Hi,
i would like to know when Amtrak last used Dome Cars and observation cars (with round end) in regular service. Walthers makes Phase 4 models of both types, but i have never seen any on images in the last years?
Thanks,
Do a search on Amtrak 10031. I believe its heritage is GN. It is a full length dome car and I think the last time it was used was the 75th Anniversary trip of the Empire Builder. It is not otherwise in regular service. I am not up on the color scheme designations, but I think it is phase four.
Jay
Michael,
I am not sure of the certain dates, but the last round-end observations used and owned by Amtrak were probably gone in the late '70’s or possibly the early '80’s.
The last true (short) dome was used around the late '90’s or possibly shortly into the early 2000’s. Amtrak’s Auto-Train used the super domes until being changed over to Superliners.
Hopefully these date ranges will help until someone with a little more knowledge of the actual last-run dates can reply.
Jay
Here is a photo of the last Amtrak dome in service.
This is the AMTK 10031 which is the former GN 1391 full length dome car.
http://www.socalrailfan.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=1650
Amtrak does still use this car in periodic special train service around the west.
I do know that Amtrak usually runs the low level equipment in Pacific Surfliner service during the Del Mar racing season.
This special Del Mar service often includes this Amtrak 10031 dome car.
In addition the low levels and dome usually operate on the Thanksgiving extra trains from Seattle WA to Portland OR.
Lastly this special set of low levels usually operates on the Oakland CA to Reno NV “Reno Fun train and Reno Snow train service” which usually runs in the January and February time period.
More info about the history of this and other GN full domes can be found at this EXCELLENT website:
http://www.trainweb.org/web_lurker/GNf/
Here is that photo of the now Amtrak 10031 in service on the Surfliner in Fullerton CA (FUL) is at this website:
http://www.socalrailfan.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=1650
I hope this answers a few questions about this living treasures of the streamliner era!
– Daniel
I remember seeing a round end observation/dome car parked in Chattanoga several years ago. It had the name board painted over but may have been able to make out SantaFe. It was in transit but parked at the time. Any ideas if this could have been SantaFe??? I know this is [#offtopic] sorry
When the steam engine Cotton Belt 819 ran, on some of its trips there was a dome car. This car at one time was owned by Wabash and used on the Blue Bird (I think that is correct). Amtrak used it for a period of time before selling it into private ownership. It was a streamlined dome car with the rounded end. I rode in the car several times when the 819 ran. It has since been sold again and I do not know of it current location.