On Board the Silver Star
June, 16, 1999, 5:00pm
Being "vertically challenged" I was not
looking forward to the climb up into the train. However, my wonderful car
attendant, Paul, was at the ready with a sturdy step stool. Even so, it was
still a bit of a stretch. Giving me directions to my compartment, number 3, he
assured me he would be right along to help me get settled.
Arriving at compartment 3, I marveled at how "cozy" my home for the
next 19 hours was. Having done my research, I was well prepared. The dimensions
of the "Standard Bedroom" are 3'6" x 6'8'. And while I may be on
the short side, no one has recently confused me with a skinny person. Still, it
was very comfortable. Two facing, reclining seats next to huge panoramic
windows, a toilet, a fold down sink, and a video screen. Who needs more?
As promised Paul arrived promptly to orient me to my new "home".
Since I chose to travel with TravelPro's
Rollaboard Suitcases (it's just like the one's the airline crews use), they were
the perfect size to fit under the seats. Paul quickly showed me how to work the
video/audio system, lights, A/C and fans, and the call system in case I needed
him. He also promised fresh coffee and cool drinks would always be available. He
also promised great service. And he kept his promise. While showing me around
the room, he also set up my dinner reservation. As we began to pull out of
Orlando, I could barely tell the train was moving. And it was SO quiet and
smooth. My long awaited dream was finally coming true.
Daytime Configuration of A
Standard Bedroom
Two
reclining seats, along the window. Plenty of room underneath for luggage or
whatever. Someone once said that the "Standard Bedroom" is like three
phone booths put together. Each seat is one phone booth and the empty booth is
between the seats. Above each seat is a set of controls for the in-room audio
and video programming as well as reading and room lights. On the Northbound
trip, the video was out for most of the trip. The audio consisted of Big Band
Music in both directions. There are normally more selections but they weren't
available during the times I chose to check them out. A huge panoramic window
lets in the passing scenery. A second row of windows above lets in extra light
and the person in the upper bunk at night has their own window. A sliding,
lockable door and a window to the side of the toilet provide a view into the
hallway. You can lower the shades on the windows for privacy day or night.
The
sink, located next to the narrowest of the seats, folds down as needed. Hot and
cold water faucets, and a drinking water fountain are all secluded when the sink
is up. A red light, located at the top of the sink controls at right, comes on
when the sink is in the lowered position to warn you in case you forget to raise
the sink. Also located in this control panel is the control for the light
located over the mirror, a warning light in case the toilet system goes out of
service (at certain stations or while the system is being emptied), a button to
flush the toilet, and a electrical outlet.
Located
directly below the sink, and next to the narrower of the two seats, is the
toilet. As you can imagine, the space is rather tight but the designers thought
of nearly everything. They've angled the seat toward the window to give you more
room. Toilet tissue is located directly across from the toilet in neat little
packets and more than enough is supplied. However, with the toilet being
directly in the room, it does raise certain questions. Where does the second
passenger go when the toilet is in use? The Lounge Car? And for those who were
wondering, there is plenty air circulating through the compartment to handle any
residual odors. For those who are extremely overweight, or with limited
mobility, you may want to consider a Deluxe or Accessible Bedroom. It is
especially cramped with the bed made.
Traveling through Orlando, I got to see Orlando from a whole new perspective.
As the train pulled out of the station, the rain started up again and would seem
to follow us all the way to Washington, DC. As we moved through Orlando into
Winter Park then into Sanford, I finally let all of the tension building up to
the trip ease. Just outside of Sanford, the call for dinner was made and I
gingerly made my way to the Dining Car.
