domefoamer
Train Attendant
- Joined
- May 27, 2005
- Messages
- 92
This topic has already been discussed some already over on another thread, but it's been drowned out by larger topics like the future of all LD trains, etc. I feel like it's much more than a "tidbit," though. They may be only five cars, but they're Amtrak's only unique, vintage passenger equipment, besides the Heritage diners that will be replaced soon, and have been remodeled so many times that they've lost much vintage appeal, as I understand it.
I'm so happy that I had a chance to ride a PPC on the northbound Starlight last spring. As my name suggests, I'm drawn to the look and feel of midcentury streamliner equipment. So I found the PPC especially rewarding. Though the same basic outline of a Superliner, they showed what a little attention to decor and detail can do to transform an interior. In a Sightseeer Lounge, I concentrate on the view outside and try to overlook the plastic extrusions and tacky upholstery, which remind me of a humble light rail car. I'm glad we have them, of course, but they look like they were intended to be hosed down after service.
In contrast, the PPC displays nice wood paneling (veneer) on most surfaces, and indirect lighting from sconces between the wide windows. Enough folks have praised the comfort of the swivel chairs; what can I add? It's a calming place inside, and with the smaller passenger load of the sleepers, you get to know people quickly.
There was something slightly haunted and absent, though. Maybe it was the large steel steam table between the dining and lounge areas, which reminded you of times when it served more than the box of fruit sitting there nowadays. The downstairs theater wasn't operating on my run, interrupted by a midday bustitution for track work. It may be an anachronism today, when few travel without several movies loaded onto their "device," though.
Enough ruminations. If you've ridden these fine old cars, you probably have even wiser things to say. So let me just ask:
-- what "renovations" would you like to see happen, and what would you really like to save?
-- what's your estimate of the chances that the PPCs will go into renovation, never to be seen on Amtrak again?
I fear that Amtrak might be embarrassed by the etched glass partition that doesn't fit with this new trend towards standardized, bare-bones transportation. You know, the one that says, "Coast Starlight / Superior Service."
I'm so happy that I had a chance to ride a PPC on the northbound Starlight last spring. As my name suggests, I'm drawn to the look and feel of midcentury streamliner equipment. So I found the PPC especially rewarding. Though the same basic outline of a Superliner, they showed what a little attention to decor and detail can do to transform an interior. In a Sightseeer Lounge, I concentrate on the view outside and try to overlook the plastic extrusions and tacky upholstery, which remind me of a humble light rail car. I'm glad we have them, of course, but they look like they were intended to be hosed down after service.
In contrast, the PPC displays nice wood paneling (veneer) on most surfaces, and indirect lighting from sconces between the wide windows. Enough folks have praised the comfort of the swivel chairs; what can I add? It's a calming place inside, and with the smaller passenger load of the sleepers, you get to know people quickly.
There was something slightly haunted and absent, though. Maybe it was the large steel steam table between the dining and lounge areas, which reminded you of times when it served more than the box of fruit sitting there nowadays. The downstairs theater wasn't operating on my run, interrupted by a midday bustitution for track work. It may be an anachronism today, when few travel without several movies loaded onto their "device," though.
Enough ruminations. If you've ridden these fine old cars, you probably have even wiser things to say. So let me just ask:
-- what "renovations" would you like to see happen, and what would you really like to save?
-- what's your estimate of the chances that the PPCs will go into renovation, never to be seen on Amtrak again?
I fear that Amtrak might be embarrassed by the etched glass partition that doesn't fit with this new trend towards standardized, bare-bones transportation. You know, the one that says, "Coast Starlight / Superior Service."
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