My vacation days this year got screwed so unable to make the train. I trust you'll find someone else to join in on the mocking of drunk bastards getting kicked off in the middle of bumfuck northern California.
I won't be on the train this year. There is a pre-PAX event that I must attend and I've missed it the past two years because the train got in after it was over.
I am the guy who brought the Xbox 360, projector and Rock Band setup for the arcade car. Alas, someone else will have to organize an effort to meet these needs.
Also, to the wonderful girl I've given backrubs to for the past two years, I'm sorry I won't be able to deliver this year. I nominate Mike as a suitable replacement masseuse.
Woah. Hey. Hey. I'm getting on in LA, for my first time. I have some serious questions.
A) Is there sleep? Do you people find time to pass out at all?
2) How much interaction with the 'outsiders' on the train is there? Any fun stories about other train passengers interacting with the clan?
Gamma) Has anyone gone straight to the Triwizard Drinking Tournament right after? That's my plan and I'm looking for past experiences.
A) If you want to, you *can* but as long as you're in the Obs car, you better be awake.
2) Lots. I've met more than a handful of random nerds who jump in on the fun that AREN'T going to PAX. I've also had some nice conversations with people who are curious about our group plus we've had kids hang around the arcade car setup in the past although it's up in the air as to whom will bring the RB setup now that SpaceGhost won't be bringing his.
Woah. Hey. Hey. I'm getting on in LA, for my first time. I have some serious questions.
A) Is there sleep? Do you people find time to pass out at all?
2) How much interaction with the 'outsiders' on the train is there? Any fun stories about other train passengers interacting with the clan?
Gamma) Has anyone gone straight to the Triwizard Drinking Tournament right after? That's my plan and I'm looking for past experiences.
A) If you want to, you *can* but as long as you're in the Obs car, you better be awake.
2) Lots. I've met more than a handful of random nerds who jump in on the fun that AREN'T going to PAX. I've also had some nice conversations with people who are curious about our group plus we've had kids hang around the arcade car setup in the past although it's up in the air as to whom will bring the RB setup now that SpaceGhost won't be bringing his.
Γ) I have no idea.
A) Better take your shoes off or I'll draw inappropriate things on your face
2) Everyone's family on the PAX Train unless your're a drunken baby, we hate those!
Gamma) Don't see why not, not like you will be sleeping much at PAX at all so better get used to it.
Just a quick note that we won't make the train this year. The full sleepers topped 2 grand for the trip up and back- well above every year prior- and I can't take the train without a sleeper unless I also don't want to take my husband. (He has pretty impressive scoliosis.) So we will suck it up and fly this time. Hope to see some of you around.
Woah. Hey. Hey. I'm getting on in LA, for my first time. I have some serious questions.
A) Is there sleep? Do you people find time to pass out at all?
2) How much interaction with the 'outsiders' on the train is there? Any fun stories about other train passengers interacting with the clan?
Gamma) Has anyone gone straight to the Triwizard Drinking Tournament right after? That's my plan and I'm looking for past experiences.
A) You can, in fact, sleep on the obs car; just don't expect it to be good sleep or plentiful. I got about 2 hours curled on one of the surprisingly comfortable benches, from 4 to 6 or so, with my earbuds in and my ipod set to something soothing. My back felt like shit, but that was to be expected, and a couple shots of rum fixed that up nicely.
2) This actually ties in to A, for me at least; people were grouchy about us moving up and down the train during the wee hours, understandably so.
Gamma) You will be cutting it very very close to the tournament. Last year's train got in late, but it's still possible that you won't make it even if the train is on time.
I can't sleep in a chair so it is either Obs car or stay up all night. I expect I won't fall asleep till like 3 and be woken up before 7 cause fuck the sun.
Apart from sleep, I cannot overstress the importance of real food. The dining cart is eminently edible, although somewhat expensive. The snack car is microwaved processed imitation food. If you're on a budget, pack food - I've seen people with entire coolers and the staff doesn't say a word against it. If you book a sleeper car you get 3 meals a day in the dining car, so that's one expense built in.
Weenog42 on
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Jenny_SpaghettiI am 3 ginger midgets in a trench coat. Calgary, CanadalandRegistered Userregular
edited May 2011
Since we're technically travelling from somewhere on the west coast, and we are technically travelling by train, just thought I'd throw this out there:
-On the way to PAX-
Train: 513 Cascades
Departs:
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Vac)
Wednesday August 24, 2011 6:40AM
Arrives:
Seattle (Amtrak), Washington (Sea)
Wednesday August 24, 2011 11:05AM
-On the way back from PAX-
Train: 516 Cascades
Departs:
Seattle (Amtrak), Washington (Sea)
Monday August 29, 2011 6:50PM
Arrives:
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Vac)
Monday August 29, 2011 10:50PM
Wooo! Count 5 more in, from SJ. Most of us have been to PAX before, but this will be our first pax-train...looking forward to meeting you all!
