ProprietyPAX Pokemon League Leader!Registered Userregular
edited October 2010
Oh jeez, I didn't even realize Moe had switched train lines for the Sonic line from last year.
Yeah, Moe, I can't really afford spending an extra $80 dollars for one hour of saved travel time, especially since we'd be too late for most of the pre-PAX going ons even with the Acela... I'm going to have to go with the 176 Northeast Regional, like last year.
Propriety on
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
edited October 2010
If there are this many people against the Acela, and for the NE Regional 176, I can change it. However, if I hear anybody complaining the opposite after I change it, they will receive very large frowns from me, rest assured.
I just wanna say, and I'm sure I speak for everyone, that I appreciate the HELL out of what you're doing. Seriously, thanks again for making this thread happen.
We just don't want to pay for Acela. We're cheap like that :P
BigSassy on
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
edited October 2010
Yeah, I understand. I guess I mis-anticipated people's desire to get their earlier outweighing cost.
If there are this many people against the Acela, and for the NE Regional 176, I can change it. However, if I hear anybody complaining the opposite after I change it, they will receive very large frowns from me, rest assured.
I'm a definite MAYBE for the Semi-Sonic (SubSonic?) line.
Line: Sonic-ish (NE 176) Name: flatline + friend(s) [2 of us so far] Location: Bawlmore, MD Boarding Stop: BWI Ticket Purchased: N
My cadre is currently trying to determine several things - namely, if we would rather fly JetBlue again and be in town in time for the dinner/pub crawl, and if we can BYOC on the train or if we'll have to ship computers/monitors regardless of plane/train. If we do take the train, we'll probably still fly JetBlue back home on Sunday to get home at a reasonable hour for work on Monday (without having to skip all of Sunday's con activities). Jetblue is like $62 per flight - faster and cheaper than the train.
I'll have several games with me (Fiasco, Mad Scientist University, Smallworld on my iPad, Munchkin, maybe a couple pre-con Magic decks) and probably some foodstuffs. I don't currently own a DS, but I've had my eye on them with the price drops recently - I was hoping to get a 3DS, but if it is really $300, that's probably not going to happen before PAX. Might pick up a DSi XL though.
flatline on
East 2014 Status: Badge [ Friend got it ] Hotel [Crappy] BYOC [YES] Transport [ ] Name on Forum Badge [ ] Challenge Coin [ ]
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
edited October 2010
For the sake of not having to edit the map, I'm probably not going to change the name, just the train info.
Line: Sonic
Name: Eric Palakovich Carr
Location: Rockville, MD
Boarding Stop: Washington, DC
Ticket Purchased: N
BigSassy on
0
Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
edited October 2010
Okay, due to popular demand, the Sonic line is now the 176 NE Regional. Since nobody listed has bought their tickets yet, this shouldn't affect anybody, but if it does, getting refunds on Amtrak tickets/changing trains isn't nearly as difficult as the airlines, so it shouldn't be a problem.
Even though this is a slower train, this now gives you all more time to kick it with other PAXers and save money in the process. Also, it seems this direction is more likely to keep people together instead of running the chance of people taking different trains and being split apart.
Since we're on the topic of price, I should mention that the 176 ticket is cheap for a reason. Amtrak started a promotion at the start of this year that certain lines get 25% off, and Northeast Regional 176 is one of them:
You don't have to do anything to get this discount. It happens automatically if you order through the website. DO NOT say you're a AAA member, as it will replace the 25% discount with the 10% discount. The website will loudly warn you if you manage to replace the 25% with a lesser discount.
This offer has been going for 10 months now. Around this time last year (before this 25% discount) Amtrak offered a companion ticket at 50%, which essentially means 25% off for each ticket. Then sometime in December of '09 they stopped offering it, leaving tickets at full price.
They could stop offering the current 25% off at any time. They tend to change their offers at the start of the New Year, so you'll probably want to order your tickets before Christmas.
