3 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

This thread is to talk about the trip on Train #75(16), the Piedmont, within North Carolina from Cary to Charlotte.

[KevinKorell]

As mentioned in the Cary thread, 2 rode this train from Raleigh, and the rest got on in Cary. It was a nice ride on the midday Piedmont. All enjoyed the picturesque views from the large windows. Nice crew, and there were 2 volunteers aboard as well who answered questions and entertained the kids. #75 was three minutes late at most stations, but thanks to the magic of schedule padding, we arrived into Charlotte at 2:51 PM, 4 minutes early.

[BillMagee]

The Piedmont started boarding at Raleigh at about 11:30. Tickets were scanned prior to boarding. Charlotte-bound passengers were directed to the last (of two) coaches. I took a seat on the right side of the train.

These restored cars are great. The seating puts Amfleet to shame. The windows are huge which provides a great view of about 180 miles of more New Jersey pinelands. For me, the highlight of the trip occurred just after leaving Durham. We passed over the Gregson Street overpass – the 11foot8 bridge of internet fame.

The rest of the ride was routine. Pretty much on time all the way. Lunch was a 75 cent pack of peanut butter crackers and a free bottle of water - works for me. The vending machine car with free water is a sensible food service for a three-hour ride.

Arrival was about four minutes early into Charlotte at 2:51pm. I grabbed a cab, got to the Marriott, and was in my room by 3:05pm. After a night on Amtrak, the hotel room was very welcome.

[steve4031]

Bill. This is classic. Just spent 20 minutes watching stupid truck drivers decapitate their trucks.