Important: do you have any advice for long train rides?

I do! I just took a short spin on the Empire Builder -- east to Chicago and back again -- eight hours each way. I envied those with the forethought to bring not only a blanket but a full-sized pillow (with pillowcase). They hand out pillows in the evening, but they are small. Even with the neck roll I'd thought to bring (far better than nothing) it wasn't quite enough. Next time I'm hauling a real pillow even if it makes me look a bit like an unmade bed.