Just a warning to those who plan to take the train in the Boston area (i.e. to get around after arriving in Boston) the commuter rail system is pretty unreliable...
I've taken it 5 days a week for the past 4 years and it has never arrived on time plus i've been in 3 train accidents( hit a motorcycle, then a car, and a dead body was found on the tracks).
So if you try to save money by staying in a hotel outside of Boston and might take the train you have been warned.
Checking Amtrak the Smaus line's layover apears to be in NY. If you want to join the Sonic line at DC you'll have to multi-city the destination. Horay, Amtrak.
Lugh Lamfhada on
Too much paprika.
Shit! Too much paprika! WHY IS THERE SO MUCH VOMIT IN THIS HAT?!
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
Just a warning to those who plan to take the train in the Boston area (i.e. to get around after arriving in Boston) the commuter rail system is pretty unreliable...
I've taken it 5 days a week for the past 4 years and it has never arrived on time plus i've been in 3 train accidents( hit a motorcycle, then a car, and a dead body was found on the tracks).
So if you try to save money by staying in a hotel outside of Boston and might take the train you have been warned.
This is not the thread for public transit around boston. This is the thread for riding Amtrak to boston. The thread you should be posting this info in is this one here.
Hello everyone, first time @ PAX. And especially on the PAX Train.
When i purchase the ticket, (Riding on Sonic Northbound from DC) do i purchase a coach or business seat? (So i get w/ other PAX'ers)
When i purchase the ticket, (Riding on Sonic) what train do i pick to ride on? ( so i get w/ other ppl )
Thanks!
Coach or business seat doesn't matter really, all the cool kids will be hanging out in the lounge. I'm guessing most people on that line will be buying coach tickets, but trains don't have assigned seats in the manner you're thinking. Business class is, I believe, a different car.
If you take a look at post 3 you'll see it refers to the "Northeast Regional 176" - "Northeast Regional" is the line and will tell you where the train starts and stops, and "176" is the train number which will tell you when the train starts and stops. So when you search for trains from DC to Boston, it will give you a list of results, and from that you want to pick the Northeast Regional 176 and that'll get you on the right train (assuming you pick the right day!)
Business class seats do have more amenities (specifically, guaranteed outlets) but are more expensive. It will tell you all about the various classes when you go to buy a ticket.
antherem on
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ProprietyPAX Pokemon League Leader!Registered Userregular
Okay, due to popular demand, the Sonic line is now the 176 NE Regional. Since nobody listed has bought their tickets yet, this shouldn't affect anybody, but if it does, getting refunds on Amtrak tickets/changing trains isn't nearly as difficult as the airlines, so it shouldn't be a problem.
Even though this is a slower train, this now gives you all more time to kick it with other PAXers and save money in the process. Also, it seems this direction is more likely to keep people together instead of running the chance of people taking different trains and being split apart.
Thank you Moe! Appreciate all your hard work putting this together, and for making the change. You saved me $160!
Business class seats do have more amenities (specifically, guaranteed outlets) but are more expensive. It will tell you all about the various classes when you go to buy a ticket.
I can't recall ever lacking outlets on the Sonic Line (the Stone line last year); there are generally outlets every other row, so either there will be some right next to you or right next to the person in front of you, and you can politely ask if you may plug in your devices there. Since we're only on the train for 6 hours or so, it's not an issue.
I'd suggest coach; it's where most people will probably be. As antherem suggests, if you do want to pay extra for a super cooshy chair, you can always come back and hang out in the lounge.
Propriety on
That guy with the ridiculously long scarf at PAX. Say Hi!
Love Pokemon? Going to PAX Prime/East/Aus/South? Challenge the PAX Pokemon League!!!
Sorry to ask another question, but is there an age limit for the lounge? I was informed that there will be alcohol but am not 21. Am i still alowed in the lounge?
Thanks!
