Sacramento to Chicago on the Zephyr: A Mixed Bag
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Sacramento to Chicago on the Zephyr: A Mixed Bag

The California Zephyr is still Amtrak’s most scenic train ride … at least in my book. The Coast Starlight is probably my favorite Amtrak train, but much of that has to do with those wonderful parlour cars.  The Cardinal gets my vote for the most scenic eastern train … the only possible exception being the…

One Good Turn Deserves Another … Or Problems Multiply.
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One Good Turn Deserves Another … Or Problems Multiply.

It takes time to turn a train. By that, I mean doing everything that needs to be done to the consist when it arrives at its final destination to get it ready to start out on its return trip. The train must literally be turned around. Then it’s cleaned. Trash receptacles are emptied, carpets vacuumed,…

Rule of Thumb: Double the Frequency, Triple the Ridership.
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Rule of Thumb: Double the Frequency, Triple the Ridership.

I’m still plugging away on updates for the new edition of my book. Specifically, I’ve been working on a new chapter listing my personal Top Ten railway stations in the U.S. and Canada. One of the stations I considered – but finally rejected – was Cincinnati Union Terminal. It’s a beautiful Art Deco building dating…