TRAINS & TRAVEL
P.O. BOX 10625
RENO, NEVADA 89510-0625
Chris@traintrips.biz Rail Tours Manager. For question regarding tour itineraries and details.
Deborah@traintrips.biz Office Manager: Accounting
1-800 359-4870 USA
1-800 752-1836 CANADA
1-800 266-8751 FAX
(530) 836-1944
OFFICE HOURS 9AM TO 5PM MONDAY-FRIDAY
PACIFIC WEST COAST TIME



Across The Great Northern By Steam
SP 4449 DAYLIGHT HEADS EAST
THE WORLD'S MOST FAMOUS STEAM LOCOMOTIVE WILL TRAVEL
PORTLAND, OREGON TO OWOSSO, MICHIGAN FOR TRAIN FESTIVAL 2009
RAILFAN/TOURIST TOUR
JULY 3-9, 2009 EASTBOUND
OCTOBER 13-20, 2009 WESTBOUND
SURE GO - SOLD OUT - COMPLETED




We invite you to ride with us across the breathtaking Great Northern, route of the famous Empire Builder between Portland, Oregon and Minneapolis in our Silver Fleet, supplemented by Colonial Crafts, as we travel a all-daylight excursion pulled by the magnificently restored former Southern Pacific "Daylight" locomotive 4449.

Our long distance guests will enjoy our superior service in roomettes, bedrooms, and drawing rooms, all made down with our starched, pressed linens. Our chef will prepare fresh, imaginative meals, and of course we'll have our complimentary bar offering premium labels of beer, wine and spirits.

We'll have an extraordinary amount of lounge space and you'll never want for a seat in a vista-dome, since we'll have two dome cars in our 'train within a train'.



Day Riders are welcome too, as space permits, on these special trips. You'll enjoy the same meals and sights from the vista-domes and lounges as our long-distance passengers do. Space is very limited and the train is filling up fast. Day Rider tickets are over 75% sold. Don't be left out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. Tickets are available between Portland and Minneapolis, Minnesota either eastbound or westbound and each day section.

In addition space is available onboard the private rail cars Silver Lariat, Silver Rapids, Silver Solarium and Colonial Crafts between Oakland and Portland June 30-July 1 and Minneapolis-Chicago-Emeryville (Oakland) July 10-13 with the cars attached to Amtrak. Then in the fall space is available between Emeryville-Chicago-Minneapolis via Amtrak's California Zephyr October 9-12 and Portland to Oakland October 21-22.

THE SCHEDULE
TRAVEL WILL BE IN DAYLIGHT ONLY


Eastbound:
Friday, July 03Portland, OR to Spokane, WA
Saturday, July 04Spokane to Whitefish, MT
Sunday, July 05Whitefish to Havre, MT
Monday,July 06:SP 4449 on display at Havre, MT (free day)
Tuesday, July 07:Havre to Minot, ND
Wednesday, July 08:Minot to Fargo, ND
Thursday, July 09:Fargo to Minneapolis, MN
 
Westbound:
Tuesday, Oct. 13:Minneapolis to Fargo (BNSF)
Wednesday, Oct. 14:Fargo to Minot
Thursday, Oct. 15Layover day in Minot
Friday, Oct. 16Minot to Havre
Saturday,Oct. 17Havre to Whitefish
Sunday, Oct. 18Layover day Whitefish
Monday, Oct. 19Whitefish to Spokane
Tuesday, Oct. 20Spokane to Portland


TRAIN FESTIVAL 2009 (Click Here For Details)






The "World's Most Famous Steam Locomotive" will travel from it's home in Portland, Oregon 2500 miles to Owosso, Michigan for America's Largest Celebration of Railroading in July. Southern Pacific steam locomotive no. 4449 known as the "Daylight" will appear at TrainFestival 2009 in Owosso July 23-26. The massive undertaking to organize this train is being jointly coordinated by The Steam Railroading Institute of Owosso, Michigan , The Friends of the 4449 of Portland, Oregon and The Friends of the 261 of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

TrainFestival 2009 is America's Largest Celebration of Railroading and will include 8 steam locomotives under steam, vintage and modern diesel/electric locomotives, various train rides, huge model train layouts, miniature train rides, art exhibit, locomotive cab tours, railroad vendors and much more. This family event is being held as a fund raiser to keep operating Pere Marquette steam locomotive no. 1225. This locomotive owned by the Steam Railroading Institute of Owosso is due for Federal Railroad Administration re-certification in 2010. This locomotive is best known as the steam locomotive portrayed in the animated movie "The Polar Express".

