I just wanted to check if anyone had any update on the Parlour Cars and if they were in fact still running on 14/11 right now?
I know they were due for service this year I heard, and I also heard a Business Class was added to the Starlight this Summer.
I'm really hoping the Starlight service maintains at least what it's been in the last few years and does not further deteriorate. It's never been the same then it use to be but still my favorite route for sure.
I keep hearing rumors that the PPC may be deleted. Hope not. They no longer have free cheese and crackers. The wine was around $9/glass, but I don't know what it costs, now. I guess you still can get dinner in the PPC.
I probably shouldn't comment on the parlor car as it changes, often, and I don't know the latest news.
Regarding Business Class on the Starlight, check out Mr. Mayo's post, "Filling the Gaps".
Richard
Posts: 1909 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004
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I just saw an empty PPC hitched up to the eastbound Empire Builder here in Minnesota last week. Hopefully this means they are still rotating them through maintenance at Beech Grove after the peak travel season.
Posts: 1572 | From: St. Paul, MN | Registered: Dec 2002
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Jerry, the Parlours maintenance base is LA, and I would think that if one were to be moved East for a heavy at BEE, it would have done so on #4, Chief. That car somehow just may be on its way for "disposition".
Sooner or later, Amtrak will recognize the folly of maintaining "five of a kind 60 year olds" that are nothing more than an amenity enhancement and are vulnerable to the "Micascope". I give them all a short lease on life.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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The trucks (wheelsets) probably are not 60 years old though. I'd be more concerned over their survivability in an accident given the massive advances in car design worldwide since then. At 80t they're not exactly light either (compare with a Superliner at 66t), which increases fuel cost and track wear and tear.
There's nostalgia and then there's practicality. Amtrak is a business, not a museum.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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It seems to me that Amtrak could replace the PPC's with something almost as good but requiring a lot less maintenance expense.
Between the CONO and Capitol Ltd. there are probably 5 Superliner lounge cars in service. The CONO food service was just dumbed down and has a CCC for meals. I think the train could do just fine without a lounge if the lounge section of the CCC car was staffed. If you want a first class experience on the route, Travel Pullman.
The Capitol has better scenery, but if another of the CCC cars was in service (I believe Amtrak has surplus) one would serve cafe type meals and serve as coach lounge. The other would offer full service dining with lounge space for sleeping car passengers.
I think that would free up 5 lounge cars that could be easily upgraded to replace the PPC. Take out the cheap plastic seats and replace with those nice upholstered swivel chairs in use now. Some of the tables could remain for meal service.
Have the food catered and be on the level of first class airline meals. Use the lower level for prep and storage of meals. If necessary meals could be restocked at Emeryville but I believe some transpacific flights are almost as long as the CS trip. A small area between the seats and tables could be used for a small bar where the attendant would serve drinks, wine, and hors d'oeuvres.
Posts: 2397 | From: Camden, SC | Registered: Mar 2006
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I just flew Seattle-Incheon, and Incheon to Detroit.
12 hours in the air.
Somehow, if memory serves, Bay Area-Seattle is more than 12 hours, Bay Area to LA is right at 12 hours.
-------------------- The City of Saint Louis (UP, 1967) is still my standard for passenger operations Posts: 1404 | Registered: Oct 2001
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Mr. Palmland, I think you have outlined a reasonable plan to continue a First Class service over what could be the route with the most diverse scenery on the System (I rode it during '62 - Daylights all the way).
However, one must wonder to what extent Amtrak's interests are enhanced by expending funds for a Premium service (away, of course, from Acela). Lest we forget, the Micascope.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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