Several days ago Elizabeth and Chris decided
that a change in their plans was warranted. Due to the bad
weather, storms and hurricanes, they were afraid Amtrak might be
late into NY and they would miss their connections. Therefore
they cancelled the train trip and flew from Fort Lauderdale to
their next stop. So that left little old me to travel without my
buddies although I would not be lonesome with eight companions
in the Kitchi Gammi Club car, an Observation - Lounge. As I had
a three day layover in Manhattan that gave me plenty of cushion
to make my train to Chicago.
Where I will be for tomorrow's crack of dawn
is unknown but now its pack-em-up and move-em-out. First get
things organize, then breakfast, back to room to finish packing,
empty the hotel safe, one last look around and down to the
lobby. In the lobby was an assembly of conventioneers seeking
transportation to the train station. Some were getting rides in
private cars of friends, other were taking car share service and
the rest of us were hoping the hotel shuttle would show up.
Shortly after 11:00am the shuttle arrived and we loaded up and
then a few minutes later we were in the parking lot for the
north bound platform. While waiting for our Silver Star to
arrive I strolled around the station platform.
Tri-Rail 623 South bound for Miami.
CSX doing some freight work.
Departing # 623 leaving south, CSX heading north.
"Lady in White waiting at a Florida station"
North bound train 622.
Train 622 leaving.
Both platforms were busy at this time of day. The Southbound
platform had riders waiting for the southbound Tri-Rail train
to take them to the Fort Lauderdale Airport station to board
their flight to their next destination. The conventioneers
driving home are currently northbound on I-95 while here on
the Northbound platform it is busy with a multitude of
travelers. Convention attendees and regular folk, all in need
of a train ride. Coach passengers went to far north end and
sleeper passengers waited in the middle and we, the private
car riders gather at the south end.
Train 92 Silver Star on approach.
The train arrived a few minutes early and left on time as
there was a crowd of passengers boarding here.
This is the platform location where we would board the Ex UP
lightweight Budd Sleeper attached to Amtrak's baggage car.
After we boarded, we got settled in our assigned rooms.
Passengers making a round trip would return to the room they
rode down in and the new riders were quickly assigned their
new quarters. After I was settled in and giving a tour of my
new home for today and tomorrow, the Silver Star was leaving
West Palm Beach and I was ready to tour the rear facing
observation lounge in the historic Pullman Kitchi Gammi
Club car. This car had eight stuff lounge chairs to sit and
watch the Florida scenery fly by. We had hardly got settled in
with our welcoming cocktail when lunch bell rang and we
adjourn to the cafe section in the Kitchi Gammi. We were
served home made Lasagna created in the small but efficient
galley on board. With a side salad and drinks it was a great
lunch. The best part was not having to pick a choice off the
menu. Just eat what cookie prepares, no problems.
Of the two Amtrak Florida trains, only the Silver Star runs
across the state from the east coast to the west coast and
Tampa. We will go to Tampa for a station stop and then return
to the east coast. As the Tampa is a stub station, like a dead
end street, you can head in and back out, or back in and head
out, one or the other. Amtrak decided that backing in was the
better option. This made the passenger cars closer to the
station and easier for the passengers so not having to walk by
the locomotives
When the train is backing up, the eyes for the engineer is a
crew member on the end car and in radio contact with the
engineer. Before radios, lanterns were used. Today conductor
was doing the duty standing at the doorway. He had a loud air
whistle and he warned us cover our ears when he use the
whistle at crossings. Backing up at the Neve Wye on the A
line.
Our arrival was on time in Tampa about 5 pm. Abandon platforms
in background.
My Pullman sleeper car.
Our train at the one and only platform at the Tampa station.
Notice the air whistle that the conductor used at the door
way.
Things for things not here anymore.
I image this was a busy place is its heyday. .
The mother of the car's owner.
My home for dark times.
For
more information on the Tampa Station click here
fin
Thanks
for reading.
Text and Photos by Author, Robin
Bowers
The
author retains all rights. No reproductions are
allowed without the author's consent
Comments are appreciated at...
yr.mmxx@gmail.com
