Just when I thought options by train were dead in the water, I get some new information. One car owner tells me he has had no trouble with having his car occupied in Chicago, provided the people either stay only on the car, or when off are only walking to the yard exit on proper crosswalks.
Here is what he proposed:
I could operate the trip for you in September or October of 2017, as I have no trip commitments at that time. I could also do the trip in 2018, but I would favor doing it sooner rather than later, if agreeable.
My initial suggestions are:
NYP to CHI on train 49 (alternative is NYP to WAS on early morning train, followed by WAS to CHI on train 29)
One night parked at CHI
Train 7 from CHI to MSP.
3 nights and 2 full days parked at MSP (alternative is 4 nights and 3 full days parked at MSP) Midway Station.
Train 8 from MSP to CHI.
One night parked at CHI.
Train 50 CHI - WAS - NYP (if The Cardinal is running that day). Alternative is either train 48 CHI to NYP, or train 30 CHI to WAS and maybe train 90 from WAS to NYP.
Ten beds would be available for passengers, as I usually reserve bedroom D for my exclusive use. I would be a full fare passenger supporting the trip.
Probably serve at least 4 meals westward, and 4 meals eastwards. Self-serve continental breakfast would be available other days. Snacks and beverages available.
Cost: about $2,000 per person. Slightly more if we have to hire a chef.
OGR members from the Midwest could join in Chicago and ride only the Chicago-MSP part of the trip. Of course that fare would be significantly less. The car seats 24 for day travel, so another 12-14 people could travel on the car CHI-MSP having gotten to Chicago on their own.
Spending a day in Chicago is actually fun. There are lots of museums, other trains to ride on METRA, etc.
I'm one passenger. We would need 9 others to take the entire trip.
Yes, $2,000 is a lot of money. So is the cost of a Vision Line Big Boy and a train of cars for it. From what I see on the forum, there is no shortage of people who have this money to spend on trains. Difference here is instead of getting a "thing" you are getting an experience.
He needs 45 days notice of the trip to begin the approval process.
I will take this further if 9 people send me an email saying they are in if we can make it go. I'd favor either early October or in 2018. Elliot suggested 2018 at the time of that National Narrow Gauge Convention Labor Day weekend.
Each bedroom has bunk beds and a private toilet annex with commode and sink. The shower on the car is one of the largest I've seen on a private car.
If you would not be in for the whole trip, but would go CHI-MSP, send me that email too.
My email is in my profile. Let's see what happens.
