The Amtrak route guide gives information on what types of equipment are used on each route. Specific makeup of a given consist (i.e. the number of coaches and sleepers on a particular day) appears to vary with demand and equipment availability. For example, on the Coast Starlight if a Pacific Parlor Car is out for repair, a second Sightseer Lounge is sometimes substituted. On the Surfliner Corridor there have been reports of Superliner coaches being used to fill in when needed. I don't believe such changes are ever announced by Amtrak in advance, but some railfan sites often report such things for the benefit of observers farther down the line.
Some of the more avid train watchers here will probably have a more complete answer.
------------------
Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth.
-Mr. Toy
The Del Monte Club Car
[This message has been edited by Mr. Toy (edited 09-11-2002).]
posted