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Metalworking (rec.crafts.metalworking) Discuss various aspects of working with metal, such as machining, welding, metal joining, screwing, casting, hardening/tempering, blacksmithing/forging, spinning and hammer work, sheet metal work. |
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#1
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
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 |
#2
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
"Ignoramus30927" wrote in message ... 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 I haven't ridden it, but several friends have taken at least part of that route. 54 hours on a train seems like a long time for a seven year old, especially since it is fairly common for the train to stop and sit for sometimes two or three hours at a time... Because Amtrak owns the train but uses other railroads' tracks, the other railroads give priority to their freight trains and Amtrak moves on a "time available" basis. The result is that the schedules are approximations only. One friend of mine had the unique experience of having to sit for several hours somewhere in Nevada because they'd caught up with the previous day's train... Don't misunderstand. I think taking the kid on a train ride is a great idea, but you might opt for a (much) shorter one. Or have you considered flying part of the way and taking the train the rest? The segment, say, from Reno to Emeryville is rather spectacular. |
#3
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:23:58 -0500, Ignoramus30927 wrote:
[...] 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'm sure the whole trip would be interesting, particularly through the mountains. But if I were doing this, I'd probably build in a one-stay stopover in Denver; two days straight is too long for one ride. I took a two-day train trip 3 years ago (Coimbatore to Chennai to Kolkata) and after a while felt a little cooped up. -jiw |
#4
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
On 2008-03-19, Jerry Foster wrote:
"Ignoramus30927" wrote in message ... 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 I haven't ridden it, but several friends have taken at least part of that route. 54 hours on a train seems like a long time for a seven year old, especially since it is fairly common for the train to stop and sit for sometimes two or three hours at a time... Because Amtrak owns the train but uses other railroads' tracks, the other railroads give priority to their freight trains and Amtrak moves on a "time available" basis. The result is that the schedules are approximations only. One friend of mine had the unique experience of having to sit for several hours somewhere in Nevada because they'd caught up with the previous day's train... Don't misunderstand. I think taking the kid on a train ride is a great idea, but you might opt for a (much) shorter one. Or have you considered flying part of the way and taking the train the rest? The segment, say, from Reno to Emeryville is rather spectacular. Yes. I am concerned with this 54 hours number. We may fly to Denver, hang out in the mountains for 2 nights, and take Amtrak from there. Colorado has some very nice mountain places near Denver. Chicago to Denver, is not a very spectacular ride anyway. i |
#5
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
Ignoramus30927 wrote:
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 took busses from MCRD San Diego to Northern Michigan many years ago since the airlines were on strike. I read a few books, talked to a few old ladies that thought I was in the Army (UGH, I was in uniform) and met a cross section of America on the way. I checked out Amtrack first since my Grandpa was a railroader and when I was a kid we often put Grandma on a train when she wanted to go visit extended family. Sadly, they were booked, that would have been fun. Bring some books and a digicam. Spend some quality time with your son. There is a lot of scenery you don't see from the Interstate in view from a train window. I'd love to take the Alogma Snow train one of these days. http://www.agawacanyontourtrain.com/...snowtrain.html Wes -- "Additionally as a security officer, I carry a gun to protect government officials but my life isn't worth protecting at home in their eyes." Dick Anthony Heller |
#6
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
On 2008-03-19, Wes wrote:
Ignoramus30927 wrote: 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 took busses from MCRD San Diego to Northern Michigan many years ago since the airlines were on strike. I read a few books, talked to a few old ladies that thought I was in the Army (UGH, I was in uniform) and met a cross section of America on the way. Happened to me once also. Was a very nice experience. I checked out Amtrack first since my Grandpa was a railroader and when I was a kid we often put Grandma on a train when she wanted to go visit extended family. Sadly, they were booked, that would have been fun. Bring some books and a digicam. Spend some quality time with your son. There is a lot of scenery you don't see from the Interstate in view from a train window. I'd love to take the Alogma Snow train one of these days. http://www.agawacanyontourtrain.com/...snowtrain.html Looks nice. I think that the best plan is to take a few days off, fly to Denver, spend 3 days there, 2 in mountains one in zoo, and take Amtrak to Emeryville. i |
#7
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
On Mar 19, 9:23 am, Ignoramus30927 ignoramus30...@NOSPAM.
