Photography, Electricity, and Electronics

Photography: It's fun to record the scenery that you travel through, but its not easy to take pictures through the heavy-weight plastic windows of an Amtrak train. Glare is a serious problem. Here are some hints from photographers:

• Technique (focus & glare): Whenever taking pictures out a window, you'll want to either manually set the focus to infinity, or simulate it by blocking one of the auto-focus sensors (use tape or an agile finger). This works great on most 35mm cameras. However many digital cameras have auto-focus systems which do not use sensors, but rather uses image analysis to determine when the image is in focus. In this case, it is vital that your camera is not focusing on the reflections in the glass. To do this, you'll need to either press the camera right up against the glass (careful if your camera's lens moves while taking the picture), or shield the camera from reflections with a dark material (paper, fabric, etc.). If your camera can use a polarizing filter, it will greatly reduce glare.

• Film: Especially when you're moving fast, you'll need higher-speed film (400, 800, etc). This can make your shots grainier, but that only becomes a problem if you plan on enlarging your photos. For digital cameras, look for the option that allows you to adjust your film speed or shutter speed settings.

• Camera: In order to minimize blur, you'll need to maximize the shutter speed by finding a camera with a lens that lets in a lot of light quickly. We look for a camera with a big aperture (i.e., small F-stop number); f2.8 or better if possible. Set the exposure times as short as possible; 1/250th of a second or faster. Be cautious about using zoom as it reduces the amount of light coming through your lens, thereby increasing your exposure time and creating more blur.

• If you have an integral flash attachment, turn it off or cover it so that it doesn't ruin a picture by reflection.

• To give your pictures perspective try to include the head or tail of the train in your pictures whenever possible. The size and scope of a mountain gorge is made much more understandable if an Amtrak locomotive is in the picture.

Electric items: Electric plugs exist in several places on Amtrak trains.

• Superliner and Viewliner sleepers have one plug in each Roomette (near the attendant call button), two in Bedrooms and the Accessible Bedrooms (near the call button and over the sink).

• Superliner coaches also have a couple of plugs low on the baseboard about midway between the car end and the center stairs on the stairway side, but these are often difficult to find and blocked by seats. There are some refurbished Superliner coaches that have an outlet at every seat, but they remain in the minority and there is no way to know in advance if you will be riding in one.

• General restrooms in all cars also have a plug.

• Superliner lounge cars have an electric plug on the upper level in the service area next to the stairway, which may or may not be accessible to passengers.

• Superliner lounge cars also have two electric plugs on the lower level in the seating area, one on each side of the train up near the ceiling.

• Amfleet I and II also have a few plugs in the baseboards (exact seat numbers not available). Some Amfleet coaches, including all Business Class cars, have been upgraded to Concept 2000 interiors, with electric plugs at every pair of seats.

• Acela Express cars have electric plugs at every pair of seats, and at single seats in First Class.

Caution: Train power is not especially stable and is susceptible to surges and power spikes which can do damage to some things. Shavers and things like that are fine, as are chargers, particularly for radios. Surge protectors should be used with laptop computers and other delicate electronic equipment.

Other Electrical Info: Superliner II and Viewliner sleeping cars have protruding plugs that accept just about anything, but many chargers won't fit the recessed plugs on the older Superliner I cars, so bring a short 3-prong extension cord with you. The extension cord will be useful in all situations where you need to connect more than one item. Also we've found that occasionally the power may not be sufficient to properly activate some chargers, so spare batteries are suggested.

Scanner Radios: If you're really serious about rail travel, consider purchasing a portable scanner radio (about $100 and up). Check our Scanner Radios section for more info.

GPS: Learn about the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver on a train on our GPS Train Tracking page.

Next section: Miscellaneous

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