>I'm going to be travelling from Oakland, CA to Galesburg, IL to play a show
>soon, in the company of my Dusty Strings 32. I'd like to take the train. Has
>anyone had success carrying a similarly-sized harp on the train? How did you
>do it? Also, does anyone know of a place to rent folk harps in the Peoria,
>IL or Moline, IL area? Thanks. -Margaret Davis
Are you going straight East (the California Zephyr) or through L.A.
(Coast Starlight or San Joaquin to Southwest Chief)?
There's plenty of room to stow a mid-sized folk harp on Amtrak. Just
make the staff aware of what it is. Of course this is also the most
popular travel time... carrying on the harp *and* four big bags would
be quite inconsiderate. I would carry-on one carefully packed bag
and the harp, and I'd check the rest through as baggage. I'd take the
bag to my (upstairs) seat, and put the harp in (downstairs) storage.
Again, alert the staff so they make sure no one makes off with it.
Galesburg has two stations, so make sure *your* station has baggage
service. (and make sure your ride knows which one to pick you up!!!)
If you want to play onboard, it would be hard to find private space...
but you can ask about playing in one of the diners between meals when
things are generally quiet (except for people passing through).
Moving the harp - be careful. Trains go bouncy-bouncy when moving.
If you wanted to play in public, you would be extremely popular in
the Lounge car, I think. The downstairs is the best place because
it's "off the beaten track"; people pass through upstairs and the only
people downstairs are those who want to be or who are buying snacks.
And they're no stranger to music... the first Superliner interior had
an electronic keyboard built into the car for passengers to play!
Just check with the lounge attendant first... they have to live with
the sound as long as you're playing.
As far as noise, trains are quieter than you might think. The loudest
thing on an Amtrak is the ventilation blowers. (not like BART at all!)
Have a great trip!
-Bob