I will be on this inaugural run of the Amtrak Texas Eagle / California Train! Using my video camera, snappy, notebook computer and a cellular modem, I intend to provide at least daily live updates of this event, including photos! I've done this before, so the technology is proven. Success is only dependent on the quality of cellular service along the route and finding time to upload during dwell time when communication is the most stable. The text below was posted right after I made my reservations for this special journey.
I'll be leaving on the Southwest Chief from Los Angeles on Tuesday, February 3, 1998 and will arrive in Chicago on Thursday afternoon, February 5, 1998. Although many trains arrive in Chicago a number of hours before the departure of the Texas Eagle and Amtrak will make connecting reservations, I'd strongly recommend that you spend an evening in Chicago. If trains are late into Chicago, Amtrak will make alternate arrangements for you, but what good is that if the whole point is to be ON the inaugural Texas Eagle thru-train? Thus, to insure that little can go wrong, I'd suggest that you arrive into Chicago the prior day and spend the night in Chicago. There is plenty to tour in Chicago before your train departs. You even have time to explore some of Chicago's Metra commuter rail system!
Many of the people who were instrumental in saving the Texas Eagle and played a key role in expanding service with this thru-train will be riding onboard this inaugural run! Come onboard and meet everyone! If you have been thinking about an Amtrak trip this year and been wondering when and where to go, why not make reservations for this train and have a very unique experience on this inaugural run!
This inaugural run has proved so popular that Amtrak had to add an extra Sleeping Car just to handle everyone that has been requesting Sleeping accommodations. There are still some rooms left, but hurry before they are gone!
After you have your reservations, send e-mail to me at steve@trainweb.com so that we can meet up somewhere enroute. I'll be looking forward to meeting you onboard the inaugural run of the Amtrak Texas Eagle Thru-Train from Chicago to Los Angeles on Friday, February 6, 1998!