(my movie vote goes for Dr. Horrible even though it's been done. Musicals+nerds=win. Some PATV would be awesome, too...never did buy the set w/commentary *sadface*)
Unfortunately nothing worth eating is open, so I can't really think of any goodies to bring.
Ill be getting on shortly after you in Redding, but suffer the same problem. I plan to bring a bag or two of fun-size snickers and/or twix. Not fancy or unique, but still tasty!
I've been off the train for a year, but definitely taking it this year - thankfully, my hotel group *this* year is actually staying in Seattle on the thursday night, rather than staying in SeaTac, so I don't have to skip the train.
Getting on in Albany, OR. So I only get the last 6-8 hours(ish). But hey, train!
We're taking the train but from entirely the wrong direction. We're training it from Vancouver in the AM on the 24th and returning on the 29th so we can take advantage of the MMT and PPP.
I'm quite giddy about taking the train. I've gone north on the train many moons ago and this will be my first trip southward. The views are usually spectacular and very unlike normal road travel. Plus it should be a nice treat to not have to drive ^.^
-Mætrix-
Maetrix on
Blog | Twitter | Raptr | BUTTONEER! PAX2011 STATUS:"WAS MONDO AWESOME!" PAX2012 STATUS:"Is it too soon yet?!"
I'll bring a netbook for work/play. I do plan to have Minecraft and Terraria on it. Not sure how'd we get around to setting up a reliable network to run a server on the train for them.
I'll bring a netbook for work/play. I do plan to have Minecraft and Terraria on it. Not sure how'd we get around to setting up a reliable network to run a server on the train for them.
The coastal starlight has WiFi, couldn't we just do local play through that network?
CuvisTheConquerorThey always say "yee haw" but they never ask "haw yee?" Registered Userregular
edited May 2011
I have a spare WiFi router I could bring to set up local networks. It's G, though, so if anybody has an N they could spare, it might be better to have them do it instead.
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TimeCruiserMikePast Organizer of the West Coast Train TripSan Fernando ValleyRegistered Userregular
I'll bring a netbook for work/play. I do plan to have Minecraft and Terraria on it. Not sure how'd we get around to setting up a reliable network to run a server on the train for them.
The coastal starlight has WiFi, couldn't we just do local play through that network?
As I understand it, the Coast Starlight's Wi-Fi is available only to the sleeper cars and is sporadic at best.
Depending on how many fancy phones we have on the train, a local hotspot might be possible.
As a solution to our geeky desire to remain connected to the hive mind as much as possible RCars2 usually provides us with a decent setup for this very task. This includes a wireless router, a netbook laptop with a pedobear sticker on it, and a signal boosting antenna. Just like the past couple years, Rcars will not be joining us on the train and so I'll need to check on the availability of this equipment.
One more thing!
I was talking to TNTrooper the other day. He would like to have enough pizza to feed 50 people delivered to the train during it's 40 minute stop in Portland, Oregon. The pizza would cost around $200 and we are asking for money in advance either as donations through paypal or setting up a store with a PAXTrain logo stamped on a bunch of crap . . . er . . . neat stuff. If we can get the order placed and payment collected before the train leaves then all we have to do is call the pizza place a hour before we get to Portland and let them know if we are on time or not.
So, thoughts? Opinions? Is this a thing we want to do?
I am fine with giving some free pizza to Amtrak staff and cool people from the train. Letting parents who think because he have video games we are their bratty kids babysitters think we are feeding their kids for free as well not so much.
The around $200 is about $220 and this is for 10 X-Large 18" pizzas assuming we stick to getting Cheese, Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Formaggio/Margherita, or a 2-topping pizza. This is before we factor in tip but I expect there to be people on the train who won't see this and want to pitch in some cash for pizza so we can give the delivery guy a cash tip.
I am going to have a pizza delivered. It's just that if me and some friends split the cost of one pizza there is a good chance a bunch of people will want to join in and calling a place up and saying we need 10 x-large pizzas in 90 minutes will make the pizza guy cry.
The size of the order will be adjusted depending on how much money is collected. If we somehow get an insanely large chunk of cash that I couldn't possibly spend all of it on pizza I got other ideas. Like reimbursing people that bring snacks and soda(anyone got a cooler they want to bring?) or help with the cost of printing T-shirt to help drive the price per-person down a bit. Mike was saying he wanted to do a raffle or I could just write Child's Play a check from the WCTT.
