Meet the People Who Keep Vintage Rail Cars Rolling Across America
About two dozen classic carriages around the country offer time travel by train. by Justin Franz July 6, 2023
"...In the 20th century, especially ...after World War II, rail was not only one of the most logical ways to get around the country...it could also be one of the most exquisite. Lounge cars offered plush, window-side seats so passengers could enjoy the passing scenery. Sleeping cars offered a comfortable place to rest through long journeys. Dining cars churned out meals that are a far cry from today’s airline food—rather, they could be on par with what was served in the nation’s finest restaurants. That golden age of luxury rail travel was brief. As the interstate highway system expanded & commercial air travel took off, passenger rail service began to decline in general, and luxury forms were among the first casualties..."
Wellington's main railway station. I took this photo exactly three years ago today, 11 May 2021, on my visit to New Zealand during the temporary pandemic-era "travel bubble" which existed between Australia and NZ.
New at my Patreon... From Longreach in far west Queensland, I boarded a silver train on an excursion to the Darr River - with the perfect 'smoko' at the end:
Via John McAllister @john_mcal
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Just taken a FrecciaRossa high speed train from Rome to Florence. A distance of about 275km (~170 miles). It took 1hr 36 mins and only cost me €23. Not to mention comfortable seats, decent fast WiFi, clean toilets. We’re being absolutely conned in the UK with rail fares 🤦🏻♂️
In the latest episode (#34) of travel podcast The World Awaits, I talk with host Belinda Jackson about rail travel - including the allure of sleeper trains and my favourite rail journeys.
Listen in via your favourite podcast platform, or via the link from this page: https://theworldawaits.au/
Now free for all to read... I spent two days in the middle of nowhere, rolling across the Nullarbor Plain aboard the Indian Pacific train. Here's what it was like:
Okay, we've agreed to (splurge on) #traintravel to from #Salzburg to #Lyon this summer and #flixbus it back. If it goes to shit (weather, strike), we drive. Why does it feel so impossible to get there anyway? #CrossBorderRail
Our train arriving from the south doesn't allow us time to switch stations and catch it at the "new" Stop. The app invites us to search but shows zero alternatives.
When I search on the site separately, I see I can catch the same train via #Munich and #Mannheim. Do I just hop on those trains or do I have to rebook? Do I have this right even though I'm going on a different route? If they canceled the train, can I ask for a full #refund ? Or am I expected to find an imaginary alternative route on the same route? Are they entitled to the 10e fee if cancel? The #passenger rights page isn't fully clear to me. Halp
"Why can’t Australians enjoy such a pleasant way to travel, given sleeper trains are going through a major resurgence in Europe, partly in response to climate change? It’s a good question, and there’s a simple answer: because the New South Wales government doesn’t want you to."
For Traveller, I discuss the impending removal of sleeper trains between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane - and imagine what could exist instead, based on the European experience.
New at my Patreon... I board the Grainlander, a heritage train heading to the Mallee region for silo art, movies projected on silos, and art made from spanners:
As our Grainlander train pulled into Melbourne's Southern Cross Station last night, I spotted the Overland heading the other way. Presumably off to its stable for the night.
The Grainlander (run by 707 Operations) has stopped at Dunolly for an off-train excursion. Lovely old station, though it's looking a bit abandoned now.
Good morning from somewhere in the Mallee, aboard the Grainlander. Just back from seeing some enormous statues made from spanners. Yes that's right, spanners. :) More next week in https://www.patreon.com/timrichards
Now it can be revealed... this weekend I'm off on 707 Operations' 'Grainlander' train to the Mallee, featuring silo art and the added treat of a movie projected onto wheat silos at Quambatook. Should be fun. :)