posted
Theres only one in service still, I've photographed it, on the Pacific Surflinner... To bad, they are nice coaches, but atleast you can buy them as models.(model RRing)
------------------ JONATHON D. ORTIZ
Posts: 989 | From: DIAMOND BAR CA. U.S. | Registered: Nov 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have heard all of the excuses in the book as to why Amtrak dumped the domes - maintenance issues, fire regulations, need for standard consists etc. None of these convince me, as VIA Canada operates a number of domes, as do private owners, and they all seemed to get over these hurdles. I usually make two trips a year out to Halifax on VIA's Ocean and their transcontinental Canadian. The domes are truly a highlight on the trip. The Amfleet lounge is a pitiful excuse of a lounge on long distance trains - short distance they are ok.
The East Coast long distance trains are devoid of nice lounges that offer panaoramic views, like the Western Superliner Sightseer Lounges. We were supposed to get Viewliner Lounges out here on the East Coast - which never panned out. I wish Amtrak would operate one of its remaining domes on the East Coast.
posted
Actually, in addition to the one surviving Amtrak Dome assigned to LA along with a string of Horizons and used either for "make up' Starlights or excursions, Amtrak did have some seven "short" dome cars converted to HEP that were assigned to the Auto Train until 1996.
For more on this matter, I defer to Mr. Pismobum.
Posts: 9979 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Amtrak was able to buy Amfleet, Viewliners, Horizons, Superliners, Surfliners, etc. ALL "heritage" (pre Amtrak) equipment was disposed of (don't nitpick about a few scattered cars still running - that's only because they haven't been authorized to purchase replacements yet). VIA never got authorization to buy enough new equipment (LRC's and some other minor purchases), and had no choice but to revamp the old 1950's equipment. Even they have looked into the equivalent of Superliners for transcon service but never got the bucks to do so. The British cars they recently purchased are now taking over the eastern services.
Posts: 114 | From: pismo beach CA | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
so amtrak does not operate heritage cars anymore? east coast trains now have amfleet?
Posts: 416 | From: St. Albans, Vermont | Registered: Feb 2003
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