The Southern Pacific Daylight no. 4449 will travel across country on an Amtrak sponsored trip hauling passengers on this rare excursion. The locomotive and train will travel through many cities along the way including Spokane, Fargo, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, and Lansing. The locomotive will be on display during the event for visitors to photograph, visit with the crew as well as explore the cab.

Southern Pacific no. 4449 was built in 1941 as a GS-4 "Northern" type locomotive. A 4-8-4 wheel arrangement, she is 110' long, 10' wide and 16' tall. The locomotive and tender weighs 433 tons, and it operates with a boiler pressure of 300 psi. Her eight 80" diameter drivers and unique booster truck can apply 5,500 horsepower to the rails and exceed 100 mph.

The only remaining operable "streamlined" steam locomotive of the Art Deco era, No. 4449 pulled the famous Southern Pacific first class "Daylight" passenger trains between Los Angeles and San Francisco over the scenic Coast Route and then on to Portland until 1955. Retired to static display at Oaks Park in 1958, most thought SP 4449 would never run again.

In 1974, she was selected to pull the American Freedom Train throughout the United States, and was subsequently rebuilt. Southern Pacific no. 4449 ran for three years to the delight of over 30 million people. She is arguably one of the most beautiful locomotives ever built -- and kept that way by the all-volunteer Friends of SP 4449!

Coming July 23-26, 2009, the sounds of steam whistles, the clickety-clack of steel wheels on rails, the smell of coal smoke and excitement of children of all ages will take over the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan. This quaint American Town is located in the central region of Michigan just outside of Lansing. All the charm of Owosso will welcome tens of thousands of visitors from all over North America and other regions of the world to TrainFestival 2009. The theme of the weekend will be Trains, Trains, Trains!



The Steam Railroading Institute has an award winning collection of railroad equipment and railroad artifacts. The museum is an interpretive experience for visitors of all ages. During the weekend of July 23-26, 2009, visitors to the museum will experience an even greater museum. Steam and Diesel Locomotives from around the country will be on display for visitors to tour the cabs, take photos, watch demonstrations and much more. Huge model train layouts will be on display including a massive all-Lego model train. Railroad vendors from around the globe will have unique items for purchase that you won't find any where else. Families will be able to take an all day excursion or shorter one-hour train ride behind various vintage locomotives. For the thrill seeking visitor, you will even be able to pull the throttle and blow the whistle on one of these steam locomotives. Scaled down miniature trains will be hauling passengers around the grounds of the event as well.

TrainFestival 2009 will allow visitors of all ages to experience railroading at its best. With an expected attendance of 30,000+ for the three day festival, the Steam Railroading Institute will be buzzing with railroad excitement.




Live Steam and model railroad operating displays will be a big hit for train fans of all ages.


Southern Pacific "Daylight" no. 4449 will be attending TrainFestival 2009 from Portland, OR. The "Daylight" will lead an Amtrak Sponsored trip from Portland 2500 miles to Central Michigan. The no. 4449 will operate an all-day excursion from TrainFestival 2009 on Friday July 24. It will be on display during the event for photographs, cab tours





TICKET PRICES
ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON
EASTBOUND: FULL PAYMENT DUE NOW
WESTBOUND: DEPOSIT OF $1000-FULL PAYMENT JULY 1
NO REFUNDS AFTER PAYMENMTS ARE MADE ACCOUNT OF STRICK AMTRAK & AAPRCO RULES