30927.invalid 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 If you go that far, go to "Old Sacramento" and see the railroad museum. It's in Sacramento, between I-5 and the river. Great place to spend the day! Paul in Oregon |
#8
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
"Ignoramus30927" wrote in message ... 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 A few years ago, my cousin and I rode from Syracuse NY to Albuquerque, NM. It is a great trip. Get a sleeper- there is nothing like sleeping on a train and your meals will be included. You also get access to a nicer waiting are in Union Station. There will be plenty for a 6 year old to do- unlike a plane, kids can get up and walk around and there will be movies in the lounge car. The compartment will have outlets to power a laptop or other electronic device. Bring a disposable panoramic camera or three- you will be going through some amazing country and Raton Pass is just jaw-dropping. -Carl |
#9
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
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 One of the few memories I have left from my childhood is a train ride from Albuquerque to El Paso when I was somewhere around 6 or 8 years old. My mom and dad put me on the train and I traveled by myself to El Paso where my aunt and uncle picked me up. I had a blast, but that train ride was certainly not any where near 2+ days. I think if it was that long I would have gone bonkers. (bonkerser???) A 2+ day trip he might remember for a very long time, and the way he remembers it would come down to accommodations (sleeper car if they still have such a thing), and his dad's preparation (books to read, games to play, etc.). Even at that, 2+ days could be a looong time for a 6yr old. As others have suggested, you could break the trip into two parts. Train to Denver for one part, spend a day or two there, and then continue to Emeryville. It's been a long time, but I think the ride from Denver would be a tour of the southwestern deserts. BOOOOOORING!!! Perhaps you could fly to someplace like Salt Lake City or maybe even some place closer like Reno Nevada and then take a train. That way I think the train ride would go over the Sierra Nevada mountains instead of around the southern end of them. You have lots of options available to you. Any way you go he will probably remember the trip for a very long time. HOW he remembers it is going to be your job. Do your planning right and it could end up being one of his fondest memories. A cross country adventure he had with his dad. Do it wrong and it could be one of his worst memories. A cross country trip his dad dragged him on. He probably won't remember that it was HIS idea in the first place. :-) Then, depending on how the trip out this way goes, you can decide about going back. Maybe a 2++ day trip back with dad would be a good thing too. Maybe you might want to just fly all the way. Who knows. I also have another train story. This one isn't mine, but might be of interest to someone. My 85 year old mother took a train from Albuquerque out here to Califorlornia a few years back. The two things that she talked about the most were 1) Having to stop out in the middle of the interior valley for several hours in the middle of the summer while waiting for a crew change. and 2) Having to stop out in the middle of the interior valley for several hours in the middle of the summer while waiting for a crew change with NO AIR CONDITIONING. She refunded her return ticket and took a plane back home instead (AFTER her visit of course). Wayne |
#10
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
Ignoramus30927 wrote:
On 2008-03-19, Jerry Foster wrote: "Ignoramus30927" wrote in message ... 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 I haven't ridden it, but several friends have taken at least part of that route. 54 hours on a train seems like a long time for a seven year old, especially since it is fairly common for the train to stop and sit for sometimes two or three hours at a time... Because Amtrak owns the train but uses other railroads' tracks, the other railroads give priority to their freight trains and Amtrak moves on a "time available" basis. The result is that the schedules are approximations only. One friend of mine had the unique experience of having to sit for several hours somewhere in Nevada because they'd caught up with the previous day's train... Don't misunderstand. I think taking the kid on a train ride is a great idea, but you might opt for a (much) shorter one. Or have you considered flying part of the way and taking the train the rest? The segment, say, from Reno to Emeryville is rather spectacular. Yes. I am concerned with this 54 hours number. We may fly to Denver, hang out in the mountains for 2 nights, and take Amtrak from there. Colorado has some very nice mountain places near Denver. Chicago to Denver, is not a very spectacular ride anyway. i Back in 1966 I took the train from Fairfield, CA to wichita Falls, TC to save some money. I will NEVER do that again unless I have a sleeper. Three days in one of those seats is too much. Your idea of flying to Denver and then by train is excellent. the scenery is much better on that segment and might keep him occupied. Jim |
#11
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
On 2008-03-19, Jim Chandler wrote:
