Thanks.
Checking in bags is very convenient. I have travelled from St Paul MN to Jackson MS with a change of train at Chicago IL three or four times. It was very convenient to check my heavy bags at St Paul tagged all the way upto Jackson. Thanks to this system I was able to visit a few sights in Chicago during the 4-5 hours waiting time carrying my light hand baggage.
Another interesting thing about AMTRAK I found (and you can confirm for those interested) was that in most trains...
more... the coaches are ''double decker'' with the toilets, baths (and I think a couple of bedrooms) at the lower level. The Coach (chair car seats) are on the upper level. Can you confirm whether my memory is right?