The regional bus service between Denver and Boulder (where I live) goes right past Denver’s Union Station. I’ve seen some odd things there, like a “Hiawatha” rear-end observation car on a siding, and even cars marked “New York Central” (huh?); but yesterday I saw a humdinger. It was a car marked “Patron Tequila Express”, sitting by itself on one of the tracks. What on earth is that?
Google found it,a private car owned by one Dan Ackroyd. Never heard of 'im–but then I don’t watch TV. Google said he’s a Canadian humorist or actor. I found pictures of the interior–incredibly overstuffed late-Victorian plush. Most of the couches and easy chairs–they looked like the annoying kind you sink into–faced away from the windows so it’d be hard to see out. I wonder what this thing was doing in Denver.
Amtrak’s P42 No. 183 also sat on a siding. I often see one there; I wonder if they’re bad-ordered, or just surplus to current needs.
Dan Akroyd is a huge actor! I am very surprised! He was big on SNL in the 70’s and has done a ton of awesome movies. He starred as Elwood Blues in The Blues Brothers and Beldar in Coneheads.
I didn’t realize that Boulder was that far behind the rest of the world. Dan Ackroyd has so many credits from his first bursting on the national scene with the original Saturday Night Live ‘not ready for Prime Time players’ group that included Chevy Chase and Gilda Radner among many others. In his more than 30 years of celebrity, his credits include ‘Ghostbuster’s’, ‘Blues Brothers’ with John Blushi and probably 20 to 30 other movies. A comedic cultural icon of our times.
Private railcar owners are going to be meeting in Omaha, Sept. 18 to Sept. 23, and it may be the car is being readied to go there. The American Association of Private Railroad Car Owners have more than 500 members and about 100 of those have railcars that meet the standards to run on railroad tracks. About 180 members are expected to attend.
Just for grins , I walked 3 houses down to talk with the 30-ish gentleman who entered this country (legally) 2 yrs ago from Nigeria. He is very familiar with all of the classic SNL gang and their basic subsequent successes. Go figure. James is quite a conversationalist but lucky for me his wife cut the dialog short.
Mr. Ackroyd : Call me if you’re in town. I’d be happy to clean your railcar - - for free!
There are several wealthy people who keep thier private varnish parked in Denver off and on. I’ve seen many of them, including the observstion car from the Hiawatha.
Boulder isn’t that far behind. It’s just off in its own bizarre universe.[:D]
I sure didn’t bring it (Elrod’s flaged wheeled crib) back from Chicago.
The P-42 protects tonnage over the hill between SLC and Denver. Common to see one sitting here. They have gained a reputation for catching fire and melting around here.
“Patron Tequila Express”… I heard something about this on the radio the other day. I’m trying to remember what station so that I can find the promotion. Anyway, it’s a party train excursion in Mexico (what else were you expecting?) that’s going to run a short distance from a city (I forget the name) to a tequila factory for a tour and return. If I find more details, I’ll post them here.
I gotta quit just skimming these things…I first thought, “What an insensitive thing to say in public…”, then re-read the post…and found “Of the Interior…” (Somewhat different than "Canadian humorist or actor, incredibly overstuffed late Victorian plush…)
If you are a radio listener, Dan also hosts the “House of Blues” show, which showcases blues music and musicians. Apparently, he has always been a Blues buff, and was the inspiration behind the whole blues brothers phenomena.
Who ya gonna call if you see another ghost from the past? One wonders what the cost to maintain these private cars is, as they get on on years. Also, insurance must be high.
I suspect that you’re confusing Akroyd’s private car with the “Tequila Express”. This is a day trip that runs from Guadalajara out to Amatitán and back, with lunch and tour of a tequila distillery. It’s been in operation for 10 years now. Here’s a link to the website: