This is a webpage with the sleeping car layout, which shows how bedroom 'A' has a corner cut off, which is what is being referred to...


http://www.trainweb.org/crocon/sleeperplans.html

unless you're going during a peak holiday weekend or summer, i wouldnt worry too much about this... the staff seem to all take this bedroom for themselves.

The car attendant is supposed to take Roomette #1, the one closest to the middle of the train and directly adjacent to the restroom on the upper floor.

Have a great time! I know when I took my first long distance trip I took a bunch of reading material and several movies for my laptop and I used them far less than I thought I would. Enjoy the leisure of watching the world go by, go to the lounge car and play cards, meet people, talk to people, and RELAX. Still, bring plenty to read though just in case this doesn't do it for you.

Oh and I'd like to stress keeping an open mind. Things may go wrong, delays may happen, the food isn't the best, some employees aren't the best (just like with any travel company). Oh and take lots of pictures!

Thanks to everyone who provided their valuable comments. One last question...on the day
of travel is there a website that tracks in real time when the train departed a particular station?
I believe the Coast Starlight originates the southern route in Seattle. I was wondering if I could
track the train's progress from my laptop in a cafe or other wifi spot while waiting to board in Portland.

the iphone app will tell you estimated arrival times... but not "where it is" When we are on the train, we use maps on the iphone to see the train (it takes a second to figure out we are on the tracks.)

promised a full recap... here it is

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amtra...t-ld-trip.html