Originally Posted by
zephyr17
My understanding is the system generally allows 2 hours after leaving the departure station before cancelling. I don't know if that varies by train, such as the NEC having a different/shoreter window.
I think your issues would be more around platform access, as you note. I don't know if a well tipped red cap would get you access, it would be entirely up to them. Also, note that the train could leave early from WAS.
Getting platform access at WAS is easy, as Amtrak shares a platform with commuter rail and commuter rail tickets aren't checked until after boarding.