59 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Well since before Penny's post this morning we haven't heard anything since November 4th, and since the last e-mail I received regarding this topic was October 29th, I'd say that ample time for discusion has been granted.  Majority of those corresponding favors Rochester & Springfield.  So I'll be putting together a formal announcement and web pages within the next week.

[steve4031]

Sounds like a plan.

[KevinKorell]

OK, quickly.  Name suggestions:

 

• New York-Massachusetts RailFest (NYMARF)
• New York State-Massachusetts RailFest (NYSMARF)
• Rochester-Springfield RailFest (RSRF)
• Empire State-Bay State RailFest (ESBSRF)

 

 

First one is probably easiest to pronounce as an acronym.  Your preference?  Or another suggestion?

[pennyk]

easy is best.  Either first because easier to pronounce or RSRF because shorter.  Half the time I forget the name and just call it "fest."

[pennyk]

Maybe this is a bit off topic, but I am really looking forward to this fest (even though I may freeze my butt off).  The last time I overnighted in Rochester was in summer 1973, which is a very long time ago.  I thought the city was beautiful.  I do remember that I thought the tax rate on the hotel was outrageous.  It should be noted that I had not stayed overnight in a NYC hotel before then.  I have never overnighted in Springfield, MA.

[BillMagee]

When Amtrak catches up to the holiday weekend, I assume the regular Sunday schedule will become the Monday (1/21) schedule. Would there be interest in using #157 from SPG (7:58 AM) to NYP (11:25 AM).  This is a one seat ride and Business Class is available all the way.  With the train originating at SPG, finding seats would not be an issue. Breakfast could be from the cafe care.  Not needing to change at NHV and find seats on the incoming from BOS would seem to be a plus.  Just a thought.

[KevinKorell]

 I am certainly open to that..... the ease in getting seats and not freezing on the New Haven platform (which I did last weekend waiting for a delayed Regional coming out of Boston).   That's if a pre-8 AM departure is OK with everyone especially if 448 has come in late the night before.

[pennyk]

I am OK either way, but freezing on a platform is not one of my favorite things.

[KevinKorell]

 

My personal choice among these, for getting more travel in for the three days would be to go via Springfield, which would be on Trains 281, 448, 461, and 161.... although there are earlier trains back to New York City & points south if connections need to be made.

 

 

 

So if we substitute 157 for the 461/161 combination, that means both a departure from Springfield and arrival wherever down the line (New York, Philadelphia, etc. wherever you're going after the Fest) about 2-1/2 hours earlier.    I'll update this by tomorrow.

[steve4031]

This will work for me. Then on Monday I will do my Acela ride.