NS VIA Fan
Conductor
A poll here suggests that the old Budd Stainless Steel cars are the most popular equipment and I'd be interested in knowing why.
The Skyline Domes and Park Observations are obvious and also the chance to experience the nostalgic image of a "Streamliner" no longer available on Amtrak. But for accommodations, I want something modern with the amenities expected today……those Chateau and Manor sleepers are nearly 60 years old along with the shakes, rattles and vibrations that go with it. Sure the cars have recently had an updating of the interior finishes but it's now 20+ years since a major rebuild
I always thought it would be great to go out to the airport today for that one time nostalgic trip from Toronto to Vancouver on a piston engined Lockheed "Super Constellation" (which were also new when the CPR's Canadian equipment first entered service) but as a regular traveler, I want to be onboard the latest Boeing or AirBus product.
During the summer on the Ocean, IMHO we have the best of both worlds: the modern Renaissance cars for accommodations plus a "Signature" car…..a "Park" Dome Observation on the rear.
When the Renaissance equipment first entered service there were lots of comments in the railfan forums: How could VIA replace the Domes and Stainless with that "junk"……but the travelling public who the cars were actually acquired for liked the modern equipment……the first new cars in the Maritimes since the RDCs in the late '50s.
One local photographer doesn't even go trackside anymore for photos of the Ocean since that "green thing" replaced the perfectly match Budd Stainless Steel.
…….Reminds me of the "Letters to the Editor" from the old diehard railfans in Trains Magazine and Passenger Train Journal of the time when Amtrak's Amfleet cars were new: "they took my swivel parlor car seat away" "I can't enjoy a steak on the Congressional Dining Car anymore" "I'll never ride a train again" Well, the public loved the new Amfleet and returned to the trains in droves!
The Skyline Domes and Park Observations are obvious and also the chance to experience the nostalgic image of a "Streamliner" no longer available on Amtrak. But for accommodations, I want something modern with the amenities expected today……those Chateau and Manor sleepers are nearly 60 years old along with the shakes, rattles and vibrations that go with it. Sure the cars have recently had an updating of the interior finishes but it's now 20+ years since a major rebuild
I always thought it would be great to go out to the airport today for that one time nostalgic trip from Toronto to Vancouver on a piston engined Lockheed "Super Constellation" (which were also new when the CPR's Canadian equipment first entered service) but as a regular traveler, I want to be onboard the latest Boeing or AirBus product.
During the summer on the Ocean, IMHO we have the best of both worlds: the modern Renaissance cars for accommodations plus a "Signature" car…..a "Park" Dome Observation on the rear.
When the Renaissance equipment first entered service there were lots of comments in the railfan forums: How could VIA replace the Domes and Stainless with that "junk"……but the travelling public who the cars were actually acquired for liked the modern equipment……the first new cars in the Maritimes since the RDCs in the late '50s.
One local photographer doesn't even go trackside anymore for photos of the Ocean since that "green thing" replaced the perfectly match Budd Stainless Steel.
…….Reminds me of the "Letters to the Editor" from the old diehard railfans in Trains Magazine and Passenger Train Journal of the time when Amtrak's Amfleet cars were new: "they took my swivel parlor car seat away" "I can't enjoy a steak on the Congressional Dining Car anymore" "I'll never ride a train again" Well, the public loved the new Amfleet and returned to the trains in droves!
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