Train Travel/Rail Buffs

For travel in many parts of the world, choo-choos rock! Here we talk about train travel trips, great rail routes, antique trains, trainspotting... All aboard!

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The Great Orme Tramway is a vintage charmer in Wales

At just 206 metres (680 feet) above sea level, the Great Orme (below) might be thought of as rather a slight hill. But it looks as imposing as a far greater eminence, as it overlooks the seaside resort of Llandudno, on the north Welsh coast about a 4½-hour drive or train ride from London and just over an hour's drive and two hours by rail from Liverpool. It’s a limestone headland about two miles long and a mile wide where, back in the Bronze Age, copper was mined (but they only discovered…

Started by Tripatini

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Spectacular train rides without leaving home

You’re enjoying an adventure for the senses as you journey through the soaring Alps Mountains in Switzerland. You immediately understand why the magnificent view that surrounds you in Colorado inspired the words of “America the Beautiful.” You channel Harry Potter during a ride over the towering viaduct that the Hogwarts Express crossed in the popular film series. These and other equally dramatic, experiences can be yours while you travel no farther than the chair in front of your…

Started by Tripatini

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Riding Canada's Rocky Mountaineer Railroad

On the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff; the views out of the huge windows can be enjoyed from the comfortable seat of your carriage. I don't think we’ve ever had such VIP treatment on any form of service anywhere. From the moment the coach came to pick us up at the hotel, the level of care we received from the Rocky Mountaineer people was almost embarrassing. read post

Started by Tripatini

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3 convenient new tech features on India's railways

Rail travel is particularly popular in this enormous country, and over the years, Indian Railways has improved immensely in both service and technology. Here are three features which can be especially useful: read post

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Jools Stone August 16, 2010 at 2:20pm

Hey Greg, thanks for that, I don't mind a short bus trip. I'm just back actually from taking the journey voted the most best in the world by Wanderlust readers. The West Highland line from Glasgow to Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands, beautiful almost all the way. Are you guys on fbook? Always keen to connect with other train travellers / bloggers, we're a dying breed in this age of budget flights I think! My page there is http://www.facebook.com/pages/He-Thought-of-Trains/115562005163378?... Come over and say hello some time if you want to. Cheers
Gregory Alan Gross August 16, 2010 at 8:39am

@Jools...The Amtrak California Zephyr is the scenic run you're referring to, and it's very scenic. The winter run through the Rocky Mountains is really spectacular. Just one thing: The Zephyr does not pull into San Francisco. The east-west run terminates in Emeryville, a suburb of Oaklamd, just across San Francisco Bay from The City. Sadly, your arrival in San Francisco will be either on a BART subway train or an Amtrak bus.
Jools Stone August 16, 2010 at 6:32am

Thanks Maureen, I plan to go NYC- Chicago-San Fran. It's a costly trip as it is (my honeymoon actually) but I may try and make a few more stops on the way if I can manage it. I've heard that the Chicago-San Fran leg is particularly scenic. The first of many trips on Amtrak I hope!
Maureen Blevins August 16, 2010 at 2:38am

If you have the luxury of time, make the stops! There are some great destinations on any of the routes. The trip through the Rockies is particularly awesome in winter if there's been some snow. Have a wonderful trip Jools!
Greg Gross August 16, 2010 at 12:45am

@Jools Indeed, it is, but I think a cross-country Us journey on Amtrak is best done in segment, small bites and hops, rather than all at once.
Jools Stone August 15, 2010 at 11:51pm

@ Greg it's the same problem in the UK, but western Europe seems much more advanced. With us though taking it private hasn't helped much, if at all. I'm looking forward to going coast to coast with Amtrak next autumn even so. Is the only way to see your great country I think. Jools
Jools Stone August 15, 2010 at 11:45pm

Hi Sarah, I left a comment on your blog a while back and added you to my links. I don't have much in the way of advice I'm afraid but would be keen to make a connection none the less. My blog focuses on the ups and downs of rail travel.
Thanks
Jools
Greg Gross August 15, 2010 at 11:39pm

Those complaining about miserable Amtrak experiences need to remember that 1) Amtrak was designed by Congress from the beginning to fail, and that 2) Amtrak has never been properly funded, supplied or staff. Reason: See 1.
Jools Stone August 15, 2010 at 10:19pm

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie travel blogger in the running to blog for new flight comparison site Flightster. My take on it is quite different, I propose to talk frankly about the manifold miseries of flying and suggest ways of improving the experience. You can read my post at

http://ning.it/8XMrln

Please vote for me if you like it and feel free to spread the word! Thanks, Jools aka He Thought of Trains

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Sarah Irving June 28, 2010 at 6:49pm

This time next year, my husband and I will be returning from Australia back to the UK, travelling overland - possibly at least partly by train. I've just started blogging the planning and the journey itself here: http://overlanding.wordpress.com/. Any comments, suggestions, advice and other people's experiences on this kind of journey will be gratefully received.