I took the coast starlight last week. I'll have more advice later, or I may write a trip report.

Since I've read the QF forum, I'll give some important advice:

Bring beer.

Not to sound like a college kid (10 years too late for that), but beers on the train are $4.50 + tip, so on a trip where I was trying not to spend anything above and beyond the price paid for the ticket (which was free )* , $5 can add up pretty every time you're, umm, "thirsty." You're going to feel guilty enough drinking american lager- you'd feel even more so for paying $5 to do so!

* except on tips, although there seemed to be plenty of people who had no problem stiffing the attendents and servers. 2 of us tipped $3-5 for every meal + $20 to the attendent at the end of the trip.

You can use the metal trash can in your standard sleeper as a cooler- the sleeping car attendant should leave ice out by the coffee maker in your sleeper down the hall.

[This message has been edited by landspeed (edited 07-02-2003).]