Vettesic

Hello Vetteheads.....Moving the vette down to my Florida/Tarpon Springs home over the Christmas holidays. Yep....she'll now be a southern girl. Comming from NY. but, I don't want to drive her all the way down. About 1200 mi. (might not make the trip.) Has anyone ever used the Auto Train before? And are they gentle with cars? Any info would help. Thanks....Paul.

Crash Dummy

I've shipped two vettes(1 from Canada & 1 from Ohio) and never heard of Amtrac's Auto Train. Nice idea to buy a vette across the country(or move it) and ride with it on the train to it's new home.

Glensgages

Vettesic:
I might be the C3's resident 'F.O.A.M.I.T.E.' (train-watcher.The train-crews routinely call us 'FOAMITE's: F-ing Odd And Mentally Irregular Train Enthusiasts)
My girl-friend lived in Tampa for 10+ years, coming back & forth to Pa.
Her & her ex may've used the Auto-Train (Lorton, Va.-Sanford, Fl.); do you want me to ask her & see if she DID use it, and her opinions???

Vettesic

Thanks Glensgages....(FOAMITE)....Just Kidding! Sure, as stated an info would help. (PS...You stated C3's' resident?? Now I'm curious, what do FOAMITES actually do??) Thanks, Paul.


[Modified by Vettesic, 6:27 AM 10/21/2003]

70BBvert

Probably best to call them. My buddy brought his 84 down to Fla that way when he moved to Orlando. I remember him having some problems due to the low ride hight. Don't think there was any damage but loading & unloading was difficult.

Jim

Mr. Wonderful

Here's the scoop:

I used Auto Train to bring my daily driver to Florida when I moved here
from Long Island.
Only problem I can see is the low front end height of the Vette. I've
called Amtrak, and I think they said front height has to be around 4"
clearance (better call and ask for yourself... 1(800) USA-RAIL ).
There are no stops once the train leaves VA and arrives in FL.
It is safe once the trip begins. Also a low front clearance problem may
occur when de-traiining.
I recommend using the train if you are okay with height.
Good luck
:thumbs:

GDaina

Look up Autobahn in Hemmings or do a search on the web...car carriers, probably the least expensive around....a friend sold his 68 Grand Prix to a guy in Ct...the buyer shopped around and found Autobahn the least expensive. Not a scratch on the car when it got there...course, yours trully drove the GP up to the top of the carrier, also unloadoad and drove a 71 LT-1 from Pro Team going to Virginia, a 2002 MB E55 AMG, and a POS Ferrari 308 GTB, with a blown tranny...

Desertdawg

HAHAHAHA I work for Union Pacific, (formerly Southern Pacific) as a signal maintainer. I regularly run you and your sorry butt friends off the property...

:lol: :lol: :lol: :thumbs:

Glensgages

Well, if/when 'Big-Bird' & the 'Black Nag' get hitched, if you relocate to the Pittsburgh Division of the ol' PRR, you can throw MY sorry butt off the 4-track right-of-way, too!!!
:thumbs:

A word of caution; we got NO coyotes in S.W. Pa......plenty of deer, but no coyotes
:lolg: :D :lol: ;)

Desertdawg + coyotes = Big-bird.....
:rolleyes: :crazy: :yesnod:

P.S.: now I know why you've painted your '82 so often....didn't you ever hear the phrase:
"Shouldn't Paint So Fast" ???
:nono:

Vettesic

OK, Autotrain is out. Yes, I have to drive to only pickup point in Va. and drop off is about 100 mi north of Orlando. Might as well drive all the way down once in Va. Total gronud clearence is only 4" so that may be an issue. Fare is $650.00. I'm getting car carrier rates in that area. Including door to door service. Enclosed carrier is from $930.00 and up. :eek: Forget the U-Haul trailer idea. 14' truck plus car hauler, one-way, about $2,600.00. Keep ya posted.

Mr. Wonderful

What day of departure was that fare listed for ? Leaving on Dec. 22, I found the following:
From Lorton (Auto Train only) on 12/22/03 to Sanford (Auto Train Only) on 12/23/03

Service From To Departs Arrives Accommodations

53
Lorton (Auto Train only) Sanford (Auto Train Only) 12/22/03
4:00pm 12/23/03
8:30am Reserved Coach


Vehicle Type: Automobile (included in Accommodations Price)
Rail Fare: $ 150.00
Accommodations Price: $ 247.00

TOTAL FARE:
$
397.00

I found this an excellent way to bring me and my car to Florida. Sanford is only about 30 miles north of Orlando I think.
This way of travel is good if you plan to come down along with the car.
Car and you for only $397 seems fair. Just trying to help :D



[Modified by Electron Blue '02, 10:23 AM 10/22/2003]

Glensgages

Vettesic:
Sorry for the delay; girl-friend is starting another job....
She used the AutoTrain (or 'whatever' AmShack is calling it this week...) a few times; said it was a 'neat' way to travel (shameless plug for rail-travel) to Fla & back.
Here are some 'specs' regarding the AutoTrain:
http://amtrak.com/plan/autotrainpol.html

Hope this helps.......TOOT, TOOT!!! :seeya

allanb63roadster

quote:
Sanford is only about 30 miles north of Orlando I think.
endquote:

I just checked my Rand McNally TripMaker software. It shows about 149 miles from Sanford, Fl to Tarpon Springs, Fl. It also shows taking I-4 to I-275 for most of the way.

It shows 1188 miles from Seaford,NY to Tarpon Springs, Fl.

It shows 288 miles from Seaford, NY to Lorton, VA.

So taking the Auto Train would mean driving the Vette for about 440 miles, but through some very congested traffic at both ends.

I used an open car carrier to transport my 63 Roadster when we moved from Ohio to Florida and it cost me $600, door to door. I chose a smaller carrier because I wanted a single level transport. I didn't want my new white convertible top to be under a car that leaked fluids.

Everything worked out pretty well with them and they delivered it quickly, but I didn't notice until many months later that they caused minor damage where they hooked the tie down straps onto the frame. It was too late to make a claim against them, but it wasn't severe damage either, more like heavy scratches.

hope that helps




[Modified by allanb63roadster, 12:42 AM 10/23/2003]

82X-FireVette

I used the Auto Train when I moved from Rhode Island to Florida. I drove the 8 hours to Lorton, Virginia and rode the train the rest of the way. It was a great experience and very relaxing. My car (daily driver) came through unharmed. They served a great steak dinner and had a movie. The attendant came in later and changed my seats into a fairly comfortable bed. I didn't sleep well, though due to the clatter of the train wheels.

I have also driven the distance between RI and FL on Route 95. From North Carolina to Florida, the drive is fairly easy as it is mostly through small towns and woods. Going North is tougher from NC because of the congestion.

Have a great trip and good luck in Florida. :chevy