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I don't normaly watch the Empire Builder, but I do see it from time to time. When did the Trainset Change from that of the Standard 2Engins, a stiring of 2 or more sleepers, diner, dome, and coaches, or some thing similar. and what is the consist currently used.
Thanks
tubaallen Member # 2057
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Okay, this is what it was over the summer, but as you know the consists change from season to season, typically. This summer, there were two genesis engines, a baggage, crew car (transition), two Seattle sleepers, dining car, two Seattle coaches, lounge car, two Portland coaches, one Portland sleeper.
F40PHR231 Member # 1350
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I live right next to Portland's Union Station, the end of the Empire Builder's Portland section line.
TubaAllen got it right. That is the typical consist between Chicago and Spokane. Only exception is that there's an additional coach car tacked behind the very last sleeper, for solely Chicago to Minneapolis passengers.
When trains split in Spokane, typically the lead of the 2 engines is removed, while the trailing unit gears up and takes the Seattle section out. The lead unit would back up, connect to Portland's section (which begins at the Sightseer/Lounge car) and takes it to PDX.
Since the Empire Builder engines are not always elephant style lashups, i.e. if the engines are back-to-back, how is the trailing unit going to take the train to Seattle?
Instead, they use both engines to Seattle, and the reserve at Spokane is what's used for Portland. Empire Builder normally has 3 engines during the winter time in order to get over Glacier, Marias Pass, etc.
Summer time, typically 2 engines, and then split to one per trainset at Spokane.
~Chris
tubaallen Member # 2057
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oh yeah, of course...forgot about the Minneapolis coach
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