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24 October 2008
Washington, D.C. DAY 8 The day starts out with a violation of the Sense of Humor Act. Sometime while they backed our train into Boston Station last night, we developed a flat spot on the wheels under the rear platform. Most likely it was caused by a brake application that caused the wheels to slide. The flat stop isn’t bad, but it’s annoying to our passengers and to me. To have that wheel set turned will cost close to a thousand dollars. There is a chance the flat spot will work itself out, but it isn’t likely. On a more positive note, we pull into Washington Union Station right on time. Our passengers disembark right away in order to take advantage of the 10 hours we will be here. Most will visit the various monuments and museums while the crew cleans and prepares the cars for the trip back to Chicago. I use the time to write and shoot the promos for “Rail Tales” which will air in November once the elections are over. Two hours before departure time, Amtrak shoves our Chicago bound train back down to track 16. There is an interesting story about this track. Back in 1953, a run-a-way Pennsylvania Railroad passenger locomotive and its first three cars crashed into the station from this same track. The engine landed in the baggage sorting room on the second floor. Crews ended having to cut up the engine to get it out. Someone must have made the remark that, “this is one hell of way to run a railroad.” Washington Union Station has been restored and is now one of the finest railroad stations in the country. Chic shops and restaurants adorn the interior. The station is spectacular, and would have made a great story for “Rail Tales,” but even though anyone can take as many pictures as they want inside, media has to get special written permission to shoot. I simply didn’t have the time to jump through the usual hoops of making a call and waiting for the call back. So it will have to wait until the next time. We leave right on time, and am now passing the historical town of Harper’s Ferry. This was a significant place right before the Civil War, and one of the oldest railroad lines in the country. We are due in Chicago tomorrow morning. Our passengers will get off as soon as we arrive. We’ll spend the day there until we’re put on the back of the late afternoon train to Saint Louis. From there I fly home while Gateway Rail Services takes over the car, and stores it. Maybe they’ll figure out a way to turn the wheel set before the car goes to New Orleans in December. Final thoughts tomorrow. Be seein you. |
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