule"

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If youre going to Chicago, Rochelle Illinois is a place you have to visit. 70 -100 trains a day. Its a liitle out of the way but it is my favorite place to railfan.Central U.S. Locomotive Works
Currently Being worked on:
DD35A-B, DD40, and SD45Xa
Metra Gallery Cars 80% DoneFuture Plans:
EMD Rules!

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Thanks for that link Brad! I found it most interesting.Im pondering spending 3 nights in San Fran too now, and only have 1 night in Washington DC. I would love to go on the Napa Valley Wine Train and the CSRM too! Hey, I will be legal by 2008 over there (over 21 ) So I can enjoy the wine as well as the FPA4's.Yeah, I would love to go to Minnesota, but money is going to be a factor You forgot Minnesota Commercial!! LOL! ALCo's and former Hamerlsey Iron C36-7i's running thier trains. w00t!!>Mike Forster<
Perth, Western Australiapacificnational_nr103@hotmail.com

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Mike,If your driving in Orlando, stay AWAY from Highway 4. Between the old people going 2mph and the other people going 80 and the tourists going to Disney/Comcast World, It's not worth it.

Matt Repino
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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>If your driving in Orlando, stay AWAY from Highway 4.No way man!!!! heheheIm going by Amtrak The only times im getting a car are in Cali for Tehatchapi Pass and in Chicago for Rochelle. >Mike Forster<
Perth, Western Australiapacificnational_nr103@hotmail.com

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Mike:
I don't know if you got the PM I sent you but I screwed up on the name of the book. It is called Empire State Railway Museum's "Tourist Trains" 38th annual guide to tourist railroads and museums. If you would like I can send you my 2003 copy of it, if you would like it send me an e mail of your address or you may be able to find a copy on Amazon.com. It is published by Kalmbach Books. George

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