JoshuaNexon on
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
edited October 2010
They sell alcohol at the snack counter, which you have to be 21 to buy, but it's not a bar, if that's what you're asking.
When i purchase the ticket, (Riding on Sonic) what train do i pick to ride on? ( so i get w/ other ppl )
Thanks!
Hey Josh. I'll also be traveling on the Sonic line from DC. Last year we brought a Fruit Fucker flag, which we waved on the platform at each stop in front of the train we all were gaming on. You'll have the benefit of seeing the flag at the station while waiting for the train.
Metal Gear line folks. Which return train are you planning to take or are some planning to fly back? Looks like you'd have to leave PAX early on Sunday or get a hotel room for an extra night and return on Monday.
Metal Gear line folks. Which return train are you planning to take or are some planning to fly back? Looks like you'd have to leave PAX early on Sunday or get a hotel room for an extra night and return on Monday.
Oh, right, I was going to post about this very question. Yeah, no way I'm leaving PAX early, I'm either leaving on the Lake Shore Limited on Monday morning or flying back on Sunday night. Most likely the train so I don't have to deal with luggage restrictions/cabbing from the airport to the Amtrak station/driving an hour home at midnight after 3 days of PAX.
I'm leaning towards flying back unless there are a ton of ETA'ers on the same train back. If you don't need a hotel room Sunday night, it offsets much of the cost of the return flight. I figure try to fly out late Sunday if possible.
I'm curious about how the trip back works. Is there any organization going on for the trip home?
Also, what sort of transportation options are available from the train station to the convention center, or the hotels?
Probably me and 2+ friends hopping on the Metal Gear Line at Buffalo, NY.
I'm also more of a Table Top RPG gamer, rather than hand-held video gamer. Will there be games happening on the train that I'd be interested in?
I'm planning on taking the train back, I think Moe was as well. Should we have a return trip train thread? Great to hear of more folks planning on getting on Metal Gear, should be a good time.
I imagine there will be a great caravan of people walking from South Station to the Westin and environs.
And I certainly hope for tabletop games on the train!
antherem on
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
edited October 2010
Another thread would be unnecessary, as we're still talking about the train. Different people leave PAX on different days, and a handful from further out might fly home. There's less organization of the way back for that reason. It's safe to assume that you'll see a number of familiar faces for the ride home.
Well, I bought mine! You can update my profile under the Sonic Line. I'll be taking the 67 Northeast Regional back on Sunday night. Leaves at 9:30pm from Back Bay and arrives back in Washington DC at 6:50am on Monday.
This idea sounds epic and there's no way I'm missing the trip this go round.
What line you will be on: The Lemmings Line
Name: Rob Carson
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Boarding Stop: Flagstaff, AZ
Ticket Purchased: Not yet
I havent purchased my ticket yet since someone stole my debit card and I'm waiting for my work to approve my time off. Ill probably still get the ticket ahead anyway of time since Amtrak is pretty cool if you need to cancel a reservation.
I may try and drag a few other people with me as well so update as soon as I know anything. Other than that WOOT PAX TRAIN!
I have a Enforcer friend who was asking me about the train I was taking. When I told her, she got the biggest grin on her face and told me I was in for a lot of fun, then linked me here.
So uh.
What line you will be on: Metal Gear Line Name: SpyPoet/Shawnda Location: Parma, Ohio Boarding Stop: Cleveland, Ohio Ticket Purchased: Not Yet
SpyPoet on
PAX Prime 2011 Details [ ]Transport BroughtGAAAAH [X]Ticket Brought Enforcer. [ ]Hotel Paid For This may be where I get screwed. [ ]Cosplay ask nabs/notaboyscout >:3
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Moe FwackyRight Here, Right NowDrives a BuickModeratormod
Yupyup. Is it true that all the other lines are getting on the Metal Gear unlimited, cause I'm worried I might not bring enough chocolate for everyone.
