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why did amtrak decide to do away with them?
JONATHON Member # 2899
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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
jp1822 Member # 2596
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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.
jp1822 Member # 2596
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And VIA's domes are all Head-end Powered cars too - converted from steam heat.
[This message has been edited by jp1822 (edited 01-13-2004).]
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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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.
pismobum Member # 2628
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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.
MontanaJim Member # 2323
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so amtrak does not operate heritage cars anymore? east coast trains now have amfleet?
vincen47 Member # 2201
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Anyone know the number and/or history of the last dome currently in Amtrak service out of L.A.?
I thought the last full dome was leased to the AOE.
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