Western Maryland Scenic Railway

A late start to day, waffles for breakfast and then a walk to the rail way for 11am as our steam train pulls in, we are booked in club service with reserved seating in the first car the train consists of

734 2-8-0

851 Richard E Markle

876 Cumberland

726 Man O'War

110

200 Douglas A Beverage

Its a long 15 mile climb up to Frostburg where we have a 1.45hrs wait for return first we watch them spin the loco on a turntable which is part of the run around, we then walk up the hill to Fatboys Pizza, where I have a Cheese Steak sandwich. Its back to the train for our ride down the valley. When we get back we jump in to the car and go hunting for the depot, first we find the triangle they use to turn the train, just in time to watch the loco being turned here, then we find the depot and are given permission to have a look around, as long as we don't get run over. After this we have a drive around Cumberland and find the CSX Railroad Workshops. On the way back we see the steam train again working an evening private charter.

The Crescent

An early start again, we need to be at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal at 6am so a taxi is order from the hotel, no traffic problems and we arrive just after 6 and check our bags in and then get a coffee in the 1st Class Lounge our train arrives and we are boarded first at around 6.45am to our sleeping car we have a bedroom The Train is formed

132 P42
821 P40
1751 Baggage Car
62024 Viewliner Sleeper
62044 Viewliner Sleeper
8559 Heritage Diner
28001 Amfleet 2 Lounge

25020 Amfleet 2 Coach
25050 Amfleet 2 Coach
25054 Amfleet 2 Coach
25030 Amfleet 2 Coach

We have breakfast of French Railway Toast as we cross lake Pontchartrain. its then back the the room for a nap as we travel through Louisiana bayou country. Soon its lunch time where I have Cajun Beef over a bed of rice. Then its back to watching the world go back passing Tuscaloosa in the afternoon and see the destruction of a hurricane, just a couple of weeks ago. Then its time for Dinner of a Flat Iron Steak cook just how i like it We finish just before the stop at Atlanta we are running about 40mins late at this point. The attendant makes up the bunks as it gets dark, drifting off to sleep as I watch the work go by. By the time I wake its time for breakfast where we have French Railway toast again, we also not the train has caught up the lost time and is running ahead of time, we have another nap before arriving in Washington DC early. After claiming our bags we leave them at the luggage locker, and book our selves on a DC Duck tour, having a little time to kill so I have a snack of cookies and a smooth from the station food court. The tour takes in most of the sights around the National Mall, its then time to pick up the car and drive up to Cumberland MD, we stop a couple of times on the way up at some railway times to see whats about, after we arrive and book in we walk to the Crabby Pig in Cumberland where I have 2chicken breast topped with Maryland Lump Crab meat.

Day Trip to New Orleans

After staying an extra night in Chicago we have a very early start to catch the 6am shuttle to the airport for a 7.55am flight to New Orleans, good job we left early as it took longer to get through security for this internal flight than it did in Heathrow. After grabbing a quick coffee its boarding time and a short 2hr flight down to New Orleans. After calming our bags we take a shuttle bus to our hotel arriving there 5 hours earlier than planed. We drop our bags and called in a Wendy's next door for a burger to keep us going before we get on a streetcar to Canal Street. We decided to have a session riding street cars, first we ride the Canal Street Route to Cemetery Gates and back to Riverfront. We then take a look at the Mississippi and how high it its we also see the last Steam Paddle Boat arriving, Then we ride the River front line, to both ends and back to Canal Street. We then have a 20Min's wait in the 80 degree heat (the locals says its cool) to ride the Canal Street line to City Gardens, Its then back to the Interchange with the St Charles Street Line and a quick look at Bourbon Street in the french quarter. We then take a ride on the St Charles Street line which is the oldest tram route in the world through the Garden Suburbs, and then back to the hotel. We then take our bags to the room and decided to go to a diner called Mother's this is a place were locals and visitor eat, I had a Baked Ham Po'Boy, Its a short street car ride back to the hotel and a early night as we have another early start to catch the train the next morning

