Artwork on Train

I bought a 36” x 40” blank canvas I need to transport on the Amtrak. I prefer this because shipping art is expensive, especially since I plan to take it home, paint on it, and maybe ship it back one way if I have to at all.

I saw that carry-on size limits are 72” in any direction, which this doesn’t exceed. I’ve traveled with 18” x 20” artwork before and no one stopped me. I ALSO saw that (randomly) artwork falls under the category of household items which Amtrak prohibits. There’s no art on it yet, so if that’s a rule so as not to be liable for lost or stolen expensive work, this shouldn’t be a problem.

I called customer service before I risk going down there with it and they said per the rules, art is a no, but it’s ultimately up to the train conductor because station attendants won’t stop me if I board the train with it. I mean what—are they gonna kick me off?

So what do we think? Just stick it in the luggage storage area near the door or keep in standing on the floor in front of my seat? It won’t obstruct the next passenger. Anyone tried this?