Hello again, Let me start off by saying how much i like the forum and the wealth of information and help you all give. My question is this and i hope this is the correct spot on the form to ask it. Has anyone used the Amtrak auto train? I want to take my XF roadster On a trip from Fl. to VA. in Oct. Any thing i should know so as to pass along to the people loading my baby? Will it hurt to leave the key in the ignition ? It seems i read some where it's not wise to do this, they leave it for the duration of the trip. Approx. 18 hours. Thanks and have a great day.

 

wow, I never thought of using the train. I had my car shipped to Colorado by moving company. Sorry, I can't help, but will watch with interest.

john

 

John, You can't beat the price. 169.00 for the car and 98.00 per adult passenger. I think Amtrak has only the one line for auto train, Sanford Fl. to and from Lorton Va.

 

Gee,
it makes me think, I wonder if I can take it to Seattle then cruise around for my vacation. great idea, thanks. Better yet, can i fold the wings on my airplane and get it here easier than waiting for weather. it folds to 8x23
me be checking

 

I would select the towing switch on the dash to disable the sensors because when it bobbs up and down a little on the train, you could get an unwanted alarm, if the car is locked...

 

Thanks boiler, I never would have thought of that. This forum and the people on it are great...

 

My concern would be dragging the front bumper when loading and unloading. Turning off the alarm as mentioned is a good idea as well. Good luck!

Sent from my iPad.

 

I'll say. This might be the most original question ever asked on here.

 

I believe you drive on and off a dock at train floor height.

A porter does not get off and place a ramp down for you to drive up, like they did in the old days with a step. LOL

 

Were trains even invented yet when you were a kid, Dave?

 

It's a bit dated, but I did take the auto-train in 1990 from VA to FL. I loaded a Pontiac 6000, but do not recall any issues that risked the bumper. It was a nice ride -- they served dinner and had a bar car and an observation car. But you can bring a small cooler <wink>. It was a lot more spacious and comfortable than a plane. After that I just drove the NY to Ft Myers run 2-3 times a year.

 

I would do a google search for the car train. I know they have a website. The car has to have a minimum road height. I don't remember how many inches off the ground it has to be, but there is a minimum.

 

I saw the end of steam, when trains were trains, living, smoking, steaming giants of steel. The trains today are soulless.

Arlo Guthries ode to these trains. A great song.

Arlo Guthrie /City of New Orleans - YouTube

 

Dave, I once took the South Simcoe Steam Train from Tottenham to Beeton.

 

Thanks everyone for the advise and interest in the auto train, The update is they say you need a minimum of four inches, No problem the XF has 4.9 and they told me there will be no problems in loading and securing. We are heading to Daytona in a couple of weeks and will make a stop at Sanford to pick up our tickets for the trip. The wife is happy that she doesn't have to listen to me complaining about the way people drive lol. Thanks again for all the help and humor....

 

I took it with no problems. Do hit the towing switch when turning the car over to the valet.

 

By the time you get to Jacksonville you will have forgoten about the wellbeing of your car and worry more about your own sanity. After your train pulls out of Sanford an hour late or more and you realize you are on a Grayhound bus on tracks you will be weeping like a little school girl to the conductor to let you and your car off the train. Don't get me wrong I love trains and when I was younger I traveled all the time on trains. Just before Christmas I traveled to N.C. on the train for "old times sake" Yes it would have been cheeper to fly. (John Candy Movie Planes Trains and Automobiles comes to mind) It would have been easier to have found a crack pipe than an empty seat. Had to listen some guy talk over the noise of crying babies his hatred for cops. I sat in the club car all night praying for the nightmare to end. I wander if they ever found bubba the cop hater,,,,was he even missed,,,,

 

Holy moley John , I'm having seconds thoughts lol. I hope i don't run into a Bubba the cop hater,being I'm a retired L.E.O after 30 years. I'm getting a one way ticket and if the experience is not a pleasant one I will drive home, Its only 1000 miles and the weather should be great... I'll be sure to post how the trip went.. Thanks for the heads up.

 

I make several trips to Richmond a year and never even thought of the train. I enjoy the drive to much. But the price ... not bad...almost makes the scotch in me book the train..but then I won't have the permagrin as I pass people on 95.....Wheeeeeeee Let us know how the trip goes. I may have to try this at least once.

 

Don't worry about Bubba, He stepped of the moving train somewhere in Georgia LOL. He will not be bothering anyone anymore. (just kidding) You will have a good time. The Auto Train is more upscale. Please keep up informed on how it goes. I should take a trip like this. I am 30 min. from the station in Sanford.