Submission timeline
2007–2026One slot for every year since HN launched. Height is that year's peak points; orange marks a 100+ point or 50+ comment breakout. Select a bar to open its strongest thread.
First comments on top threads
HN comment orderThis is my "if I won the lottery" dream. Which it would have to be, since everything about it isn't cheap. Purchasing a Pullman car then upgrading it to Amtrak standards will cost at least $300k. Any interior upgrades are on top of that (renovating the galley with modern appliances, adding central air since some cars used block ice for cooling). Amtrak requires you add 480v head-end power (but you will likely want a diesel generator too), door control/communication wiring…
If you're wondering the most obvious thing: - Cost per mile: $4.72 - Minimum charge: $2296 There are also a huge number of other fees that I can't tell if you'd need to pay in practice, e.g.: - Additional Locomotive Fee (per loco mile): $7.54 - Amtrak Locomotive Daily Charge: $2513 - Head End Power Daily Charge: $3433 - Annual Administrative Fee: $574 https://www.amtrak.com/content/dam/projects/dotcom/english/p...
The first top-level comment from each of the four biggest threads, in HN’s own order. Excerpts are shortened; open a comment for full context.
- Breakout years
- 2
- Total points
- 688
- Total comments
- 559
100+ points or 50+ comments
reference only — not used in Hall rules or ranking
reference only — not used in Hall rules or ranking
Every submission
| Date | Title as submitted | By | Points | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-03-28 | Ride in Your Privately-Owned Train Cars to See North America | gscott | 4 | 0 |
| 2022-11-04 | Privately-Owned Rail CarsFirst breakout · Best thread | blueatlas | 487 | 241 |
| 2025-08-21 | Privately-Owned Rail CarsLatest 20+ point return | jasoncartwright | 197 | 318 |