were led to the gate so that we could get on before the regular coach passengers. The Legacy Club was worth every penny. Did I mention this was my first ride
on Superliner equipment? I was very excited to climb those narrow stairs to my comfortable coach seat (which I dare say has even more legroom than the already roomy Amfleet). We departed right on time, and immediately I felt the difference in ride quality. It was definitely a different sensation to be riding up so high above the railhead. By far, my favorite part of the
train was the Sightseer Lounge with the wraparound windows. The dense Chicago suburbs along the old Burlington “Raceway” soon gave way to rural small towns along the old Santa Fe line. Sunset came as we crossed the Mississippi River at Fort Madison, Iowa. I made a 6:30 dinner reservation
and joined an interesting couple from Lawrence, Kan., and a lady traveling to Kanas City. Pleasant conversation was paired with a nice glass of wine and good food served at track speed. Arrival into Kansas City Union Station
was again a few minutes early. The only real disappointment was the long trek around the side of the building on a steel gangway that leads to a side door for the walk through the main concourse to the front entrance. Since the original passenger concourse is long gone, this is
the only way in and out of KCUS. A Saturday chase with Steve Barry
of Union Pacific’s No. 844 under leaden skies was punctuated by the WRP company gathering. It was great to meet with all of our colleagues from around the country as well as our friends in the “home office.” Books editor Chris Lane joined Steve and me for a “victory lap” on the new Kansas City Streetcar after the party broke up. The early morning Chief departure
from Kansas City allowed for the run to Chicago to be completely in daylight. I spent a lot of time in the lounge car soaking up the essence of Santa Fe mainline railroading while answering email and drinking my morning coffee. The more unusual trip came this past November when I traveled to Milwaukee to attend the annual Trainfest train show. Once again I boarded the Lake Shore Limited for another easy trip to Chicago. The only letdown was the introduction of “Diner Lite” services, as many of the Heritage Diners have been pulled from service and the new Viewliner replacements are not yet available. The temporary solution is to add another Amcafe and offer a menu with slightly reduced selection. It’s not too bad if you close your eyes and pretend your food didn’t come out of a microwave. On a positive note, I ran into Mike Schafer, editor of Passenger Train Journal. He
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OPPPOSITE: Amtrak has installed a kiosk in the Great Hall at Chicago Union Station and passengers are led to their gate by an employee to facilitate boarding. ABOVE: The restored Kansas City Union Station is an imposing edifi ce. Built in 1914, the station declined in the postwar years and Amtrak relocated in 1985. The station was renovated in 1999, and Amtrak returned in 2002. LEFT: Wraparound windows offer spectacular scenic views from the upper level of the Superliner lounge car. PHOTOS BY OTTO M. VONDRAK
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