Back in 1966 I took the train from Fairfield, CA to wichita Falls, TC to save some money. I will NEVER do that again unless I have a sleeper. Three days in one of those seats is too much. Your idea of flying to Denver and then by train is excellent. the scenery is much better on that segment and might keep him occupied. Jim I will definitely get a sleeper (it is called roomette) i |
#12
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 21:43:12 GMT, Jim Chandler wrote:
Ignoramus30927 wrote: On 2008-03-19, Jerry Foster wrote: "Ignoramus30927" wrote in message ... 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 I haven't ridden it, but several friends have taken at least part of that route. 54 hours on a train seems like a long time for a seven year old, especially since it is fairly common for the train to stop and sit for sometimes two or three hours at a time... Because Amtrak owns the train but uses other railroads' tracks, the other railroads give priority to their freight trains and Amtrak moves on a "time available" basis. The result is that the schedules are approximations only. One friend of mine had the unique experience of having to sit for several hours somewhere in Nevada because they'd caught up with the previous day's train... Don't misunderstand. I think taking the kid on a train ride is a great idea, but you might opt for a (much) shorter one. Or have you considered flying part of the way and taking the train the rest? The segment, say, from Reno to Emeryville is rather spectacular. Yes. I am concerned with this 54 hours number. We may fly to Denver, hang out in the mountains for 2 nights, and take Amtrak from there. Colorado has some very nice mountain places near Denver. Chicago to Denver, is not a very spectacular ride anyway. i Back in 1966 I took the train from Fairfield, CA to wichita Falls, TC to save some money. I will NEVER do that again unless I have a sleeper. Three days in one of those seats is too much. Your idea of flying to Denver and then by train is excellent. the scenery is much better on that segment and might keep him occupied. Jim Not Amtrack, but we took a 10-year-old on a train from Beijing to Chengdu (IIRC around 30 hours)-- it was more expensive than flying-- just for the experience. As well as books, kids today have portable DVD players, iPods, PSPs and so on to keep busy when the view outside the window gets boring, and you're not nearly as cooped up as during a long flight. He also learned to work one of their yo-yos-- http://www.fcc-info.com/exhibition/toy/t1.JPG I wouldn't do the 54 hours thing with a kid that age. Fly out and do the best part, as others have said. There will always be trains somewhere to take if you want to take a train. Best regards, Spehro Pefhany -- "it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward" Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com |
#13
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
Hey Iggy,
Lots of fun for both Dad and the young'un on a train. Day coach or sleeper, or rich guy compartment, all are intriguing. Seems to me I checked into a similar trip a few years back now. Maybe 10 - 15 years ago ??? Time flies!!. Never did it though, but I recall something that might interest you. You should check whether the train from Chicago goes south thru Flagstaff, or even Phoenix. There is a "scenic railway" that runs north from Williams (about 30 miles west of Flagstaff), and it goes to the Grand Canyon. Not too sure if it was daily, or just seasonal. As I recall, you can book the Amtrak with a one or two day layover that lets you visit the Grand Canyon. Even go up by bus if you can't do otherwise. If you rent a car and drive up, there's an interesting airport museum that you both might like at the junction of Hwy 64 and 180, at Valle. Not too big...maybe an hours sees it all. It's about 1/2 hour south of the Canyon, and you can get sight-seeing rides in fixed wing or helicopters from there. Take the train out there while he's all keen and excited, and fly home from California when he wants to see Mom. Good on you doing the trip with young Iggy. I recall trips I took with my Dad when I was his age and a bit older, and that was 60 years ago!!! Brian Lawson, Bothwell, Ontario. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:23:58 -0500, 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 |
#14
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
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 |
#15
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
On 2008-03-20, Don Foreman wrote:
On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:23:58 -0500, 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 I rode the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Franciso in 1949 when I was 7. I shall never forget that journey and experience. It was fantastic! We had a compartment so we could have a good night's sleep, but we spent almost no time in the compartment during the day. We were in the Vista Dome much of the day except when taking meals in the dining car. I could read during periods when when there wasn't much to see out the window. The rail route thru the Royal Gorge was absolutely jaw-dropping, awe-inpiring and spectacular. The emptiness of some parts of the country (no billboards, gas stations or other signs of civilization) was quite striking. Don, we've definitely decided to go and I checked with my spouse also. So we'll go. We'll use a "roomette" which is a little tiny room. i |
#16
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
Excellent idea.
