Auto-train and older cars

41ford1

41ford1

Well-known member
Has anyone here ever used Amtrak's Auto-train to get an older car to Florida? That is my plan to get to the Bash. Looking to cover any possible issues.
 
That's a good question. I'd like to hear about anyones experience, good or bad, with the Auto Train as we are thinking about using the Auto Train next Fall to take our '39 LZ up to Va. and drive from there to Long Island and up the East Coast to Maine and back to Florida. Vic
 
Not positive BUT I don't think YOU're able to drive it on to the train itself (ins and lawyers, you know).
Paul in CT
 
I did the Auto train back in '87 and I'll never do it again. You didn't get to load/unload your own car and if you're first on, you're last off. Takes a long time to move all those cars.

For a 15 hour trip, we probably spent an additional 4 hours (two on, two off) waiting on the cars.
 
I would like to hear about some more recent experiences as well. Someone suggested I should check into Auto-train for a trip to Lake Tahoe, Nevada I'm planning to take in 2013. Of course this trip is pending the outcome of the Mayan calendar prediction :).
 
The Auto Train leaves either Lorton VA or Sanford FL every day at 4:00 P.M. Cars have to be at the train 1 hour before departure and are driven on by Amtrak employees. The trip is non-stop and takes 17 1/2 hours arriving at the other end at 9:30 A.M. afterwhich it can take up to 1 hour to get the cars off (again, by train employees). Inasmuch as it is an overnight train there are two choices of sleeping accomodations and the dinner and breakfast meals are included in the fare. For more information call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or click here: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Route_C&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241245666320
 
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So what happens when a young railroad employ charged with loading the cars encounters an early Ford with separate lock and ignition switch control, a starter button way off elsewhere, three speeds on the column, perhaps a need to use manual choke, etc.??? I think most denizens of the 21st century would have an easier time coping if you tossed them the keys to an Aerobus.
 
Old Henry said:
Auto Train only runs between Virginia and Florida.
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Well darn Henry, it looks like I got things mixed up again. The actual suggestion was to take Amtrak (not Auto-train) to Chicago and connect with the California Zephyr to Reno, Nevada and then drive a rental car to Lake Tahoe. This would be in lieu of flying from Baltimore to Lake Tahoe. We would be shipping our cars via an enclosed transporter.
 
I've taken it 5 times over 25 years. Seats are like 1st class airline seats. 3 choices of food, beef, chicken, fish, snacks for breakfast, club car, movie. BYO and buy the mix. Secure anything you don't want to loose. Most comments above are correct, but arrive earlier than suggested so you don't run into a problem. Take a good book or magazines, sit back an relax.
I just drove a new car back from NJ, 15 hours with gas stops only. Next day I felt it.
Some what tough to sleep with the train noise, etc.
Considering the government uses approx. $.55 per mile for an auto , a one way driving would be $550 - 600 for me plus room and food. Easier on the body, beats any weather problem.
By the way, just south of Lorton, VA, 18 miles, is the USMC Museum, Quantico, right off I95. Really worth the visit!!
"The Auto Train offers a 10% discount on rail fare to members of the National Association of Railroad Passengers and to members of any American Automobile Association (AAA) auto club. Be aware that Amtrak's normal senior citizen discounts do not apply to travel on the Auto Train. Other discount fares may occasionally be available, particularly when traveling against the predominant flow of east coast traffic (for instance, traveling north in January may result in a less expensive fare). Check Amtrak's website and look under the heading "Hot Deals" for Weekly Specials to see if any discounts are available for the period when you plan to travel"
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am/Layout&cid=1241337915810
 
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JM 35 Sedan said:
Well darn Henry, it looks like I got things mixed up again. The actual suggestion was to take Amtrak (not Auto-train) to Chicago and connect with the California Zephyr to Reno, Nevada and then drive a rental car to Lake Tahoe. This would be in lieu of flying from Baltimore to Lake Tahoe. We would be shipping our cars via an enclosed transporter.
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My family and I have traveled across country on train several times. The main caution is that you can have no deadlines for arrival! It is very typical for the train to be two to twelve hours behind schedule. That means you can wait an hour or two for the train to arrive where you're getting on and for us has been up to twelve hours late arriving at our destination. Think about the cross country trains starting on schedule at one end of the track on either the east or west coast then every little delay adds up and can not be caught up so that the further it runs across country the further behind it gets. I discussed this with a train guy once and he explained to me it is because passenger trains have last priority for use of the tracks so that if any freight train has to pass the passenger train it has to pull off on a siding and wait until it does.

But, if you want a nice leisurly trip without deadlines it beats all other forms of travel in my opinion. It is very nostalgic and romantic, relaxing and even scenic at times, going where roads don't go.
 
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Now..........here is an experience with the Lake Michigan car ferry. They let you drive on (back in) and you are the last on. BUT....if you are not down there in your car at exactly the moment that they want you there, one of their 'ace' drivers is sitting in your car and trying to figure out how to start it. Glad I got there when I did, since he was just about to turn the key.............without thinking there was a starter button and the key was just to turn it on and off.
So -- car ferries and trains -- not the same transportation, but just about the same potential results.
 
41ford1 said:
Has anyone here ever used Amtrak's Auto-train to get an older car to Florida?
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I've used the Auto Train a few times, and it sure beats driving... although it costs more. Two things to keep in mind:

1. Auto Train has NO set fares! The fluctuate all over the place according to supply and demand.

2. Absolutely NO pets are allowed on ANY Amtrak train. They were once permitted, but no longer.
 
"But, if you want a nice leisurly trip without deadlines it beats all other forms of travel in my opinion. It is very nostalgic and romantic, relaxing and even scenic at times, going where roads don't go.
__________________
Prof. Henry

Now Henry LOUD interlocution and intercourse might bring a reprimand from the staff!! :eek::D
 
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The prospect of having someone (unfamiliar with our vintage vehicles), responsible for driving them on and off the train, does not sit well with me. I'll have to do some research to see if Amtrak makes any exceptions based on particular vehicles or if they at least let you accompany the designated driver to make sure they know what to do...:eek:
 
It looks like most every one has the same concerns as I do. That is some of the reasoning why I am taking my 53 Courier and not the 41 pickup. Bruce is right about folks not knowing what to do with a key, a switch and a starter button. I experianced that first hand at a tire store. I have already booked this trip. I will post how it goes. Since the return portion was just about double (confirms Richard's point #1) my wife and I will be driving back to NH. We plan to take it nice and leisurely with many stops.
 
Vic Piano said:
I'll have to do some research to see if Amtrak makes any exceptions based on particular vehicles or if they at least let you accompany the designated driver to make sure they know what to do...
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Yes, Vic... PLEASE report what you learn. That's one of my concerns, too.
 
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