Also this is sorta a test run if it is successful enough I might look into finding a place that we can order dinner for Wednesday night as well next year.
I got some pretty ambitious plans for making sure the is well feed with good food WCTT and this post has made me really fucking hungry.
I'm definitely up for pitching in for pizza, I'll probably throw in quite a bit. I have the metabolism of a 13 year old cross country runner... Also, a WCTT shirt would be hialrious :P
I'm Bo on the facebook page, let me know if you get a paypal setup.
T-Shirt Design, Prices, and Advance Orders Coming Soon!
I'll have to light a fire under the fiancée to get some T-Shirt designs up. I think she fears she peaked too early with last years, which is nonsense because she's brilliant.
I am getting on in portland and can say that there quite a few great pizza places here local to the train station. Depending on what you guys wanted and the amount of invested money I could organize the getting of said pizza's for all Oh and those t-shirts are awesome, deffinately would like one to commemorate my first train trip...
Okay, declaring cutoff for T-Shirts. I am still accepting paypal, if you did sign up.
Want a T-Shirt but missed the signup?
I have a moderate amount of extras (mostly Mens L). I will distribute these on Thursday after our stop in Portland, which should be around 4:30pm, via some sort of raffle / auction / deathmatch. In the unlikely event that I have too many shirts, some will go to the train staff and any others will be auctioned for Child's Play.
PREPAY:
You can prepay via paypal to weenog42@yahoo.com
I will accept cash on the train, but paying in advance makes distribution much easier. And since I have to pay the printer in advance, this helps ease my wallet.
Posts
I am the guy who brought the Xbox 360, projector and Rock Band setup for the arcade car. Alas, someone else will have to organize an effort to meet these needs.
Also, to the wonderful girl I've given backrubs to for the past two years, I'm sorry I won't be able to deliver this year. I nominate Mike as a suitable replacement masseuse.
A) Is there sleep? Do you people find time to pass out at all?
2) How much interaction with the 'outsiders' on the train is there? Any fun stories about other train passengers interacting with the clan?
Gamma) Has anyone gone straight to the Triwizard Drinking Tournament right after? That's my plan and I'm looking for past experiences.
A) If you want to, you *can* but as long as you're in the Obs car, you better be awake.
2) Lots. I've met more than a handful of random nerds who jump in on the fun that AREN'T going to PAX. I've also had some nice conversations with people who are curious about our group plus we've had kids hang around the arcade car setup in the past although it's up in the air as to whom will bring the RB setup now that SpaceGhost won't be bringing his.
Γ) I have no idea.
A) Better take your shoes off or I'll draw inappropriate things on your face
2) Everyone's family on the PAX Train unless your're a drunken baby, we hate those!
Gamma) Don't see why not, not like you will be sleeping much at PAX at all so better get used to it.
A) You can, in fact, sleep on the obs car; just don't expect it to be good sleep or plentiful. I got about 2 hours curled on one of the surprisingly comfortable benches, from 4 to 6 or so, with my earbuds in and my ipod set to something soothing. My back felt like shit, but that was to be expected, and a couple shots of rum fixed that up nicely.
2) This actually ties in to A, for me at least; people were grouchy about us moving up and down the train during the wee hours, understandably so.
Gamma) You will be cutting it very very close to the tournament. Last year's train got in late, but it's still possible that you won't make it even if the train is on time.
-On the way to PAX-
Train: 513 Cascades
Departs:
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Vac)
Wednesday August 24, 2011 6:40AM
Arrives:
Seattle (Amtrak), Washington (Sea)
Wednesday August 24, 2011 11:05AM
-On the way back from PAX-
Train: 516 Cascades
Departs:
Seattle (Amtrak), Washington (Sea)
Monday August 29, 2011 6:50PM
Arrives:
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Vac)
Monday August 29, 2011 10:50PM
Anyone happen to be on the 3 Southwest Chief on their way to LAX?
(my movie vote goes for Dr. Horrible even though it's been done. Musicals+nerds=win. Some PATV would be awesome, too...never did buy the set w/commentary *sadface*)
Unfortunately nothing worth eating is open, so I can't really think of any goodies to bring.
EDIT: Shameless plug for roomsharing. Still got 2 spots open if people want to take the train and still need a place to stay.
Ill be getting on shortly after you in Redding, but suffer the same problem. I plan to bring a bag or two of fun-size snickers and/or twix. Not fancy or unique, but still tasty!