When I joined the US Navy, I rode a train from Philadelphia to Chicago. It was an overnight ride and we had a sleeping car. There was restaurant and a bar. I do remember going around the Horseshoe Curve in Altoona PA. It was great!! You might be able to break the trip up into more than one long ride. |
#17
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:23:58 -0500, 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 I rode the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Franciso in 1949 when I was 7. I shall never forget that journey and experience. It was fantastic! We had a compartment so we could have a good night's sleep, but we spent almost no time in the compartment during the day. We were in the Vista Dome much of the day except when taking meals in the dining car. I could read during periods when when there wasn't much to see out the window. The rail route thru the Royal Gorge was absolutely jaw-dropping, awe-inpiring and spectacular. The emptiness of some parts of the country (no billboards, gas stations or other signs of civilization) was quite striking. |
#18
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
Igor,
Take train #1 - Moscow-Vladivostok. THIS would be fantastic! 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? For 7yrs old - everything is interesting on the train. Especially if you would be able to make some 'in-depth' visits - not sure if it's possible on the Amtrack but is is for sure possible on the train #1. A. |
#19
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
On Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:23:04 GMT, Zayonc wrote:
Igor, Take train #1 - Moscow-Vladivostok. THIS would be fantastic! 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? For 7yrs old - everything is interesting on the train. Especially if you would be able to make some 'in-depth' visits - not sure if it's possible on the Amtrack but is is for sure possible on the train #1. Good point. When I was 7 my folks gave me a kid-level train book to read before our trip. I learned all about the various kinds of locomotives, about fusees, torpedoes, flimsies, air brakes and the various jobs of those who work for the railroad, and I knew all of the whistle signals which, BTW, are still in use. |
#20
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
On 2008-03-20, Stormin Mormon wrote:
I certainly hope you you are not considering sending a child without a responsible adult. Wasn't sure from the original post. I am not considering that. i As to boredom, you can play the alphabet game with him, and with signs along the way. |
#21
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
Jerry Foster wrote:
I haven't ridden it, but several friends have taken at least part of that route. 54 hours on a train seems like a long time for a seven year old, especially since it is fairly common for the train to stop and sit for sometimes two or three hours at a time... Because Amtrak owns the train but uses other railroads' tracks, the other railroads give priority to their freight trains and Amtrak moves on a "time available" basis. The result is that the schedules are approximations only. One friend of mine had the unique experience of having to sit for several hours somewhere in Nevada because they'd caught up with the previous day's train... Don't misunderstand. I think taking the kid on a train ride is a great idea, but you might opt for a (much) shorter one. Or have you considered flying part of the way and taking the train the rest? The segment, say, from Reno to Emeryville is rather spectacular. We have friends that have done from Chicago to Flag several times. I havent ask but it seems to me that the stretch from Chicago to south east Colorado (foot hills of the rockies) is going to be one awfull long borring ride. Over Raton pass and through lots of NM would be OK but the layovers (one in Albuquerue for an hour) might get old in a hurry. I think rides on the old steam engine trains such as the Silverton to Durango and the Chama to Antonito on the Cumbres & Toltec would be much more intresting. (Shamless plug for NM tourism) :-) ...lew... |
#22
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
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? Growing up, my daughter rode Caltrans/Amtrack all over and enjoyed it. Amtrack through the Sierras is prone to delays and bus detours Probably won't be so bad in the summer. No experience with long trips though. Wave when you go through Davis, Ca. You can see my house from the tracks. |
#23
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OT Amtrak from IL to CA (Bay Area)
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