I have been trying to recall a few of my RR trips prior to the dawning of Amtrak in the early 1970's. I remember the old Burlington Northern, which I took from Montana to Seattle on several occasions, as well as a trip or two on the Zephr and Santa Fe to Az and New Mexico. I especially remember the experience of riding up in the old dome cars, or "vista-dome" cars. Whatever happened to those old dome cars? I have been sort of under the impression they have been relegated to tourist lines and various other rail excursions (?).
A few years ago, there used to be a train excursion from San Jose and the bay area up to Reno. The train is now defunct, but it was a fun experience while it lasted. It did have the old dome car. They converted the old lounge areas, below the staircases on each side, to an informal dining area where they served appetizers and lunch. I believe that the GoldLeaf service of the Rocky Mountaineer and the GrandLuxe train have dome cars, but they appear to be new ones, from what I can tell visiting their web sites.
I think the parlor cars and the lounge cars, on Amtrak, are fine for serving wine, food, etc. and for socializing. However, for observation, those old domers were really great, I really miss them. Sitting up high with those tall windows was really something. From what I can recall, I believe all passengers were entitled to sit up in the dome cars, not just sleeping car passengers (?). I can remember that whenever the train approached a really scenic area, it was hard to find a vacant seat.
Riding through Glacier Park while up in a dome car was a tremendous experience. I wish Amtrak would consider bringing them back.
Richard
Posted by train lady (Member # 3920) on :
The Capital Limited also used to have a dome car. And yes, it was open to everyone sleepe or coach. The view from up there was super!!!
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Cutting to the chase, Amtrak now rosters only one Dome . A full length Dome 10031 that was originally acquired by the Great Northern. It is not used for revenue service but is part of their Executive Car fleet.
Here is a site hosted here at trainweb that contains everything you ever wanted to know about Domes:
I'm glad, train lady, you had a chance to ride in one of the old dome cars. Yes, the view was outstanding. Thanks, Mr Norman, for the link. Reading another thread, if they are considering a Premier Coast Starlight, 3X/week, maybe they would consider building a new dome car. I can imagine riding in a dome through that stretch between Klamath Falls and Eugene. For me, it would be the zenith in passenger train travel.
Richard
Posted by PaulB (Member # 4258) on :
I doubt any equipment purchases (much less dome cars) are in Amtrak's future for at leat 5-10 years.
yukon11, The 10031 is the only dome car still on Amtrak's roster. Fortunately, it seems to be "based" in Los Angeles. During the year, it is taken all over the country for various VIP events, but during peak travel seasons (Memorial Day, July 4th, Del Mar Racing, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) the Dome is usually in service on the Pacific Surfliners! It runs with single-level Horizon cars, so you get a true dome view where you can look out over the other cars. In fact, it should be operating over Thanksgiving weekend on the Surfliner route!
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Paul, Amtrak WILL order new cars for the NECorridor Standard Class (Regionals); they simply have to. That is not inside knowledge, it is only common sense.
However, I would not be surprised if such are bi-levels patterned after those now being delivered to NJTransit.
I also can forsee a California agency ordering additional equipment - likely more of same. I would also note that Amtrak contionuing indefinitely as the California intercity train operation is hardly a sure bet. With a few strokes of a paintbrush, Amtrak California could easily become IC, or Intercity California.
But at this time, I cannot forsee further equipment orders to replace Superliners and A-II's.
But then we are talking politics and not marketplace economics. In such environment exactly the opposite of what I forsee could happen.