Green Bay Trip

An early start this morning as we have a long 200 mile drive North to Green Bay Wisconsin. With a coffee to go from the hotel we set off via the Toll Roads on the Interstates after we get through Milwaukee we stop at Arbys for brunch, having a New American Sandwich, which has wafer thin beef in. W finally arrive at Green Bay around midday. at the National Railway Museum, this has 2 major thinks we wanted to see an LNER A4 Dwight Eisenhower, presented to the USA after the 2nd World War and a Union Pacific 'Big Boy' the biggest steam loco ever. At 2pm it was time for a train ride around the site, as we were the only people on the train we were invited to ride in the loco an ALCO NW1 we had 2 loops around the track. We went then to check in to our hotel for the night a Quality Inn was a little old and ex Holiday Inn it was a little tired, but served our purposes. Good views for the river front and Just across the river from the ex CNW Station which is now a Brew Pub and Restaurant so we walked over and eat there having an Elk burger. The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel of bacon,potato hash with eggs. we set off on our rearranged day, we were due to drive to Chicago Union Station to catch the City of New Orleans, but due to flooding of the Mississippi around Memphis it had been cancelled so we went back to our hotel in Chicago and then drove in to the City center firstly we found a road bridge we could take pictures off which crosses over the MetraRail and Amtrak Depots. We then dropped the car back off at Union Station, keeping up our eating at railway stations we eat at the station having Meatloaf, Mash and stuffing with gravy. We then take Metra NCS services back to O'Hare airport

1702 Chicago Union Station - O'Hare Transfer
415 Loco
7290 Coach
8226 Coach
8523 Cab Coach
7299 Coach
8512 Cab Coach

we then get a shuttle bus to the Airport Transit system riding on Cars 6,9 & 14 to Terminal 2 and the Ground transportation center, and a hotel shuttle back to the hotel

Chicago Railfan Day

Had a slow Start with a Short Stack of Strawberry and Banana Pancakes at IHOP just over the road from the hotel. Then it was panic stations hunting a missing credit card, was eventually tracked down to the IHOP over the road. luckily we did not have too many places to look. So after an even later start it was on the road first stop was Des Plaines Models, to have a look around, picked up a pile of books and magazines and a couple of Superliner coaches. Then it was a 15 mile drive to West Chicago, which turned out to be a little quite today, the last time was a lot busier. so after an hour we decided to move on calling in to Baskin Robins/Dunkin Doughnuts on the way for a Drink and Snacks, the weather to day was sunny and warm when you were out of the wind. Our next stop was Enola Yard and a close level crossing, we parked up and watched the evening commute on the BNSF race track, lots of passenger & freight as well as shunting. It was then on to the Walter Payton Roundhouse in Aurora for tea, I attempted to have BBQ Chicken and pulled pork, managed to get half way through before surrendering. Then back to the hotel to do a bit of rearranging and packing, Our train down to New Orleans has been cancelled due to flooding in Memphis so Ive had to book airline tickets extra hotel stays and shuttle transport to make things fit, It also looks like the travel insurance are going to be difficult and not pay the difference, but that's a fight for when we get back.

Illinois Railway Museum

After yesterdays cold and wet day, today was a little better just cold and windy with no rain. Having heard about a breakfast place in Marengo we decided on that for breakfast, I had 2eggs, corn beef hash, hash browns, and Mexican toast, Set me up till lunch time. When we arrived at the museum we were one of the first there, most people put off by the cold wind Our first ride was on North Shore Line Car 749 this was on the main demonstration line, when we got back the street car line tram had pulled in this was CTA Car 3142, this travels on a loop around the site back to where we started. Everything came together as the engine and passenger car train was just about ready to go then this was

6847 GP40-2 C&NW

7700 Combine C&NW

567 Coach Lackwannana

the rest of the day was spend exploring this huge site with over 500 items of rolling stock.

We stayed for lunch on site and had chicken and chips. After a cold tiring day we went for the easy option for tea and went to the Longhorn Steak house at the hotel where I had BBQ ribs. And then it was early to bed to try and fight off a cold which was developing.

Monticello Railway Museum

Had a slight change of plans to day and swapped the Saturday and Sunday plan around due to an open day at the IRM for boy scouts to day. Had a 2 hour drive South it started off with some misty rain but got very wet as we went along, wipers on full. We had planed for coffee and doughnuts for breakfast but was too wet to get out of the car finally having a late brunch when we arrived at Hardie's which is a small burger chain, had a BBQ turkey burger. Finding the station about a block and a half away we drove up and parked and looked around but the place looked deserted, there were 3 other waiting to, a few minutes later we heard the locomotives horn closely followed by its arrival. The train was

6789 FA1 CN
892 Combine IC
2541 Coach RI
1907 Open NKP
2834 Caboose WABASH

We ran backwards without a run around past the museum sight and then drew forward in to the platform. By now it had started to rain again, having photographed the equipment in the station pavilion we made our way to the museum sight, taking pictures of every thing around. As we rounded one corner a volunteer ask us what we were doing and what we were interested in, after explaining we were from the UK he became our guide around the sight, visiting the cab of there steam loco which burns waste motor oil which they were just bringing up to pressure to do some adjustments, he also took us around the locked up storage shed and trough a private car and an aquarium car, we were chatting so much we almost missed the last train back to where we parked the car. The journey back we went for the shortest route which took us down some very quite roads through lots of farm land. Just over half way back we did finally make a doughnut stop at dunkin doughnut. We decided on just a sandwich for tea, but in the US there is no suck thing, we called in to Al's Beef and had a big Al, A torpedo roll stuffed with slow cooked thin sliced beef, I had mine with melted cheese, sweet peppers and fries, and then the best bit I had it 'wet' where the give it a dip in the gravy/juices its cooked in

Chicago

Decided on a late start to day and had breakfast at IHOP at 9am, had Sausage, eggs Hash and pancakes for breakfast, before going to the hotel to take the free shuttle bus to O'Hare Airport and finding our Way to the Blue line Subway in to the city, we switch on to a Green line train to travel 3 stops around the elevated loop (The 'L') From there we had a short walk the METRA's Millennium Station on the Electric District, which we rode to 55th Street on Cars

1223 + 1218

We then walked over to the Museum of Science and Industry. Our aim here was to see the Submarine, Space flight section, Railway and Aircraft exhibits. We then found a coffee shop that did a very good cup of English Breakfast tea. It was back to the METRA Train then for a ride the South Chicago Branch and return to the city

Out going stock was

1571 + 1572

1543 + 1622

And return was

1618 + 1601

1600 + 1543

After a taxi ride to Union Station we were able to catch a Metra NCS line train to O'Hare Transfer

215 Loco
8230

8215

7473

7294

8536

From here we transfer on to a shuttle but to the Airport Transit system which is a guided busway having cars 02 + 10 for the length of the line. Finally to the ground transportation center and a free bus back to the hotel.

We decided on Pizza for tea, we chose Gino's East as featured on Man v Food from the travel channel having a deep pan meat feast Paul only managed 1 slice, I struggled to eat 2, leaving 4 slices left, was very very big, and only a medium sized on on the menu. Then it was back to the hotel to recover and warm up as the weather had turn colder during the day

The Cardinal

Early Start this morning at 4.30am, for our taxi which was booked at 5.15am to take us to New York Penn Station, the first plan was to take the train in, but there had been a derailment in the tunnels under the Hudson River causing lots of cancelations and diversions, rather risk being late a taxi was taken. We made our way to wait in the Accela Club Lounge, snacking on coffee, juice and muffins. As sleeper passengers in roomettes 3 & 4 we had priority boarding, our luggage safely stored in the baggage car, we settled in our rooms one each side of the train. We were a few minutes late departing, but by the first stop at Newark 10 miles later we were back on time. Our Train formation on leaving New York was

