Passenger Trains > Mardi Gras Mobile - New Orleans

For the first time I'm taking a trip from Mobile to New Orleans and later today to Chicago 

this mornings train boarded about 60 people in Mobile and the train is shining clean!  Looking forward to this trip and I will comment through the journey as time goes on 

here are a few pre-dawn pictures 

 

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I like the station sign "Mobile Station".

Is the Mobile station mobile or is it stationary ?  Yuk Yuk.

Seriously, nice pictures.  Looking forward to your report.
Chicago welcomes you.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/26/25 04:47 by Englewood.

Amfleet cars look great when they're clean like this.

Wonder where they washed them.

The Mobile station is definitely temporary. The platform is nice but the tent in the parking lot that has seats seems like it won't be functional in the winter   The conductor told me it's in the states hands regarding a mortar and brick structure.  He said Biloxi and Mobile are to two largest station stops regarding the number of passengers. Todays 60 in Mobile is the lowest number in 8 days of service 
 

ronald321 Wrote:
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> Amfleet cars look great when they're clean like
> this.
>
> Wonder where they washed them.

New Orleans most likely. I wasn't following it very closely, but it sounds like there is in fact a washer there.

amtrakbill Wrote:
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> The Mobile station is definitely temporary. The
> platform is nice but the tent in the parking lot
> that has seats seems like it won't be functional
> in the winter   The conductor told me it's in the
> states hands regarding a mortar and brick
> structure.  He said Biloxi and Mobile are to two
> largest station stops regarding the number of
> passengers. Todays 60 in Mobile is the lowest
> number in 8 days of service 
>  

Thats comparable with a regional jet that would be flying out of the airport there. Quite respectable for a low number.

79MPh running in the Bayou
 

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Yep. The line passes through unpopulated area for about 30 miles. Only things to slow you down are three shallow curves and three bridges.
Not much winter in Mobile. Even in January, the average day is 61F high 41F low.

I’ve been watching it pass through Biloxi nearly every day this past week. Just from looking through the windows, the weekend trains have been packed—very few empty rows. Yesterday’s Monday run looked about half full, which is pretty good for a weekday. The business class section seems full on nearly every trip, and there are always around a dozen or so people getting on and off at Biloxi.I can’t wait for Amtrak to release the official ridership numbers—I have a feeling they’re going to look really strong. We're about to head into football season (New Orleans Saints right beside the station), Cruising the Coast, the holidays, Mardi Gras, etc. all on the horizon. 

There is a working car washer in New Orleans!
 

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Arrived in New Orleans 10 mins early 
train was very clean
friendly staff !
10 out of 10

now onto Chicago on the City of New Orleans 



 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/26/25 11:11 by amtrakbill.

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City of New Orleans departed on-time with very clean windows 

here is a video of the maintenance facility that includes a car wash plus a switcher that has a used in NOL

 

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First Amtrak moment 

my car attendant asked me what I want for dinner. I asked her what's the best item on the menu. She said she cannot eat Amtraks food as it's not very good.  She brings her own food onboard  The entire sleeping car heard that conversation   Not verry professional at all. I ordered the Salmon...
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/26/25 12:02 by amtrakbill.

Great photos and text.  Thanks very much!  Facilities looking good.

Great photos , enjoy your trip and thanks for bringing us along with you !

McComb Mississippi station and s getting a nice refurbishment 
 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/26/25 13:52 by amtrakbill.

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Engines like the 507 should be in Chicago to sub for the ailing ALC -44  Chargers.
Heck put in on the Empire Builder.  

They should use the 301 as a awitcher, about all it is good for. 

Loved the Cafe Car announcement; "We are closed"

When did the Cafe Car open ?

We arrived in Jackson 30 mins early. The track speed and conditions are fast and semi-smooth from North of New Orleans to Jackson. CN is a proud RR in these parts 

the Jackson station is functional and larger than I would think but the town looks worn. Broken glass window at the entrance to the station 

1 lone P42 pulling 8 cars without a problem 79mph most of the way 

consist includes 1 diner (deadhead on tge front end. Followed by 3 coaches, a lounge and diner, and one sleeper and a transitional sleeper. Assume the first diner is along to make sure the grade crossing work?

P42 waiting in Jackson
interior and exterior of the station 
 

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