Hi all, I've ridden the EB twice and had great trips both time. I've been reading the Chris Guenzler (sp?)report on the refurbishing. Does anyone know if that Beech Grove car is always put on the rear of the train now? Or was that a special event only? Also, are they now running with domes? Thanks! I'm doing it again in Feb.
Posted by Grandma Judy (Member # 3278) on :
Not sure what Beech Grove car you mean. All the sleepers on the train are refurbished Superliners and the coaches have been fixed up, too (but the coach bathrooms were not reconfigured on the one I was on in August). There was no dome car - just the regular sightseer lounge, which has been refurbished. No lounge car Seattle-Spokane, no diner Portland-Spokane. Wine tasting held in the dining car for sleeper passengers by reservation only on the second afternoon - they came through the sleeping car & took names.
Posted by sbalax (Member # 2801) on :
The Beech Grove is Mr. Gunn's private business car. I have seen it parked at Union Station in D.C. I believe it and the "Big Dome" were only used for the inagural run.
I'm looking forward to a ride on the "new" EB this Fall.
Frank in sunny SBA
Posted by jb17kx (Member # 3978) on :
Ah, yeah, sutton meant the "Beech Grove", and it was only out there for a speciality. The same with the dome car. The trip report that sutton mentions, by Chris Guenzler at www.trainweb.com, was that of the "relaunching" of the "new" Empire Builder service, and thus the consist include some heritage/specialty cars like the dome car, and Beech Grove