Its such a shame Amtrak has been neglected.
A few years ago I travelled from NY to LA (in a very roundabout way) by Amtrak. I've worked out I spent a total of 11 days and nights on board.There was never a problem with warmth and I alway eat my own food, however I was lucky if the train was only 2 hours late, either to leave or to arrive. I remember the train stopping for hours on end in the middle of no-where for no apparent reason. However its the same in every country... It took me 9 hours to travel 200 miles by train here in the Uk a few weeks ago in conditions that were far worse than I had ever encountered on Amtrak.
I try not to expect to much of travel services -if you do your always going to be disapointed. Warm clothes, a food supply, and plenty of patience are required.
On a more positive side, I have never met such a diverse and friendly bunch of people as I did when I traveled by Amtrak - both fellow travellers and staff.