ONBOARD THE FOLLOWING PRIVATE RAIL CARS
SILVER LARIAT-SILVER SOLARIUM-SILVER RAPIDS-COLONIAL CRAFTS

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RIDING BEHIND THE SP 4449

PORTLAND-MINNEAPOLIS JULY 3-9, 2009 MINNEAPOLIS-PORTLAND OCTOBER 13-20, 2009 Day rider tickets still available at..........$ 499 Roomette for one person.......................$5,699 Bedroom for two persons.......................$5,699 Drawing room on the Silver Solarium...........$6,999 DAY RIDER TICKETS DAY RIDERS HAVE FULL ACCESS TO VISTA DOMES INCLUDING ALL MEALS AND BAR SERVICE AS THE OVERNIGHT PASSENGERS. DAY RIDERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN OVERNIGHT LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS. PORTLAND-SPOKANE SPOKANE-WHITEFISH WHITEFISH-HAVRE HAVRE-MINOT MINOT-FARGO FARGO-MINNEAPOLIS MINNEAPOLIS-FARGO FARGO-MINOT MINOT-HAVRE HAVRE-WHITEFISH WHITEFISH-SPOKANE SPOKANE-PORTLAND ---------------------------------------------------

RIDING BEHIND THE SP 4449 INCLUDING THE POSITIONING MOVES FOR THE PRIVATE RAIL CARS THIS IS YOUR BEST VALUE

OAKLAND-PORTLAND-MINNEAPOLIS-CHICAGO-OAKLAND JUNE 30-JULY 13, 2009 OAKLAND-CHICAGO-MINNEAPOLIS-PORTLAND-OAKLAND OCTOBER 9-22, 2009 Roomette for one person.......................$6,699 Bedroom for two persons.......................$6,699 Drawing room on the Silver Solarium...........$8,499 ---------------------------------------------------

POSITIONING MOVES FOR THE PRIVATE RAIL CARS OREGON-CALIFORNIA

PORTLAND TO OAKLAND OCTOBER 21-22, 2009 Roomette for one person.......................$ 749 Bedroom for two persons.......................$ 749 Drawing room on the Silver Solarium...........$ 949 ---------------------------------------------------

POSITIONING MOVES FOR THE PRIVATE RAIL CARS CALIFORNIA TO ILLINOIS

OAKLAND-RENO-DENVER-CHICAGO OCTOBER 9-11, 2009 Vista Dome seat to Reno............................$ 299 Roomette for one person to Denver .................$ 799 Bedroom for two persons to Denver..................$ 799 Drawing room on the Silver Solarium to Denver......$1049 Roomette for one person to Chicago.................$ 999 Bedroom for two persons to Chicago.................$ 999 Drawing room on the Silver Solarium to Chicago.....$1399 --------------------------------------------------- Note: This excursion has been called a sure-go. All payments made are non-refundable. We offer travel insurance that will protect your investment in the case you need to cancel your reservation. In the event of a last minute cancellation of this event or any segments you will receive a full refund.








OUR VINTAGE PRIVATE RAILCARS

Colonial Crafts, a 1949 Pullman sleeper-lounge built for the Pennsylvania Railroad. In addition to an inviting and spacious lounge Colonial Crafts features 3 double bedrooms sleeping two, each room with an annex containing toilet and sink, and a drawing room accommodating up to 3 guests, again with annex containing toilet and sink. Guest amenities include a large shower, and beverage service in the lounge.

Silver Rapids, a 1948 Budd roomette-bedroom sleeper, also built for the Pennsylvania Railroad as its contribution to the California Zephyr equipment pool for transcontinental service. Silver Rapids features eight roomettes accommodating one person each, and six double bedrooms, each accommodating 2 persons. Bedrooms each have an annex containing a toilet and sink; roomettes have a sink in the room. If two couples or a family are traveling together two rooms may be opened ensuite. A shower room has been added. Limited hot and cold beverage service is available.

