Synopses & Reviews
The Only Comprehensive Guide to Riding the Rails Throughout North America Just Got Better!There's nothing quite like the thrill of a train trip, traveling in comfort as you pass towns and meadows, venture through canyons, and cross over mountains. But in a territory as vast as North America, many of the best routes are easily overlooked — even by the most avid train travelers. Whether you're traveling from Los Mochis to Chihuahua, from Los Angeles to New York City, or from Vancouver to Halifax, this indispensable guide will teach you new ways to make your train experience even more enjoyable.
Everything you've ever wanted to know about trains and rail travel is here — from history to logistics. Longtime rail enthusiast Jim Loomis will help you plan a unique, memorable train excursion. Inside you'll find detailed and useful information such as:
·Booking procedures
·Schedules
·Onboard etiquette
·Rail Itineraries
·Descriptions of scenic rail excursions
·Route maps for passenger trains in the United States, Canada, and Mexico
·Floor plans for typical coach and sleeping cars
·And much more!
Along the way, you'll learn the fascinating folklore and history of railroading in North America; fundamentals of railroading operations, safety, and equipment; and professional railroading terms as explained in a full glossary.
About the Author
Jim Loomis is a travel writer and owns an advertising firm. He has traveled practically every North American rail route — at least once!
Table of Contents
ContentsAcknowledgmentsRediscovering the TrainRail Travel Information SourcesAmtrak's Rail Passenger System
1. Why Take a Train?2. How It All Began3. Amtrak to the Rescue4. Planning Your Own Train Trip5. Packing and Last-Minute Details6. Life on Board7. Who's in Charge Here?8. When Things Go Wrong9. Passenger Train Equipment10. How It All Works11. What About All Those Freight Trains?12. Safety--Priority Number One13. Taking the Train in Canada14. Traveling by Train in Mexico15. Now, Where Would You Like to Go?16. Is There a Train in Our Future?
Appendix A: A Few Suggested ItinerariesAppendix B: Good Places to StayAppendix C: Excursion Trains and Railroad MuseumsAppendix D: Golden Spike Travel AgentsAppendix E: Pro-Rail AssociationsRailroad Terms and SlangMore Information About Trains and Train TravelIndex