PAX Prime 2011 Details [ ]Transport BroughtGAAAAH [X]Ticket Brought Enforcer. [ ]Hotel Paid For This may be where I get screwed. [ ]Cosplay ask nabs/notaboyscout >:3
Posts
Yeah, Moe, I can't really afford spending an extra $80 dollars for one hour of saved travel time, especially since we'd be too late for most of the pre-PAX going ons even with the Acela... I'm going to have to go with the 176 Northeast Regional, like last year.
Love Pokemon? Going to PAX Prime/East/Aus/South? Challenge the PAX Pokemon League!!!
We just don't want to pay for Acela. We're cheap like that :P
"It's dangerous to go alone! Take this."
I'm a definite MAYBE for the Semi-Sonic (SubSonic?) line.
Line: Sonic-ish (NE 176)
Name: flatline + friend(s) [2 of us so far]
Location: Bawlmore, MD
Boarding Stop: BWI
Ticket Purchased: N
My cadre is currently trying to determine several things - namely, if we would rather fly JetBlue again and be in town in time for the dinner/pub crawl, and if we can BYOC on the train or if we'll have to ship computers/monitors regardless of plane/train. If we do take the train, we'll probably still fly JetBlue back home on Sunday to get home at a reasonable hour for work on Monday (without having to skip all of Sunday's con activities). Jetblue is like $62 per flight - faster and cheaper than the train.
I'll have several games with me (Fiasco, Mad Scientist University, Smallworld on my iPad, Munchkin, maybe a couple pre-con Magic decks) and probably some foodstuffs. I don't currently own a DS, but I've had my eye on them with the price drops recently - I was hoping to get a 3DS, but if it is really $300, that's probably not going to happen before PAX. Might pick up a DSi XL though.
Name: Eric Palakovich Carr
Location: Rockville, MD
Boarding Stop: Washington, DC
Ticket Purchased: N
Even though this is a slower train, this now gives you all more time to kick it with other PAXers and save money in the process. Also, it seems this direction is more likely to keep people together instead of running the chance of people taking different trains and being split apart.
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer/AM_Content_C/1241267321301/1237405732514
You don't have to do anything to get this discount. It happens automatically if you order through the website. DO NOT say you're a AAA member, as it will replace the 25% discount with the 10% discount. The website will loudly warn you if you manage to replace the 25% with a lesser discount.
This offer has been going for 10 months now. Around this time last year (before this 25% discount) Amtrak offered a companion ticket at 50%, which essentially means 25% off for each ticket. Then sometime in December of '09 they stopped offering it, leaving tickets at full price.
They could stop offering the current 25% off at any time. They tend to change their offers at the start of the New Year, so you'll probably want to order your tickets before Christmas.
Name: Josh W
Location: York,PA
Boarding Stop: Philly
Ticket Purchased: N (waiting for group)
I've taken it 5 days a week for the past 4 years and it has never arrived on time plus i've been in 3 train accidents( hit a motorcycle, then a car, and a dead body was found on the tracks).
So if you try to save money by staying in a hotel outside of Boston and might take the train you have been warned.
for more info about public transportation
http://mbta.com/
Shit! Too much paprika!
WHY IS THERE SO MUCH VOMIT IN THIS HAT?!
Hello everyone, first time @ PAX. And especially on the PAX Train.
When i purchase the ticket, (Riding on Sonic Northbound from DC) do i purchase a coach or business seat? (So i get w/ other PAX'ers)
When i purchase the ticket, (Riding on Sonic) what train do i pick to ride on? ( so i get w/ other ppl )
Thanks!
Coach or business seat doesn't matter really, all the cool kids will be hanging out in the lounge. I'm guessing most people on that line will be buying coach tickets, but trains don't have assigned seats in the manner you're thinking. Business class is, I believe, a different car.
