Well, that little thread certainly digressed in a hurry! For me as a BNSF Brakeman/Conductor, Amtrak gets in my way of an early 'quit' sometimes, yet I'd rather deadhead back on a San Joaquin than a Renzenberger! Also, flying pretty much sucks ass. I've never understood UP's marginal treatment of Amtrak compared to BNSF, but there's probably more to it than I can see.

If I'm not mistaken, most of those folks at Amtrak who were prior freight are nearing retirement, and hopefully those that replace them will do just as well in their careers. I've thought about the Amtrak angle a little bit. It's not that much of a pay cut for me because I've never tried to 'stay against it' and pull down huge cash. Probably the greatest concern is the instability of an organization that is subject to the slightest fart of politics- and starting my senority all over again.
Anyway,regardless of what can be said of how UP treats Amtrak, the fact remains it is a scheduled train, which means it would be nice to see a little effort to keep it on schedule- just like the projected arrival times of auto parts trains, Z trains and unit trains!