He is welcome any time, as are you sir. Just let meknow, and I'll have the red carpet and nickel tour for ya waiting to go....;)
As for Grads question, the equipment is good for 110, but we do 80 with it till they get some mods done, then we are supposed to do 90...that will make it a seriously fast trip...still, they are a kick in the ass to run, not like the 8000' freight trains I ran out through Indio for several years before coming to Amtrak....
There is a lot of history in what I do. As it has nearly always been, passenger trains were a seniority bid for the number one seat. At 25 years, I feel I have earned the seat, and try to do the guys that came before me proud. Someday, I will be admitted to that very exclusive club up there (or down there, as the case may be..LOL) and I will be able to look them in the eyes and not be ashamed...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piUWIqWSthA