Silver Lariat, a 1948 Budd Vista-Dome coach built for the California Zephyr, converted to a diner-lounge. 24 deeply cushioned seats in the dome and 42 reclining chairs on the lower level provide a comfortable setting for meals aboard the train as well as for sightseeing.



Silver Solarium, a 1948 Budd Vista-Dome sleeper-lounge-observation car built for the California Zephyr. The observation lounge in the boat-tail of the car is a pleasant place to enjoy the passing scenery as we hurry on our way through the west. Silver Solarium accommodates 24 guests in its Vista-Dome. Sleeping accommodations include 3 double bedrooms, each accommodating 2 guests, and 1 drawing room, accommodating up to 3 guests. The drawing room and bedrooms each have an annex that includes toilet, sink and shower. Under the dome is a bar, which is an excellent spot to gather for a late-night libation.





TOUR BOOKING CONDITIONS

TOUR PRICE: All tour prices are corrected to November 1, 2010 and are subject to change without notice, at any time. All prices based on double room occupancy. We reserve the right to change tour prices if necessary.

PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE: Personal items, meals not listed in the itinerary, laundry, phone calls, excess baggage charges, rental cars, side tours, insurance, passport fees including visas, vaccinations, gratuities, medical costs, tips to train or motor coach staff, extra tour costs due to unanticipated changes in the itinerary for reasons beyond our control, including weather, travel conditions, or cancellations, government intervention, sickness, political disputes, and failure of transportation or other causes beyond our control.

TRAVEL AND HEALTH DOCUMENTS: A valid passport is required for our international tours. In some cases a visa is also needed. Consult your health professional for the recommended immunizations and documents. Trains and Travel International , here on referred to as TTI, assumes no other responsibility if a client is refused entry into a country. Cost and cancellation fees will be paid by the client in the event they do not have valid documents.

CHANGE OF ITINERARY: We reserve the right to substitute, alter or modify the tour if any unexpected and unforeseen conditions beyond our control preventing the completion of such. Conditions can include weather, train schedules, equipment, motive power, revision of train consist, train delays, labor strikes, political disputes, derailments, closure of a rail line, break down of railroad or motive power equipment, railroads not honoring contracts and bus equipment problems. We will always endeavor, in each case, to provide substitutes, if any changes take place. TTI is not responsible for canceled trains, delays, hotel rooms, route changes or missed connections, for any reason whatsoever. We will not give refunds if such conditions or cancellations take place.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is mandatory for all tours. This insurance will cover and give the tour members many benefits and protection. Benefits include baggage, accident, life, trip cancellation, sickness, bankruptcy, strike, weather conditions, employer termination or layoff effecting you or a person sharing the room with you, terrorist incident in your departure city or city of destination, jury duty, you are subpoenaed, hijacked, or quarantined, your residence or traveling companion residence is rendered uninhabitable, emergency military duty, traffic accident, single supplement upgrade when your traveling companion cancels their trip, trip interruption, trip delay, missed connections, itinerary change, emergency medical benefits, medical evacuation, baggage delay and loss, pre-existing medical conditions if enrollment is within 21 days of your invoice date, burglary of you or your companion before departure, felonious assault of you or your traveling companion before departure, 24 hour hotline emergency assistance, emergency cash transfer and more. We will supply you with a travel insurance brochure with rates and application when we mail you the invoice after trip deposit is received. Travel insurance protects your vacation investments and is a very good investment for your travel and vacation money. US law allows us to offer this insurance to all persons Worldwide. We will accept a "refusal of travel insurance wavier" if you do not wish to purchase any travel insurance. FOR CUBA: Because of the nature of these tours travel insurance is MANDATORY for everyone. We have a special American travel insurance company that will insure all folks going to Cuba on legal US approved tours. This insurance information will be sent to you upon receiving your booking.

