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I JUST GOT AN IDEA THAT MIGHT HELP TO INCOURAGE MORE TRAVEL IN COACH. TO TAKE THE CURRENT SUPERLINER SIGHTSEER LOUNGES AND CHANGE THEM INTO THE STANDARD COACH SEATING. COULD THIS WORK PRODUCTIVELY???
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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I presume "Rick" is proposing that the Superliner Sightseer become the standard coach, so that assigned coach seating is offered "under glass".
Well, I guess it could be done if, say, enough people were willing to pay $1.00 a mile or so for coach transportation. I would guess that a Sightseer likely has treble the air conditioning capacity of a regular coach; mechanical "types" around here could list more reasons to raise the inherent costs of operating such a car than this Forum has bandwidth available to support such.
Naturally there are presently excursion trains operating that do feature assigned seating under glass, such as the Alaska trains offerred only as integral parts of a cruise package by both Carnival's "Holland America" brandname crusies and those of Princess as well. Unfortuantely, unless "Love Boat" (and the assorted "contrived merriment" aboard) is an uplifiting travel experience, there is no real way for rail travel enthuiasts to sample that experience.
OK, travel agents, load up the Howitizers; coordinates 41'48"N 88'10"W.
[This message has been edited by Gilbert B Norman (edited 04-19-2002).]
Mr. Toy Member # 311
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I presume the idea is that the extra glass for viewing scenery would be a selling point. But I see problems. The overhead windows eliminate the overhead storage space along with the overhead reading lights. (Yes, I know lounges have adjustable overhead lights, but they are not located where they could easily be adjusted by people in standard coach seating.)
Coaches also have curtains which people can adjust as they see fit to keep the sun out of their eyes. In a lounge converted to coach you would need some sort of shades on the overhead windows. The need for curtains, would defeat some of the purposes of having all those windows. Plus, it should be noted that standard Superliner windows are fairly large to begin with. I doubt the added complications of lounge-style windows would offer much of an advantage overall.
Most people in coach are traveling for basic transportation. Most of them aren't there for a sightseeing expedition. If they are, the lounge is just a few steps away.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
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I travel by coach quite often and I take the train as a sightseeing vacation. I book sleepers every now and then when the price is semi-reasonable,but usually I can t afford them and I do love train travel.
That said, the Sightseer Lounge Car is my favorite place on the train. If that was turned into an all reserved coach I would be an unhappy camper.
reggierail Member # 26
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I just don't see what so special about the Sightseer lounge car. Now if you want to talk about the dome cars..... I usually spend all my time up there. Last time I was in a dome car was about 2 years ago on the Canadien from Toronto to Vancouver on VIA Rail. I had booked a sleeper & did get a little sleep in the room, but outside of meal time & necessary room time most of my time was planted in the dome. Reggie
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