If you take a look at post 3 you'll see it refers to the "Northeast Regional 176" - "Northeast Regional" is the line and will tell you where the train starts and stops, and "176" is the train number which will tell you when the train starts and stops. So when you search for trains from DC to Boston, it will give you a list of results, and from that you want to pick the Northeast Regional 176 and that'll get you on the right train (assuming you pick the right day!)
Thank you Moe!
I can't recall ever lacking outlets on the Sonic Line (the Stone line last year); there are generally outlets every other row, so either there will be some right next to you or right next to the person in front of you, and you can politely ask if you may plug in your devices there. Since we're only on the train for 6 hours or so, it's not an issue.
I'd suggest coach; it's where most people will probably be. As antherem suggests, if you do want to pay extra for a super cooshy chair, you can always come back and hang out in the lounge.
Love Pokemon? Going to PAX Prime/East/Aus/South? Challenge the PAX Pokemon League!!!
Thanks!
Hey Josh. I'll also be traveling on the Sonic line from DC. Last year we brought a Fruit Fucker flag, which we waved on the platform at each stop in front of the train we all were gaming on. You'll have the benefit of seeing the flag at the station while waiting for the train.
You can see a picture of it here: http://www.geekosystem.com/pax-east-2010-what-i-learned/
And in case you don't know, bring a DS. We play a TON of DS multiplayer on the PAX train 176
Name: Dgeorge318
Location: Fairborn, OH
Boarding Stop: Toledo, OH
Ticket Purchased: N
Oh, right, I was going to post about this very question. Yeah, no way I'm leaving PAX early, I'm either leaving on the Lake Shore Limited on Monday morning or flying back on Sunday night. Most likely the train so I don't have to deal with luggage restrictions/cabbing from the airport to the Amtrak station/driving an hour home at midnight after 3 days of PAX.
I'm wondering if this deserves its own thread?
Star Fox Line from Savannah, GA then onto the Sonic Line to Boston. Not sure yet though ^.^
I'm curious about how the trip back works. Is there any organization going on for the trip home?
Also, what sort of transportation options are available from the train station to the convention center, or the hotels?
Probably me and 2+ friends hopping on the Metal Gear Line at Buffalo, NY.
I'm also more of a Table Top RPG gamer, rather than hand-held video gamer. Will there be games happening on the train that I'd be interested in?
I'm planning on taking the train back, I think Moe was as well. Should we have a return trip train thread? Great to hear of more folks planning on getting on Metal Gear, should be a good time.
I imagine there will be a great caravan of people walking from South Station to the Westin and environs.
And I certainly hope for tabletop games on the train!
What line you will be on:
Name:
Location:
Boarding Stop:
Ticket Purchased:
What line you will be on: The Lemmings Line
Name: Rob Carson
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Boarding Stop: Flagstaff, AZ
Ticket Purchased: Not yet
I havent purchased my ticket yet since someone stole my debit card and I'm waiting for my work to approve my time off. Ill probably still get the ticket ahead anyway of time since Amtrak is pretty cool if you need to cancel a reservation.
I may try and drag a few other people with me as well so update as soon as I know anything. Other than that WOOT PAX TRAIN!
Maybe someone will find the train in their area and link back to the info here on the forums.
So uh.
What line you will be on: Metal Gear Line
Name: SpyPoet/Shawnda
Location: Parma, Ohio
Boarding Stop: Cleveland, Ohio
Ticket Purchased: Not Yet
[ ] Transport Brought GAAAAH
[X] Ticket Brought Enforcer.
[ ] Hotel Paid For This may be where I get screwed.
[ ] Cosplay ask nabs/notaboyscout >:3
Yupyup. Is it true that all the other lines are getting on the Metal Gear unlimited, cause I'm worried I might not bring enough chocolate for everyone.
Hey! I can take care of myself.
Maybe.
okay probably not
[ ] Transport Brought GAAAAH
[X] Ticket Brought Enforcer.
[ ] Hotel Paid For This may be where I get screwed.
[ ] Cosplay ask nabs/notaboyscout >:3