RESPONSIBILITY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Accepting your payment represents an agreement that you understand all the conditions, to be a member of our tours. TTI gives notice that they are acting agents for the owners, contractors and suppliers, providing the transportation and all related travel services and assume no responsibility for injury, sickness, damage, loss, additional expenses accidental delay or irregularities which may be caused through willful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of the companies providing or engage in transportation, accommodations or services related to the accomplishment of the tour. Nor do we assume responsibility for natural disasters, social or political upheaval, acts of terrorism or acts of nature. TTI reserves the right to substitute hotels, tour leaders, equipment, motive power, trains, onboard accommodations, routes and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary without notice. The right is also reserved to cancel any trip or train prior to departure for any reason . TTI is not responsible for expenses incurred by tour members in preparing for the tour, including non-refundable airline tickets, visa fees, planning, phone calls, or any other expenses. TTI reserves the right to decline to accept, or ask to leave a tour, any person whose actions impede the daily operations of a tour, welfare or enjoyment of other tour members. TTI cannot give any refunds for any unused services. The terms contained herein shall serve as a waiver of liability to TTI. Assumption of risk on behalf of the client, their heirs, executor, administrators, successors, and assigns for any and all known persons injuries

RESERVATIONS: A deposit is due in our office within 14 days after you make your bookings. Full payment is due 90 days before departure. You will receive an invoice, reservation form and current tour bulletins with your confirmation and travel insurance forms. No notice for final payment will be sent to you. It is your responsible to make the final payment on-time.

CANCELLATIONS: TTI does not accept cancellations on the phone. Cancellations must be received by postal mail, email or fax before any refunds will be considered. Allow enough time if sending your written notice by US mail postal system. When a written cancellation is received in the Trains and Travel office this will be the effective date of the cancellation. Please take note that it can take up to 60 days to to process some refunds. Cancellation refund rules: 100 days prior to the start of any tour you will receive a full refund less a $100 per person administration fee. 99 to 61 days before the departure of any tour there will be a 80% cancellation penalty based on the full cost of the tour. Cancellations received 60 or less days before the start of any tour will not receive any refund. GW Travel Ltd has their own cancellation rules and these will apply. If booking on GW Travel Ltd ask for cancellation rules.

PRE-DEPARTURE TOUR BULLETINS: Tour bulletins will be sent to clients that have booked on tours operated by TTI. Bulletins include travel info related to the tour. Final documents will be sent out about two to three weeks before a tour begins. We offer tours operated by other companies and they may or may not send out tour bulletins and updates and most send out final documents only one to two weeks prior to the start of their tours.

PAYMENTS: Payments can be made with personal check drawn on a U.S. Dollar account, money order for U.S. Dollars, bank wire transfer, or credit card. We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover or American Express. Final payment for all tours is due 90 days prior to departure. If final payment has not been received 7 days after the due date, a late fee of $50 per week will apply.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: All prices are based on double room occupancy. We will try and match you with a roommate if one is available. If not, you may be charged the single room supplement listed for the tour you are booked on. Single rooms may not be available in some remote locations and on some trains.

TOUR REFUNDS: If for any reason tour members amend or delete any arrangements during travel, and leave the tour on their own, we cannot give any refunds on unused portions of the tour. If buses and trains are cancelled by the carrier or there is a labor strike or they go out of business, we cannot be held responsible and we cannot give refunds. Travel insurance will protect you for any of these reasons. If TTI needs to cancel any tour everyone will receive a full refund. Please take note that in some cases refunds can take up to 60 days to process.

PARTIAL TOURS: We will allow passengers to join or leave a tour at certain points. It will all depend on the tour and the conditions. Give us a call and we will try and work up a custom option for you.

MILEAGE COLLECTORS: Mileage collectors please take note that TTI does not cater just to mileage collectors. We cater to all folks that enjoy trains and Rail journeys. We give strong warning that itinerary and route changes do happen and this is totally beyond our control when it does. If the only reason that you would want to book a tour is to collect the rare mileage, you need to understand that possible route changes do happen.



05770  visits since April 23, 2009.

Last modified: Thursday, 12-Jan-2012 08:18:08 PST