Passenger Trains > Bumpy track for the Auto Train

My wife and I just finished our northbound trip on the Auto Train and loved it.  Our only criticism would be the incredibly bumpy sections of track between Florence, S.C. and Fayetteville.  It was dark, so I don’t know exactly where we were, but a couple of the rough spots not only woke us up, but had us wondering if the train could stay on the track.  I know Amtrak is at the mercy of CSX when it comes to track work, but it would be great if this blemish on what was otherwise a great trip could get some attention.
 

I had the same feelings on a recent trip on 97/98. We hit a couple spots where I was sure we'd derail. Beyond rough I'd say more like dangerously rough. 

 Not too long ago I rode a number of Swiss and German trains and their equipment & track are so far superior to ours its like a different universe.

   Sad but true.

   Ross Rowland

I could have written that same post in 1989....if only there were Train Orders.

The area north of Dillon, State Line / Pedro's, etc has been a mess for years.  I know that Lumberton has had severe damage from flooding on a regular basis, perhaps the tracks and right of way are part of thecollateral damage?

The last I heard, there was still jointed rail on some of the second track (where it still exists).

co614 Wrote:
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>  Not too long ago I rode a number of Swiss and
> German trains and their equipment & track are so
> far superior to ours its like a different
> universe.

Our trains are a lot heavier than theirs...

True about the train weights.  But most other countries tracks are a lot better but with some notable exceptions, mostly in Africa with Zambia being the worse. This is from first hand experience having ridden in 49 countries. 

I think I'll take outdated heavier trains in a wreck over the European beer cans.

rantoul Wrote:
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> Another indication US train technology is
> outdated.

It would be even safer if the heavier trains were so heavy that they were always stationary too. LOL!

SP4360 Wrote:
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> I think I'll take outdated heavier trains in a
> wreck over the European beer cans.
>
> rantoul Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > Another indication US train technology is
> > outdated.

Weight does not always mean brute strength. Pennsy's P70, MP54, and P54 passenger cars were very heavy , but fell apart and telescoped quite readily in wrecks.  

Be careful what you wish for, Delta dick is watching lol

Jishnu Wrote:
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> It would be even safer if the heavier trains were
> so heavy that they were always stationary too.
> LOL!
>
> SP4360 Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I think I'll take outdated heavier trains in a
> > wreck over the European beer cans.
> >
> > rantoul Wrote:
> >
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> > -----
> >
> > > Another indication US train technology is
> > > outdated.

Slow track toay, 52(14) is expected three hours late into Lorton on Thursday

Posted from Android

Departed Sanford 3 hrs late account late arrival of inbound (4 hrs 46 mins).

Worst ride ever for me LSL out of Chicago.   Had to ask myself several times during the night. “Are we on the track or just dragging along on the ties?”   

Watched a little boy get thrown out of his seat into the aisle on everyone's beloved diner on the Silver Meteor (87 back in those days) in Florida in the 1980s. Nothing new.

Posted from Android

ctillnc Wrote:
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> Departed Sanford 3 hrs late account late arrival
> of inbound (4 hrs 46 mins).

Thanks!

Posted from Android

Heavy, overweighted trainsets are the result of planning for accidents rather than planning to prevent them in the first place.

Erik Leeper
Phoenix, AZ

Rough track is the railroad equivalent of turbulence in the skies. It feels uncomfortable and scary to passengers, but it's almost never a safety concern on its own.

I'm not convinced that lighter trains would ride more smoothly on rough track. If anything they might bounce around more.

Posted from Android

SP4360 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I think I'll take outdated heavier trains in a
> wreck over the European beer cans.
>
> rantoul Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > Another indication US train technology is
> > outdated.




Maybe we should sanction these so-called "Europeans" with their beer can lightweight on-time trains until they come around to the USA way.  We got A$AP Rocky out, after all.