Anyone know if they've been running any of the refurbished Superliner I sleeping cars on the Califonia Zephyr, or have they all gone to the Empire Builder. How about Superliner IIs?
I just booked a deluxe room Emeryville-Winter Park in Feburary and was really hoping not to get a really old sleeper with that awful orange color scheme -- are any of those still out there?
I'm just hoping all the newer equipment hasn't gone to their more "premier" trains like the Starlight and Builder.
Also, are they running the sleepers at the front or back of the train on the CZ?
Thanks!
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
FWIW, I actually LIKE the unrefurbished Superliner I sleepers because they have that (relatively) spacious upstairs rest room with a window. I also prefer the push button to flush the toilet instead of lowering the lid, but that's just me. I don't mind the orange seats. And while they may look a little tired, they really aren't substantially different from the S-II. Some people also claim they ride better due to a different suspension system from the S-II.
A lot of the S-I sleepers have new blue upholstery, even those which haven't had a complete rebuild.
Posted by RailWarrior (Member # 4130) on :
I guess some would say the Orange is "nostalgic," but I'm not a fan... even though I am a child of the 80s.
Posted by TwinStarRocket (Member # 2142) on :
On my trip from Iowa to ABQ last month I had a refurbished S-I sleeper on the way out and an unrefurbished S-I on the way back (with blue upholstery). I agree with Mr. Toy. In fact I miss the old pre-Superliner equipment that had a frosted glass window in the bathrooms. It made them feel more spacious.
The shower on the new S-I was much nicer. It took me a while to figure where the towel dispenser was in the bathroom.
Posted by zephyr (Member # 1651) on :
I rode the Zephyr east 12/02, west 12/06/05.
By chance, refurbed sleeping car #32062 both ways. Blue fabric adorned. Sink water didn't splash in a way to evoke those "Depends" stares from fellow passengers. The shower--excellent! Not having an upstairs bathroom fetish, I'll take the refurbished any day.
All in all, a nice ride. Late, of course (over five hours WB). But, oh, the ambiance. The homeless around Roseville. Around Diamond Nut in Sacramento. In coach. Ah, the ambiance.
Posted by 20th Century (Member # 2196) on :
LOL! Zephyr I enjoyed your post. Very Funny.
Posted by Geoff M (Member # 153) on :
quote:Originally posted by RailWarrior: Also, are they running the sleepers at the front or back of the train on the CZ?
Normally at the front, in line with most Amtrak long distance trains (the Eagle and City of NO are exceptions I believe).
Geoff M.
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
When we were on the cz in May our sleeper was behind the diner. In fact in all the years we havew riden it I don't remember being in front
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but last I heard the CZ wasn't being turned at the Oakland yard. So sleepers are at the front westbound, and at the rear eastbound. That was the case when we rode in 2000, but that was awhile ago.
Posted by zephyr (Member # 1651) on :
On my Zephyr ride last week, sleepers were at the front both ways. As I mentioned above, we got the same sleeper both ways. The entire sleeper consist was the same to and fro, diner and lounge different, and 2 of the 3 coaches the same.
Posted by Geoff M (Member # 153) on :
I've been on it 4 times and seen it a several more times. As far as I can remember, each time the sleepers have been on the front. There are always exceptions to the rule though, whether temporary or permanent.
A typical Amtrak consist is as follows: Engine(s) Baggage Transition sleeper Sleeper(s) Diner Lounge Coach(es)
I guess they like to keep the transition sleeper next to the regular sleepers.
Geoff M.
Posted by tg_lindo (Member # 3936) on :
the transition sleeper is for the crew? correct?
why do they use the term "transition" ?
Posted by Kiernan (Member # 3828) on :
Because it transitions from the single-level baggage car to the two level rest of the train.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
quote:Originally posted by tg_lindo: the transition sleeper is for the crew? correct?
why do they use the term "transition" ?
On some trains some of the rooms in the transition sleeper are sold to passengers. The 'Eagle' and also the 'Sunset' I believe.
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
quote:Originally posted by Geoff M: There are always exceptions to the rule though, whether temporary or permanent.
Permanent exceptions? Sorry, I had to ask.
Posted by Geoff M (Member # 153) on :
quote:Originally posted by Mr. Toy:
quote:Originally posted by Geoff M: There are always exceptions to the rule though, whether temporary or permanent.
Permanent exceptions? Sorry, I had to ask.
Temporary: existing for a short period of time, such as equipment substitution, unable to turn the train, etc., ie unplanned.
Permament: planned to be different from the rest of them. For example, the Empire Builder has an unusual consist due to the split at Spokane. This is a scheduled consist, different from most other consists, and is thus an exception to the rule that says consists shall be "engines, baggage, ... , coaches".
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
Sorry, I had to ask.