Thanks for the additional info. I looked at the AmtrakDelays.com site and it does indeed look like Acelas have better on-time performance.
This will probably be a last-minute decision (whether to drive on to WAS, or take the train). Since there's apparently no discount for R/T, I'll probably order to one-way tickets.
Is there any convenient place close to I-87 where I could get the ticket issued ahead of time? That would (hopefully) save time on Tuesday at NYP if I already have a ticket. I have to stop in Plattsburgh but I understand there's no Ticket Office and no QuikTrak machine there.
=aw