Amtrak Autumn Express Thread

[JoeG]

Tomorrow's trip has somehow developed 4 available seats. Sunday's trip still shows as sold out.

[ExCon90]

How many times will this train be changing direction of travel?

Twice, as nearly as I can tell: the first time is just off the Corridor at NK (where LV trains used to pick up the GG1), and the second at Selkirk. It looks like you might get slightly more "facing direction of travel" mileage by riding forwards from NYP and again from Selkirk, but maybe it's a wash. On the other hand, doing the opposite would get the rare mileage in the facing direction. ("We report, you decide.")

[hazmatmess]

There's a video up on YouTube now called Amtrak Autumn Express Deadhead Move 2017 and it shows 145 leading with 642 behind then 9800 then what looks like two cafe cars with 156 bringing up the rear. Guess there's going to be engines on both ends. Which stinks for viewing out of the rear door like last year but I understand the logistical point of why they're doing it this way. Either way, it's going to be a fun time.

[hazmatmess]

Been at NY Penn since 645. As we pulled in to NY Prnn of NJT, saw it and 145 is in the lead with 642 behind it and then 9800. Guessing 156 is bringing up the rear. Train wasn't even announced yet and the line for tracks 9 & 10 are looping around Penn Station.

[Mackensen]

The crowds are gathering at NWK. Like last year Amtrak's roped off a section of the waiting room for Autumn Express passengers and they're checking the manifest.

[hazmatmess]

Boarding started around 0735, before the boarding announcement was made. They initially started with both gates for tracks 9 & 10 but that was short lived. Still very organized. Everyone was boarded by 0750. Train is departing NY Penn, time now is 0805.

[hazmatmess]

Just arrived at Newark Penn Station at 0820.

[hazmatmess]

Departing Newark Penn Station at 0832.

[hazmatmess]

Just stopped West of CP NK. Reversed directions and now we are moving east at 0845.

[hazmatmess]

Passing Oak Island and going over the Upper Newark Bay drawbridge at 0900.

[hazmatmess]

In Jersey City now at 0920.

[hazmatmess]

Entering Croxton Yard at 0932.

[hazmatmess]

Stopped at 69 Street Yard. Possible crew change? Saw Conrail and Amtrak personnel walking through the train.

[hazmatmess]

Moving again at 0950.

[hazmatmess]

We are at CP 5 at Little Ferry NJ @ 1005