Auto-train and older cars

[41ford1]

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.

[Vic Piano]

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

[1931 flamingo]

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

[Mike51Merc]

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.

[Karl Wescott]

There are some related threads on this forum: http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/ This is a group or people who like to ride trains and is not afiliated with Amtrak

[JM 35 Sedan]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

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 .

[Old Henry]

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/Conten...=1241245666320

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by JM 35 Sedan

Someone suggested I should check into Auto-train for a trip to Lake Tahoe, Nevada I'm planning to take in 2013.

Auto Train only runs between Virginia and Florida.

[Bruce Lancaster]

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.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by Old Henry

Auto Train only runs between Virginia and Florida.

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.

[Capn John]

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/Conten...=1241337915810

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by Capn John

arrive earlier than suggested so you don't run into a problem.

You can arrive as early at 11:30 A.M. but remember the first on first off thing. If you were the first on you would be the last off. Somewhere there's a balance.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by JM 35 Sedan

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.

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.

[nelsb01]

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.

[Richard in Florida]

Originally Posted by 41ford1

Has anyone here ever used Amtrak's Auto-train to get an older car to Florida?

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.

[Capn John]

"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!!

[Vic Piano]

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...

[41ford1]

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.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by Capn John

Now Henry LOUD interlocution and intercourse might bring a reprimand from the staff!!

Sorry. I changed to bold instead of all caps.
My apologies for YELLING!

[Richard in Florida]

Originally Posted by Vic Piano

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...

Yes, Vic... PLEASE report what you learn. That's one of my concerns, too.

[32phil]

I have friend who has taken his 32 4dr , hemi powered/5spd and his Model A Vicky, banger / S10 5spd. on the auto train many times I don't recall any horror stories.

[Bruce Lancaster]

Entirely different can of worms...any sort of car parker employee can shift a 5 speed but would certainly be baffled by 3 on the tree and probably by three on the floor. And the cars described probably have modern type ignition/starter switching, too, rather than this thing unlocks the steering, this thing turns on the ignition, this thing waaay over here then does the starter...

[G.M.]

I came back to Florida several years ago with my 39 P/U. No problems,food was good with plenty of leg room in the seats. I have a dozen friends that use the train every year. One came back last week and said it was a full load with as many cars that it could carry. 30 train cars for the automobles with 10 cars in each. 3/4s of a mile long with 2 locomotives pulling it at full load capacity. I believe he said it was fully booked through March. G.M.

[Vic Piano]

Richard,

Ok, I just checked with Amtrak Auto Train and what they told me is not good news. You cannot drive your vehicle, or accompany the Amtrak driver, onto the train. There are no exceptions. They told me that "if I didn't think that their drivers could operate my car, I would be better off shipping it".

This puts a kink in my plans as I was contemplating taking our ’39 LZ on the Auto Train but, considering the fact that the car is over 70 years old, has a steering lock, starter button, manual transmission, no power steering or brakes and would most likely be put in the hands of a twenty-something year old that in all probability has never seen, let alone driven a car like ours. I think I'll opt to drive the entire trip.

If you want to check with Amtrak, you can google Amtrak Auto Train and/or call 877-754-7495 and ask to speak with the Support Desk.

[jimTN]

I doubt if the employees are youngsters, they would be more like crusty old RR union men.

[Henry/Kokomo]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I spent a little over 4 years in Amtrak's employ. I would not take my '46 Tudor anywhere that Amtrak employees operated the vehicle.....ever.

[Clem Clement]

I live about 20 minutes from Lorton, so if I can help at the VA end, holler
Clem

[Shadetree]

Many years ago I read somewhere that hauling cars on trains flattened wheel bearings. Any truth to it?

Shadetree

[JM 35 Sedan]

Shadetree, I bet that was a rumor started by the trucking industry

[41ford1]

The sedan delivery is loaded on and we are waiting to pull out. The crew in Lorton took care loading. They seemed to know bait about the old ones.

[ford38v8]

About the personal choices on amtrak, if you choose the private room, you get a combination toilet /shower without even a vent, and they raise hell if you go out to use the public shower that at least has some elbow room.

And don't expect the old familiar clickety clack of the rails. Tracks are welded and ground smooth now by an absolute monster of a machine. This thing does it all from ripping up old track, trenching and laying new gravel, new concrete ties, new rail. Just keeps rolling along with inspectors walking along next to it. Somewhere on the internet there must be a video of this?

There's a growing hobby along remote rivers that run next to Amtrak... They moon the train! I mean they ALL moon the train! Listen to the conductor that describes points of interest, he'll tell you when to get your cameras ready!

[jim1932]

I think we may under estimate the volume these guys handle. My guess is they have loaded almost evey type of car once a week. Especially going to Florida. Maybe not every driver, but I bet one of them will know how to drive an old ford.

[Lawrie]

I shipped my 33 from NZ to Australia,
I put a detailed instruction sheet on the windsheild and also taped to the door on how to start and drive it ,
Went to pick it up at the shipping co ,and they were still on and the employee there said it sure made it easy to get it from the container to the shed.Just a thought.
Lawrie

[Mart]

Originally Posted by 41ford1

The sedan delivery is loaded on and we are waiting to pull out. The crew in Lorton took care loading. They seemed to know bait about the old ones.

Obscure slang used.

To know bait - does that mean know a lot or know nothing??

Mart.

[Rem]

Fast fingers, Mart? "a bit"?

Sounds like an adventure - they ripped up half the railways over here in the '60s, although you can probbaly drive the length of the country in less than a day.

[ford38v8]

Rem.......... over here woiuld be? It helps if you edit your viewer profile to include your location!

[32phil]

The concern for wheel bearing damage during shipment of autos by train came from the early days(1900-1915?). The damage was called "Brinelling" This happened when the wheel was stationary( tied down ) and the car slowly rocked back & forth from the movement of the train, forcing the grease out and then bare metal to metal contact. The eventual improvement in wheel bearing grease eliminated the problem.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

Rem.......... over here woiuld be? It helps if you edit your viewer profile to include your location!

Rem lists two addresses; Oxford, England and Morris Plains, NJ.

So, 'over here' probably means England and I have driven the length of that country in less than one day....well almost...from just north of the Scotland/England border to an area southwest of Warminster. We were moving along quite swiftly in the fast lane of those Motorways . I remember this well since I was driving.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by 41ford1

The sedan delivery is loaded on and we are waiting to pull out. The crew in Lorton took care loading. They seemed to know bait about the old ones.

Chuck, If you see this message give me a call or send me a pm on when you will be ariving in Ocala and where you are staying. Cheers!!

[Mart]

Rem's here in the UK. He's a mate of mine.

Mart.

[Rem]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

Rem.......... over here woiuld be? It helps if you edit your viewer profile to include your location!

Originally Posted by JM 35 Sedan

Rem lists two addresses; Oxford, England and Morris Plains, NJ.

So, 'over here' probably means England and I have driven the length of that country in less than one day....well almost...from just north of the Scotland/England border to an area southwest of Warminster. We were moving along quite swiftly in the fast lane of those Motorways . I remember this well since I was driving.

Yes guys, I've updated my profile now. Morris plains, NJ is where I get larger (un-USPS-able) parts shipped to for consignment.

JM, I drove past Warminster last weekend - I had been to collect a Harley engine, about 150 miles by motorway, and was coming back home by the scenic, cross-country route

It is about 850 miles by road from Land's End at the south-western tip of England, to John O'Groats at the top of Scotland.

[ford38v8]

Rem, so, when you said "over here", what you really meant to say was "Over There?"

OK, gotcha.

[Rem]

Err...well...yup

[46fordnut]

i think of all the kids working on these trains and well i guess the way Henry made these it make for a great anti theft device too. if you cant start it drive it than you are done,

[41ford1]

Have wifi again. The bash was a blast and I would use the auto train service again. Met great Barners from VA and NC. Got to Charlston SC Tuesday night. Plan to leave there Thursday. The 53 is running like a top. No serious issues yet.

[Vic Piano]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by 41ford1

Have wifi again. The bash was a blast and I would use the auto train service again. Met great Barners from VA and NC. Got to Charlston SC Tuesday night. Plan to leave there Thursday. The 53 is running like a top. No serious issues yet.

Sounds good Chuck, thanks for coming to the “Barner’s Bash”. Hope you and Karen are enjoying the ride home. Where did you eat in Savannah...?

[JM 35 Sedan]

Originally Posted by 41ford1

Have wifi again. The bash was a blast and I would use the auto train service again. Met great Barners from VA and NC. Got to Charlston SC Tuesday night. Plan to leave there Thursday. The 53 is running like a top. No serious issues yet.

Chuck, it was good to see you and Karen again, plus we all got to see that nice Courier/sedan delivery in person. Glad to hear that's running so well. Now I think that courier wants to do more touring like up to Maine or maybe down to the BRPW and then on down to Dawsonville, GA . I'm here at Wesley Chapel loading 'Olivia' back on her trailer for the trip home. She just hates it when she has to be a 'Trailer Queen' . You two have a safe ride back to NH.

Vic, I had a great time at this years Bash as well!! Thanks for pulling together another great weekend of fun and enjoyment in the sun. It was a super time that will never be forgotten.
Odious Amigo

[Vic Piano]

John, glad you (and I think everyone else) enjoyed the weekend, I sure had a good time, even when the '39 got "vapor lock" twice! Hope to see you soon. Vic

[41ford1]

Vic,
We eat at the Pink House and Tubby's in Savannah. Like you said, "No bad meals". Had the Steamed Shrimp Bowl at the Crab House in Charleston today. All is good.

The vapor lock situation has to be something else since we all know there is no such thing with a flathead. LOL

John,
Your going to have to let Olivia stretch her legs again in the north east.

[Vic Piano]

Maybe we should do a "Barner's Bash" in Savannah...

[Brad]

As per Amtrak a pimply faced 18 year old kid will gladly load your car

[oldford2]

Brad, Are you posting on an actual experience or just guessing? We had a couple at the Barners picnic that shipped their Ford on the auto train (51 sedan delivery, standard shift). No problems at all. Please reply with actual experiences you know of. Now, when I was messing with Fords in my teens, I had a pimply face. I guess that's not good?
John

[41ford1]

A perfect response. How do you expect the young guys to gain experiance with an old car if they can't have some seat time? Even if they don't know what to do they really can't do any real harm in a low speed situation.

[Brad]

I was considering taking my 36 to Fl I called Amtrak they said railroad personnel have to load the car.

[41ford1]

A Bash in Savannah could be fun. Eating, drinking, no driving while drinking. Lots of photo ops. Just stay off River St. unless you want to spend a bunch of time tightening fasteners and quieting squeaks. It's about 3/4 of a mile of rough cobble stone.

[Lawson Cox]

Originally Posted by JM 35 Sedan

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 .

I am curious as to what will happen too. Probably just 12/22/12. LOL

[G.M.]

I taped instructions on shuting down and starting the 39 P/U on the dash like Lawrie and had no problem. G.M.