Halkeye Loc: Sandiego, CA.

Going on a train trip from Sandiego to MI, then to Seattle down to SD. Taking the California Zephyr to Mi which I took last year, then taking the Empire Builder to Seattle home on the Coast Starlight looking for good shooting spots from the Empire and Coast Starlight.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

I would look for a shooting spot through a large and especially clean window. Good luck.

Dennis

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

If you are going to try to shoot through a window go outside the train before you leave and clean the outside glass. Then do the same on the inside glass. Won't make for perfect shooting, but will help some.

Then $20 in the hand of the conductor while telling him of your desire to get good photo's while on route can get you lots of hints on things along the way and also can often get you a position on an outside platform of the car(s) from time to time. Be financially generous with the staff and you will be amazed with the "special" help you get from them. And their willingness to look the other way from time to time.

On my trip from Denali Park to Anchorage I did just that and not only got many recommendations along the way but was allowed out on the open platform on the last car as desired during the ride.

Have a great time. I envy you.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

That would be a cool trip, even without taking photos.
--Bob

Blue Spark Loc: Sandy Springs, GA

I'm jelly of your trip, have fun!

Halkeye Loc: Sandiego, CA.

I took over 2000 photos last july. Spent most of the time riding in the observation car. The windows were not to bad for shooting.When there was A refueling stop the windows got washed. Met another photographer who sat with me from Chicago to Greenly Colorado. A round trip ticket was less then 450.00 You can't fly or drive for that price.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Sounds like a blast! Have fun!

Will you have enough cards and batteries, or a way to recharge your batteries, on the way? :-o :?:

Halkeye Loc: Sandiego, CA.

There is a plug outlet at every seat for charging camera or cell phone or what not.Have a supply of sd cards on hand for my video and my D3000. I spend weeks researching the routs, hotel cost, transportation site to site. I make a travel book to use on the train.It is very helpful.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

Excellent!
Have a very fun trip and adventure!

Funny thing, just last evening my wife brought up taking the train from here (L.A.) to Seattle sometime to visit the kids up there.
We took the Denali to Anchorage, Alaska train last June when we were there. We loved the ride!
I shot a bunch of pictures with the Son's Canon P&S digital.
When we got home, I swore I would never go anywhere again without a great camera to work with.