Loco 924 AEM-7
Coach 1731 Baggage Car
Coach 62030 PATRIOT VIEW Viewliner
Coach 28009 Amfleet 2 Diner
Coach 25073 Amfleet 2 Coach
Coach 25086 Amfleet 2 Coach
Coach 25017 Amfleet 2 Coach

Breakfast of French Railway Toast was taken just after Philadelphia, Lasting until just before Baltimore, so we missed photographing Wilmington Depot. At Ivy City Coach Yards outside Washington DC managed to catch a glimpse of the Amtrak 40th anniversary train. We had around an hour stop at Washington Union Station mainly to change Locomotive the change was

Loco 42 P42

After Washington we move off Amtrak’s high-speed network and are hosted by various freight railroads, namely

New York – Washington DC Amtrak
Washington DC – Alexandria CSX
Alexandria – Culpeper Norfolk Southern
Culpeper – Clifton Forge Buckingham Branch
Clifton Forge – Dyer CSX
Dyer – Chicago Norfolk Southern

Scenic Highlights on the route include

New River Gorge
Blue Ridge Mountains
Allegheny Mountains
Shenandoah Valley
Greenbrier Mountain Resort
Wild West Virginia Vistas
Ohio River
Indiana farmlands

Lunch was taken between Culpeper and Charlottesville I had a Cheeseburger. Diner was taken just after White Sulphur Springs, I had the house salad followed by Braised Flat Iron Beef with veg and sauté potatoes, followed by cheesecake. Returning as the we lost daylight to pass under Gauley bridge, which is the highest bridge in the USA and 2nd in the world. Next came the confluence of the New and Gauley Rivers to form the Kanawha River, but it was too dark for pictures. During the night we lost more time due to flood warnings in Kentucky and adding 2 private car in Cincinnati

BNSF 3 800185 Red River
BNSF 29 800635 Valley View

This involved a bit of shunting in the middle of the night. Woke up just before Indianapolis at 0630, an hour and a half late, more French Railway toast for breakfast while we were being shunted again at Indianapolis eventually leaving 2hrs late having added

54561 Horizon Coach
54580 Horizon Coach

We eventually arrived at Chicago Union Station at 1145 having made up a little time. After dropping off the cases, We went to Boston Blackies for lunch of BBQ beef sandwich, then back to the station to collect the hire car, booked a RAV 4 but they didn’t have any so were up graded to a Jeep. Then its was time to get used to America driving as I drove the 15 miles to the hotel Radisson Des Plaines. After a little rest it was time to eat dinner, I had the Special BBQ house Salad, 8oz Sirloin, and fries.

Sightseeing in NY

Well manage to sleep late to help over come the jet lag, got up at 7am, had a leisurely breakfast of waffles and syrup in the hotel, before taking a slow walk to Jamaica Station, Decided to no go direct to Manhattan we went to Long Island City Terminus, basically a single platform at the carriage sidings, our train was

5007 Cab Car

4072 Coach

4004 Coach

4014 Coach

506 Loco

We did attempt to get a ferry across the river, but the terminal was a building site so that idea was abandoned and the subway used instead. We headed to The World trade center site, this has progressed since my last visit 2 years ago the first new tower is taking shape, as are the other buildings around the site, we walked around to the World Finance Center where we had brunch, I had a a Pastrami Melt, we continued around finding the 9/11 museum and then Fire House 10 with the NYFD memorial. We then took a walk to battery park and the Staten Island Ferry, which is free and gives great views of the statue of Liberty. while we waited for the trip ferry back had a orange smoothie, and got brain freeze. After we got back we headed to Times Square and then to the USS Intrepid, after that it was a yellow cab and off to find the Dakota building next to central park. Then it was feeding time again headed the the Food Concorce at Grand Central and Two Boots and had a small salad followed by spaghetti and meatballs. Made our way back the Penn Station to pick up our Amtrak tickets and then Long Island Rail road back to Jamaica our train being

