posted 09-11-2004 08:42 AM            

The downstairs area near the luggage rack looks like this.

posted 09-11-2004 08:52 AM            

Here's a picture of the new room lights. That is the night light that I have on, and that is the new color.

posted 09-11-2004 09:05 AM            

However, almost 25 of the 30 people that took a look had the following to say:
"Can two people fit in the shower?" or "Two people can fit in the shower." Wonder what that means.....
Anyway, here's the new shower.

The door is held by a magnet. If you look closely, you'll see the call button to the left of the door and you will see the "occupied" light on the outside. Its twin is in the same place on the inside, so you know the door is locked.

Here's the built-in seat.

Here's two pictures of the Deluxe sleeper's shower and toilet combo.

posted 09-11-2004 09:15 AM            

The upstairs restroom looks just like the downstairs restrooms and the upstairs window has been eliminated.
Here's an overall picture of the restroom

posted 09-12-2004 12:35 PM            

It looks like the new car does not have the all familiar decal but instead is painted or a painted metal plate was welded on to the car. Good idea as those decals are starting to wear off.

posted 09-12-2004 01:29 PM            

And Big Merl, sorry, I never thought to get a picture of the night time setup.

posted 09-12-2004 06:09 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by mikesmith:
And Big Merl, sorry, I never thought to get a picture of the night time setup.

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posted 09-12-2004 06:54 PM            

And, Big Merl, I really should have taken a night time setup picture because it was picture perfect and the deep blue blanket against the white sheets made for a great visual.

As a consolation prize, here's a picture of the new chair and paneling in the deluxe sleeper {yes, that is the couch in the mirror}

posted 09-19-2004 10:44 AM            

When we were travelling through Dallas, heading to Ft Worth, I started looking for Joy Smith's business card (I usually have it with me when I'm Amtraking). I left it at the house...

I was going to invite her to the Ft Worth station to check out the renovation. I asked the station attendant to call her, but he stated that she wouldn't make it there on time, so there was no reason to make the call.

posted 09-19-2004 02:54 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr. Toy:
I'm thinking Amtrak needs to take this car, along with an unrefurbished Superliner I for comparison, to Washington DC to show our Congresscritters what they will be buying by properly funding Amtrak for '05.

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quote:

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Originally posted by JONATHON:
Good Idea!

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posted 09-19-2004 05:28 PM            

Here's a picture of the handicap room. It was the only one that kept the old spray everywhere faucet.

posted 09-26-2004 01:54 AM            

WHOOP!!!!!! That's 26 refurbished Superliners a year!

posted 09-26-2004 05:40 PM            

Dear Mr. Gunn:

I sent the following letter to your Beech Grove repair facility. They exceeded my expectations regarding the refurbishment of a Superliner I.

I am also sending a letter to my Congress people, requesting that they properly fund the Beech Grove facility with its own appropriation.
I’m requesting $50 million a year for the next 3 years, specifically to renovate the aging fleet of Superliners. I am asking that they attach this to the very next appropriations bill that is brought to a vote.

I am excluding the 3rd paragraph from the copy that will be sent to my congress critters. They don’t need to be confused about any minor glitches that probably happened after the car left Beech Grove.

The refurbished car is outstanding. Get the rest done soon.

Great Job,
Mike Smith

<copy of letter sent to Beech Grove>

Amtrak Maintenance Department
Superliner Remanufacture Program
202 Garstang St.
Beech Grove, IN 46107

Congratulations!
I am currently on the Texas Eagle. Headed for Austin in your newly refurbished Superliner #32016.

This is an outstanding improvement! The restrooms are a vast, huge, incredible improvement over the old setup! (Can you make the SII’s with the push button?) The shower is awesome, the paneling is superb, the color scheme is pleasing, and the floor is great!

There are two minor problems. The AC is not cold enough. It seems like the filters are dirty (low air flow). I’m wondering if someone confiscated the new ones in Chicago. The announcements are very soft, even with the volume on channel 1 all the way up.

Now, how about an exercise room in the old coach/smokers, with larger windows? Point the bikes and the treadmills towards the larger windows, so we can get some of those calories off that the diner so graciously adds to our bodies.

Can you have the rest of the Superliners refurbished in time for my wife and my annual Amtrak vacation in May 2005?

Seriously, this is how it should be! Great renovation!

Thanks,

Mike Smith

Cc: President Gunn
Cc with cover letter: President Bush, Senator Hutchison, Senator Cornyn, and Representative Brady