Very interesting, its a great way to travel, I did something similar last year LAX- CHI on the eagle, then CHI-PORTLAND, then on to SEA.
I love looking down the tracks out of the back of the train and it looks like you did the same. Because the train splits mid route, the Chicago section is at the rear and hence the views. Mind you half way through the journey it was so dirty I could no longer take pictures.
I always book a downstairs room, no foot traffic and if the window gets dirty you can get out and clean it, which I did much to the amusement of some other passengers!