7022 + 7021

7414 + 7413

7582 + 7581

7108 + 7107

Then back to the hotel to prepare for tomorrows early departure

Long Day and trip to NYC

Early Start this morning at 06.30 to be ready for breakfast at 07.00 with the parents Full English was had. Checked out and wandered outside just in time for the shuttle bus to arrive, after a trip around the local hotels it was off to terminal 3, Check was quick and painless helped by checking in on line before, security checks were easy to, although did get sniffed by the dog. Watch some planes at the gate before we were boarded, was sat at the back of the plane in seats 64A & 64C the Plane an Airbus A340-600 G-VWIN, Managed to watch 3 films en route, Yogi Bear, Big Mom 3 & Meet the Fokker's 3, Food was shepherds pie up to the usual airline standards. We arrived to nice sunny weather we were at the back of the que for immigration so the immigration staff were glad to see us as the could have a coffee after us. Having collected our luggage we made our way to the first train ride of the trip, Terminal 4 to Howard Beach on AirTrain Cars 202+112, We then changed on to an AirTrain service to Jamaica with Cars 205 + 118. The Hotel a Quality Inn was a short walk from the Station, after checking in and getting a room with a view of the rail line across the street. We decided to head in to Manhattan to have a little look around, first problem was on Sunday Amtrak derailed a train in the tunnels under the Hudson so our plan to ride Long Island Railroad failed and we went by subway instead. When we came out of the subway at Penn Station we Saw the Post Office building, Empire State and Macy's all surrounding Madison Square Gardens. Took Paul via the front entrance to Penn Station, 2 sets of escalators and 2 sets of stairs, which could easily be missed, now 1 level below the street is very unimpressive until it opens out into a large concourse, with shops and restaurants all around, Paul's jaw started dropping, we then went down another level, jaw dropped even more at the passages line with shops and food places, Jaw hit the floor as we went in to a very large Walmart where you could get everything from fishing rods, and bbq to your grocery's all at the station, we still had not seen a train there which were another level down again. We then found Track Bar and Grill and had NY strip steak and Fry's, after this we made our way to Grand Central Terminal which is another Jaw Dropping station, with is painting of the universe on the ceiling, marble floors and walls, After this we made our way back to Penn Station to Catch a 12 Car Long Island Railroad train back to Jamaica and our Hotel where we relax, watched trains go by and went to sleep

New Trip 2011

On my way to the USA from my next trip Failed last time to keep up my blog so going to have another attempt this time. Left via Penarth and collected Paul from Cwmbrian, who is joining me this trip. First Stop was at the Holiday Inn M4 Junc 4, this time the Parents are stopping there too on there way to Shipton, The hotel has good points and bad points, easy to find and close to the airport. We have been upgraded to an executive room, had a Sausage Sandwich for lunch in the lounge which was good, Dinner was the opposite, was a 3 course carvery, the soup was OK, The roast beef was a little chewy and veg cold, cold plates didn't help, pudding how ever was good. As for the waiting staff.... got the drinks wrong, when you ask for no ice, you don't expect to see floating cubes of frozen water in there. They got worse, after 3 of us had finished the main course, the waiters cleared the plates before we had all finished, the 4th felt embarrassed being the only one left eating with the rest of the table cleared... very rude, the manager made the mistake of asking if every thing was OK, was very groveling and apologetic, and apparently going to have a word with the staff immediately, there was obviously a language problem, as the exact same thing happened with the desert plates. Did get a 12% discount and then he said he had taken off the service charges... we didn't get any service which i politely pointed out to him. What was very amusing and needed a double take was the large party of Chinese tourists, obviously there first visit to the UK for example profiteroles with roast beef, cheesecake with salad. They were as good with knifes and folks as I am with chopsticks, using two folks like you would use chopsticks. Then Back to the room to watch some TV and check in online, ready for a long day tomorrow