PAX Prime 2011 Challange Coin Thread -- Order your 2011 PAX Prime Challange Coin!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_174659255921071
Also, I'm back as photographer
@TimeCruiser: You should have people state their names, what stop they're getting on, and what the status of their amtrak ticket is.
Name: Jo
Depart: Emeryville, CA with Bitstream, Zedarius, qapf, and smerk.
Status: Still need to buy
I've been off the train for a year, but definitely taking it this year - thankfully, my hotel group *this* year is actually staying in Seattle on the thursday night, rather than staying in SeaTac, so I don't have to skip the train.
Getting on in Albany, OR. So I only get the last 6-8 hours(ish). But hey, train!
I'm quite giddy about taking the train. I've gone north on the train many moons ago and this will be my first trip southward. The views are usually spectacular and very unlike normal road travel. Plus it should be a nice treat to not have to drive ^.^
-Mætrix-
PAX2011 STATUS:"WAS MONDO AWESOME!"
PAX2012 STATUS:"Is it too soon yet?!"
The coastal starlight has WiFi, couldn't we just do local play through that network?
XBL/PSN-Polaris314/Twitter/DJ P0LARI5
As I understand it, the Coast Starlight's Wi-Fi is available only to the sleeper cars and is sporadic at best.
As a solution to our geeky desire to remain connected to the hive mind as much as possible RCars2 usually provides us with a decent setup for this very task. This includes a wireless router, a netbook laptop with a pedobear sticker on it, and a signal boosting antenna. Just like the past couple years, Rcars will not be joining us on the train and so I'll need to check on the availability of this equipment.
One more thing!
I was talking to TNTrooper the other day. He would like to have enough pizza to feed 50 people delivered to the train during it's 40 minute stop in Portland, Oregon. The pizza would cost around $200 and we are asking for money in advance either as donations through paypal or setting up a store with a PAXTrain logo stamped on a bunch of crap . . . er . . . neat stuff. If we can get the order placed and payment collected before the train leaves then all we have to do is call the pizza place a hour before we get to Portland and let them know if we are on time or not.
So, thoughts? Opinions? Is this a thing we want to do?
{Fondly remembers the PAXTrain}
The pizza place I got the quote from http://www.roventepizzeria.com/
The around $200 is about $220 and this is for 10 X-Large 18" pizzas assuming we stick to getting Cheese, Pepperoni, Hawaiian, Formaggio/Margherita, or a 2-topping pizza. This is before we factor in tip but I expect there to be people on the train who won't see this and want to pitch in some cash for pizza so we can give the delivery guy a cash tip.
I am going to have a pizza delivered. It's just that if me and some friends split the cost of one pizza there is a good chance a bunch of people will want to join in and calling a place up and saying we need 10 x-large pizzas in 90 minutes will make the pizza guy cry.
The size of the order will be adjusted depending on how much money is collected. If we somehow get an insanely large chunk of cash that I couldn't possibly spend all of it on pizza I got other ideas. Like reimbursing people that bring snacks and soda(anyone got a cooler they want to bring?) or help with the cost of printing T-shirt to help drive the price per-person down a bit. Mike was saying he wanted to do a raffle or I could just write Child's Play a check from the WCTT.
Also this is sorta a test run if it is successful enough I might look into finding a place that we can order dinner for Wednesday night as well next year.
I got some pretty ambitious plans for making sure the is well feed with good food WCTT and this post has made me really fucking hungry.
I'm Bo on the facebook page, let me know if you get a paypal setup.
The superior form of pizza.
Also very interested in a WCTT shirt.
Oh, and if we're requesting specific toppings, I'm partial to sausage and bell peppers. I'll eat anything short of anchovies though.
I'll have to light a fire under the fiancée to get some T-Shirt designs up. I think she fears she peaked too early with last years, which is nonsense because she's brilliant.
Staticwave Entertainment
AIM DJMLORD2001
Final Version:
PRICES:
Men's Sizes:
S-XL, $8
XXL $9
XXXL $10
Ladies Sizes (Ladies cut T)
S-XL $11
XXL $12
SIGN UPS:
Okay, declaring cutoff for T-Shirts. I am still accepting paypal, if you did sign up.
Want a T-Shirt but missed the signup?
I have a moderate amount of extras (mostly Mens L). I will distribute these on Thursday after our stop in Portland, which should be around 4:30pm, via some sort of raffle / auction / deathmatch. In the unlikely event that I have too many shirts, some will go to the train staff and any others will be auctioned for Child's Play.
PREPAY:
You can prepay via paypal to weenog42@yahoo.com
I will accept cash on the train, but paying in advance makes distribution much easier. And since I have to pay the printer in advance, this helps ease my wallet.