Ignoramus30927 wrote:
Amtrak is made from metal. So there is some relevance. Anyway. My 6
year old wants to ride Amtrak from IL to CA (Chicago to Emeryville
CA) in summer.

I first dismissed the idea, but now I like it. I doubt that Amtrak
will be around for much longer, and 7 (he will be 7 by summer) is old
enough to remember, so perhaps this ride would be a memorable
experience. he may not have a chance to do it when he grows up.

My question is, has anyone tried something like this, is there enough
we can do on the train to keep this 54 hour ride interesting?

I have taken the Amtrak from Flagstaff, AZ to Washington, DC and back
twice in the last 5 years. We went through Chicago all trips.

Your comment about getting the sleeper is important! Nights in the open
car are miserable. If you can, get a berth on the lower level of the
train, the side to side sloshing is less bothersome down low.

Avoid holidays.

The scenery from Chicago to about the Colorado border is boring, but
gets better fast at the Colorado line. There are a few nice spots
between Albuquerque and Flagstaff, but it is mostly open desert.

If things are working, the food is pretty good on the train. If they are
not, the train people have no problem sendng somebody out for a truck
load of KFC.

The oberservation cars are pretty cool. There is lots of room to move
around. I think they showed kids movies in the observation car after dark.

If things are working, the people are friendly and professional. If not,
they may be pretty unpleasant.

The air travel system in the US before September 11 was right at the
edge of intolerable. After September 11, I will drive 8 hours rather
than fly 1 hour. Longer trips are often avoided. I was hoping the trains
would be a workable substitute for flying longer distances.

Good Luck and enjoy,
BobH