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Had the opportunity to observe the passage of Amtrak 91 (Silver Star) and 53 (Auto-Train) with some 'down home' railfans at the junction in Selma, NC last night.
The eastern LD's (Silver Star) are still operating 'sleepers rear'. Consist was 2 locomotives, 4 Amfleet II coaches, Amfleet Lounge, Heritage Diner, 2 Viewliner sleepers, and Heritage baggage bringing up the markers.
Makes the train look strange from the watchers standpoint BUT no doubt provides a better ride for the premium fare passengers.
palmland Member # 4344
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I do think it's silly to have the baggage car on the rear. It reminds me of the last days of the PC when they managed to do that with many of their trains (presumably to facilitate intermediate switching). Having ridden the last car in the train many times, the effect of 'crack the whip' on curves is something I never noticed. They belong up front, not only from an appearance standpoint, a buffer for the coach passengers (and also for rear window watching) but also to have all the 'work' up front: crew change, fueling, baggage handling.
If it gets off the ground, I'm sure Iowa Pacific's Pullman Sleeping Car service will have them on the rear - especially with those attractive observation cars they have.
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
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The two revenue sleepers on the CZ are now on the rear. Starting April 1, the SCA told us, a third sleeper and a fourth coach will be added to the train. (This does not include the transdorm, which along with the baggage car follows the locomotives.)
This makes loading sleeper passengers on No. 5 very quick at CUS but on the rebound it's a LONG walk down the platform along No. 6.
notelvis Member # 3071
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Agree with Palmland regarding the baggage car on the rear......
Though when I rode the northbound Crescent earlier this month, I was in the second sleeper and experienced the smoothest ride I have ever had over the Southern Railway.
That's interesting that the California Zephyr is operating with sleepers rear as well..... and that's as it should be I think.
It will be interesting to see whether the Viewliner sleepers remain on the rear through the summer or if that was just a cold weather thing.
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