The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter

Hello Reader,

Welcome to the new subscribers and welcome back to those who have been around for a while. I appreciate you!

This week, I learned that my beloved Hiawatha is increasing capacity, and it is about time! Learn more about tracking your train and what I have been up to.

Hiawatha Is Increasing Capacity!

Many of you know I have been riding the Hiawatha a lot since 2012; it was my first train! I have seen many changes.

The train used to run with Amtrak's Horizon and Amfleet cars. Back in the day, it had about six cars—a locomotive on one end and a cab-baggage car on the other. That cab-baggage car is the key. Its engine was removed, and the control systems were modified so the train could be controlled from the opposite end.

When the train reaches its destination—Milwaukee or Chicago—it doesn't need to turn around. The engineer can walk from one end of the train to the other to prepare to depart. It's faster and easier, and here's the part most people don't consider: at Chicago Union Station, the power locomotive is positioned at the train's north end, minimizing diesel exhaust in the station. (Metra does the same for the same reason.)

But over the years, those converted cab-cars were retired. They'd logged millions of miles, most of them before conversion to cab-cars. At the same time, Amtrak faced a nationwide shortage of equipment. So the Hiawatha went from six cars to four. That meant fewer seats per train, faster price increases, and yes—some trains would sell out!

But that is changing.

WisDOT announced that nine new Siemens Venture cars are being prepared for service. Six are standard coaches, and three are new cab-coaches for passengers. The first cars should enter service in September. Once all nine are online, each of the two trainsets will run five coaches plus one cab-coach, bringing total seating to 388 passengers per train—plus space for nine checked bicycles.

I know the new Venture cars get mixed reactions in the rail community. Personally, I like them overall. One thing you'll notice right away: the aisles are wider, which makes dragging luggage much easier. That comes with a trade-off, though. Trains can only be so wide, so the seats are a little narrower than in the older cars. The legroom is fine, but if you're someone who sprawls, you'll notice the difference.

Could the seats be better? Sure. But here's how I see it: seats can be replaced later. What matters now is that the Hiawatha regains its capacity.

Start Tracking Your Train Early

Last week, I discussed Amtrak’s on-time performance and why some trains struggle to stay on schedule. This week, I thought I would let you know how you can track your train, and you can start doing it the day of travel or weeks in advance.

Once I book an Amtrak trip, I start checking on how my train is running. Not religiously, but I watch off and on for a few days—or even a few weeks. Closer to my departure date, I check more. Even if my train is late every day, it does not guarantee what will happen on my travel day, or the other way around. Doing this helps me set realistic expectations.

My Tracking Amtrak Trains guide shows you how to check your train’s current status, follow it on a map, sign up for alerts, and review how it has been running before your trip.

What Is Kev Up To?

This week brought another Wisconsin storm, though we fared better than some folks around the state. We celebrated my two nieces' and my nephew's birthdays this weekend—all within days of each other, which keeps things lively.

Yesterday we hit the county fair, and the kids had fun. My nephew spent a good chunk of time trying to organize the baby chickens—herding them and getting them to eat and drink, the same way he does with his cars. My nieces were content just enjoying the chaos and petting them. All three did really well, all things considered, and the weather cooperated perfectly.

It's been a good week to slow down a bit and recharge.

Thank You!

Thanks to Edrie I., who hit that green button at the bottom and supported TWK.

If you'd like to help keep Travels with Kev going, click the green button at the bottom of the email or visit my support page.

Anyone who supports $5 or more receives a postcard if they want one. If you support via PayPal, that often provides me with an address. If you use the green button below, please reply to the thank-you email if you want a postcard; I’ll send one your way, too. If you don't reply, I cannot send you one.

Until Next Week!

Safe travels & Happy Planning,
Kev Monteith

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